Quiz: How Well Do You Know About Political Sociology?

Explanation
Max Weber is known as the father of political sociology because of his significant contributions to the field. He developed the concept of social action, which emphasized the importance of understanding individuals' motivations and intentions in social interactions. Weber also introduced the idea of the ideal type, a conceptual tool used to analyze and compare social phenomena. His work on bureaucracy and the relationship between power and authority further solidified his status as a pioneer in political sociology.

Explanation
The correct answer is "Opposition of opposites." Hegel's laws of dialectic include the Unity of Opposites, Negation of Negation, and Quantity changes into Quality. However, "Opposition of opposites" is not one of the laws stated by Hegel.

Explanation
Karl Marx is the correct answer because he introduced the concept of false consciousness. False consciousness refers to the idea that individuals in a capitalist society are unaware of their exploitation and oppression. Marx argued that this lack of awareness is due to the influence of the ruling class, who control the means of production and shape the dominant ideology. According to Marx, false consciousness prevents the working class from recognizing their own class interests and leads them to support the capitalist system that exploits them.

Explanation
Hegel is the correct answer because he is known for his development of the Dialectical Idealism theory. This theory suggests that reality is inherently contradictory and that progress occurs through the resolution of these contradictions. Hegel's work greatly influenced Karl Marx, who built upon his ideas to develop Marxist theory. Thomas Hobbes and Gramsci, on the other hand, are known for their own distinct theories and are not associated with Dialectical Idealism.

Explanation
Political sociology deals with the study of political conduct within a sociological frame of reference. This means that it examines political behavior and institutions in relation to social structures, processes, and dynamics. It focuses on understanding how social factors such as class, gender, race, and power shape political behavior and outcomes. By analyzing the social context in which politics operates, political sociology provides insights into the social forces that influence political decision-making, policies, and systems.

Explanation
"Das Capital" is a well-known book written by Karl Marx. It is a critical analysis of capitalism and its economic system. Karl Marx, along with Friedrich Engels, developed the concept of Marxism, which focuses on the struggle between the working class and the bourgeoisie. "Das Capital" is considered one of the most influential works in the field of economics and political philosophy. It explores the exploitation of labor, the accumulation of wealth, and the contradictions within capitalism.

Explanation
Mao Zedong advocated for the cultural revolution. During his leadership in China, Mao believed that the Chinese Communist Party had become too bureaucratic and that a revolution was needed to reestablish the socialist goals. The cultural revolution aimed to eradicate the remnants of capitalism and traditional Chinese culture, and to promote Mao's ideology and leadership. It involved mass mobilization, purges, and the establishment of revolutionary committees. Mao's advocacy for the cultural revolution resulted in widespread social and political upheaval in China from 1966 to 1976.

Explanation
Economic determinism is the theory that suggests that the structure of society and its institutions are primarily influenced by economic factors. According to this theory, the distribution of wealth and the means of production determine the political and social organization of a society. Economic determinism argues that political decisions and actions are ultimately driven by economic interests and class struggle. This theory forms the foundation of the sociology of politics as it highlights the importance of economic factors in shaping political systems and dynamics.

Explanation
Political sociology as a distinct subject became popular in the 1950s. During this time, there was a growing interest in understanding the relationship between politics and society. The post-World War II era brought about significant social and political changes, such as decolonization, the rise of civil rights movements, and the Cold War. These events sparked a need for analyzing the dynamics of power, social movements, and political institutions. Scholars began to explore the impact of social factors on political behavior and the role of politics in shaping society. This led to the emergence and popularity of political sociology as a field of study in the 1950s.

Explanation
Mao Zedong is the correct answer because he is known for his quote "Power flows through the barrel of a gun." This quote reflects Mao's belief in the use of force and violence to achieve and maintain political power. It signifies his belief that military strength is essential in gaining and exerting control over others. Mao Zedong was a Chinese communist revolutionary and the founding father of the People's Republic of China. He played a significant role in the Chinese Communist Party and led the country from its establishment in 1949 until his death in 1976.