Sociology Study Guide (23-24 April 2020)

Sociobiologists and psychologists believe that people deviate from societal norms due to their genetic predispositions and personality disorders. This suggests that individuals may have inherent traits or conditions that make them more prone to deviant behavior. This explanation aligns with the statement given in the question, which states that sociobiologists and psychologists believe in this perspective. Therefore, the answer "True" is correct.

Kingsley Davis and Wilbert Moore argued that in order to fill important positions in society, society must offer greater rewards to attract and motivate individuals. However, Melvin Tumin disagreed with their view, stating that if their perspective were true, society would function as a meritocracy, where positions are awarded based on merit alone.

The functions of education include teaching knowledge and skills, providing credentials, cultural transmission of values, social integration, gatekeeping, and mainstreaming. These functions collectively contribute to the overall purpose of education, which is to impart knowledge, develop skills, shape values, foster social cohesion, and facilitate the inclusion of individuals into society. Therefore, the answer "all of the above" is correct as it encompasses all the mentioned functions of education.

The development of self-concept is never finished because it is an ongoing process that continues throughout a person's life. Self-concept refers to how individuals perceive and understand themselves, including their beliefs, values, abilities, and identity. As individuals grow and experience new things, their self-concept can change and evolve. Factors such as personal experiences, relationships, cultural influences, and life events can all contribute to the continuous development of self-concept. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that the development of self-concept is finished at any specific stage of life.

Agents of socialization refers to the individuals and groups that have a significant impact on shaping our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. These agents can include family, friends, teachers, media, and other social institutions. They play a crucial role in socializing individuals into their respective societies, teaching them the norms, values, and beliefs of their culture. By interacting with these agents, individuals learn how to navigate and adapt to their social environment, ultimately influencing their development and shaping their identities.

Conflict theorists believe that education plays a significant role in creating and maintaining social class divisions. They argue that the education system is designed to perpetuate inequality by providing advantages to the upper class and disadvantaging the lower class. Conflict theorists view education as a tool used by the ruling class to maintain their power and control over society. They emphasize the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities within the education system, which leads to the reproduction of social class structure.

C. Wright Mills referred to sociological perspective as the intersection of biography and history. This means that sociological perspective involves understanding individuals' personal experiences and how they are influenced by larger social and historical forces. By examining the connection between individual lives and broader social structures, sociologists can gain a deeper understanding of society and its complexities. This perspective allows for a comprehensive analysis of social phenomena and helps to uncover the underlying patterns and dynamics that shape society.

Closed ended questions are survey questions that provide prepopulated options for answers. Unlike open-ended questions, which allow respondents to provide their own answers, closed-ended questions limit respondents to selecting from a set of predetermined options. This type of question is often used to gather quantitative data and is useful for statistical analysis and comparisons.

The correct answer is the Criminal justice system. The Criminal justice system encompasses various components such as the police department, officers, court system, and jails/prisons. It is responsible for maintaining law and order, investigating and prosecuting crimes, and administering punishment to offenders.

Macro sociology is the correct answer because it refers to the study of large-scale social systems and structures, such as institutions, organizations, and social classes. Sociologists use macro sociology to analyze the broad future of society by examining the patterns and trends that shape society as a whole. This approach allows them to understand how social structures and systems impact individuals and groups, and how they may change or evolve over time.

Symbolic interactionists have found that student performance tends to align with the expectations of their teachers, regardless of whether those expectations are high or low. This means that if teachers have high expectations for their students, they are more likely to perform better, while low expectations can lead to poorer performance. This phenomenon highlights the influence of teacher expectations on student outcomes and emphasizes the importance of having high expectations for all students to promote their success.

The correct answer is globalization. Technological breakthroughs have allowed people to connect and interact with each other across borders, leading to increased communication, trade, and travel. This has resulted in the erosion of national boundaries and the emergence of a more interconnected and globalized world.

The statement suggests that in order to improve the quality of education, it is necessary to have higher expectations from both students and teachers. This implies that students should be motivated to strive for excellence and teachers should be encouraged to provide effective instruction. By setting higher standards and holding both students and teachers accountable, it is more likely that educational standards will be restored and improved.

The correct answer is "All of the above" because the statement includes a list of problems that the U.S. Education system faces, such as mediocrity, grade inflation, social promotion, functional illiteracy, cheating by school officials, and violence. By choosing "All of the above," it indicates that all of these problems are chief concerns for the U.S. Education system.

The given statement is true. A theory is a general statement or principle that explains how facts or phenomena are connected or related to each other. It is based on evidence and observations and is used to understand and predict various aspects of the world. Theories are important in scientific and academic fields as they provide a framework for understanding and organizing information.

The word "ascribed" means that a status is assigned or attributed to an individual without them having to do anything to earn it. In contrast, the other options - achieved, earned, and mutual - suggest that the status is obtained through personal effort, accomplishment, or mutual agreement. Therefore, "ascribed" is the correct answer as it best fits the description of a status given without any personal earning or achievement involved.

The sociological significance of social structure lies in its major influence on how individuals behave. Social structure refers to the patterns of relationships, roles, and institutions that shape social interactions. These structures provide a framework within which individuals navigate and make decisions. They determine the norms, values, and expectations that guide human behavior. By understanding social structure, sociologists can analyze and explain the patterns and regularities in human behavior, debunking the notion of randomness. Therefore, the correct answer states that social structure has a significant impact on how we act.

Functionalist sociologists argue that deviance, including criminal acts, is functional for society. According to their perspective, deviance serves several important purposes. It helps to reinforce social norms and values, as deviant behavior serves as a contrast to acceptable behavior. Deviance also provides an opportunity for social change and innovation, as it challenges existing norms and can lead to the development of new ideas and practices. Additionally, deviance helps to strengthen social bonds and solidarity among individuals who share common norms and values. Therefore, the correct answer is true.

The elites maintain social stratification and keep themselves in power by employing various strategies. They justify the current arrangement by promoting ideologies and narratives that support their privileged position. They also use brute force to suppress any opposition or dissent that threatens their power. Additionally, they control information and manipulate the uses of technology to maintain their dominance and limit access to resources and opportunities. Therefore, all of the given options - justifying the current arrangement, brute force, and controlling information and technology - contribute to the elites' ability to maintain social stratification and stay in power.

Strain theory suggests that societies socialize their members into desiring cultural goals. This theory posits that individuals may experience strain or frustration when they are unable to achieve these goals through legitimate means. As a result, they may turn to deviant or criminal behavior as a way to attain these goals. This theory highlights the role of societal pressures and the impact they have on individuals' motivations and behaviors.

Durkheim, a prominent sociologist, identified three essential characteristics of religion: beliefs that distinguish the sacred from the profane, rituals, and a moral community or church. These characteristics help define and differentiate religion from other social institutions. Therefore, the statement "Durkheim identified 3 essential characteristics of religion: beliefs that set the sacred apart from the profane, rituals, and a moral community/church" is true.

The correct answer is social construction of reality. This term refers to the idea that our reality is shaped by the social and cultural factors around us. It suggests that our understanding of the world is not objective, but rather constructed through our interactions with others and the meanings we attach to those interactions. This concept is often used in sociology to explain how societal norms, beliefs, and values influence our perception of reality.

Sigmund Freud believed that personality development occurs when our innate, self-centered desires (known as the Id) clash with the expectations and demands of society. The Id represents our primal instincts and desires, while society imposes rules and norms through the development of the ego and superego. This clash between our natural instincts and societal expectations shapes our personality and influences our behavior and decision-making.

Social institutions refer to the typical ways society meets its essential needs. These institutions include school, family, friends, church, and religion. They are the structures and mechanisms that ensure the functioning and stability of society. These institutions provide individuals with education, support, socialization, and guidance, helping them meet their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. By offering a range of services and functions, social institutions contribute to the overall well-being and functioning of society.

The correct answer is "All of the above" because conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion are all responses to cultural goals and institutionalized means. Conformity refers to individuals who accept both the cultural goals and the institutionalized means to achieve them. Innovation refers to individuals who accept the cultural goals but reject the institutionalized means, leading them to find alternative ways to achieve success. Ritualism refers to individuals who reject the cultural goals but still adhere to the institutionalized means. Retreatism refers to individuals who reject both the cultural goals and the institutionalized means, often withdrawing from society. Rebellion refers to individuals who reject both the cultural goals and the institutionalized means but actively work to replace them with alternative goals and means.

The answer is Symbolic interactionist, micro level; functionalist, macro level. Symbolic interactionists examine how people use symbols to develop and share their views with the world, focusing on small scale, face to face interactions. On the other hand, functionalists stress that a social system is made up of interrelated parts and they focus on large scale patterns of society, which is the macro level.

The correct answer is Rationalization theory. This theory does not fit within a theoretical framework on deviance because it focuses on explaining how individuals justify their actions and behaviors, rather than explaining the causes or reasons for deviant behavior. Control theory, labeling theory, and differential association, on the other hand, all provide explanations for deviant behavior by examining factors such as social control, societal reactions, and the influence of peers and social groups.

Re-socialization refers to learning new norms, values, attitudes, and behaviors to match a new situation in life. This process involves unlearning previous socialization and adopting new patterns of behavior that are appropriate for the new situation. It often occurs when individuals experience significant life changes, such as entering a new culture, joining a new organization, or transitioning into a different social role. Through re-socialization, individuals are able to adapt and integrate into their new environment by acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the new situation successfully.

Colonialism, world system theory, and the culture of poverty are all terms that contribute to the understanding of global stratification. Colonialism refers to the practice of one country exerting political and economic control over another, often resulting in unequal power dynamics and exploitation. World system theory examines the global economic system as a whole, highlighting the interdependence and inequality between core, semi-peripheral, and peripheral countries. The culture of poverty refers to the belief that individuals in poverty adopt certain behaviors and attitudes that perpetuate their own disadvantaged status. These terms all shed light on the various factors and mechanisms that contribute to global stratification.

Division of labor refers to the specialization of tasks and the allocation of different tasks to different individuals or groups. In the absence of division of labor, one person would have to perform all the tasks required to catch a fish, drive to the market, and sell it. However, with division of labor, different individuals can specialize in different tasks, increasing efficiency and productivity. This allows for a more streamlined process where each person can focus on their specific role, ultimately leading to a more successful outcome.

Illegitimate opportunity structures refer to the social conditions that provide individuals with alternative, illegal means of achieving their goals. These structures arise due to various factors such as poverty, inequality, and lack of legitimate opportunities. They can include organized crime networks, underground economies, and other illicit activities. People with different access to these structures will have varying opportunities to engage in illegal behavior. Therefore, the presence of illegitimate opportunity structures can explain why individuals have different access to illegal means of achieving their goals.

The three demographic variables are fertility, mortality, and migration. Fertility refers to the number of births in a population, mortality refers to the number of deaths, and migration refers to the movement of people from one place to another. These variables are important for understanding and analyzing population dynamics and trends.

The symbolic interactionist perspective in sociology focuses on the interactions and meanings that individuals attach to symbols, rituals, beliefs, and experiences. In the context of religion, symbolic interactionists would analyze how religious symbols are interpreted and understood by followers, how rituals shape religious practices and identities, the significance of beliefs in shaping religious behavior, and the subjective experiences individuals have in relation to their religious beliefs and practices. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above" as symbolic interactionists examine all these aspects to understand the meaning of religion for its followers.

The components of symbolic culture include gesture, language, values, norms, sanctions, folk ways, mores, and taboos. These components are all ways in which a society communicates and expresses its beliefs, customs, and traditions. Gestures and language are forms of communication, while values are the beliefs and ideals that a society holds. Norms are the accepted behaviors and expectations within a society, and sanctions are the consequences for violating these norms. Folk ways and mores are specific types of norms, and taboos are behaviors that are completely forbidden within a society.

The statement suggests that the world's countries continue to be divided into different social and economic levels due to the influence of neocolonialism and multinational corporations. Neocolonialism refers to the indirect control and exploitation of less developed countries by more powerful nations, while multinational corporations often have significant economic and political influence globally. Both factors contribute to the perpetuation of inequality and stratification among countries. Therefore, the answer "True" indicates agreement with this explanation.

The correct answer is "Status Set." Girish's various roles and positions as a husband, son, entrepreneur, and amateur anthropologist form his status set. A status set refers to all the different positions an individual occupies in society, which can include roles, occupations, and social relationships. In this case, Girish's status set encompasses his different social roles and identities.

The correct answer is "The feminization of poverty." This term refers to the increasing trend in the United States where a larger proportion of poor families are headed by women. It highlights the gender disparities and economic inequalities that women face, resulting in a higher likelihood of them living in poverty compared to men. This phenomenon is influenced by various factors such as gender discrimination, limited access to education and employment opportunities, and the gender pay gap.

Aletha's disfigurement from the accident has become a defining characteristic of her identity. It is likely that people primarily perceive her based on her altered appearance rather than her accomplishments or occupation. This disfigurement has become her master status, meaning that it overrides other aspects of her identity and becomes the primary way in which she is socially recognized and categorized by others.

Symbolic interactionist and conflict theorists both argue that crime statistics should be approached with caution. Symbolic interactionists emphasize that crime statistics are socially constructed and influenced by societal perceptions and definitions of crime. They argue that these statistics may not accurately reflect the true extent of crime and can be biased or distorted. Conflict theorists, on the other hand, argue that crime statistics are often manipulated by those in power to maintain social control and perpetuate inequality. They highlight the role of power dynamics and social inequalities in shaping crime statistics. Therefore, both perspectives agree that crime statistics should be critically examined and interpreted with caution.

Goffman used the term "dramaturgy" to describe the idea that social life can be understood as a theatrical performance, where individuals play different roles and engage in impression management to present themselves in a certain way to others. This concept suggests that individuals are aware of their audience and actively shape their behavior and self-presentation to fit social expectations, much like actors on a stage. Goffman's dramaturgical approach emphasizes the importance of symbols, gestures, and the construction of social identity in everyday interactions.

Durkheim believed that people who perform similar tasks share a common perspective on life, which he termed "mechanical solidarity." This concept refers to a type of social cohesion that arises in traditional societies where individuals have a strong collective consciousness and a shared set of values and beliefs. In such societies, people are bound together by their similarities and interdependence, rather than by individual differences or specialization. Mechanical solidarity is characterized by a sense of unity and a collective conscience that guides individuals' behavior and outlook on life.

This statement suggests that sociologists believe that all religions started as cults and then evolved into sects and eventually into churches. This implies that religions have a common origin and have undergone a process of development and transformation over time.

The correct answer is "All of the Above" because all the options listed - peer groups, family, mass media, neighborhood, religion, daycare, workplace, and school - are recognized as agents of socialization. These agents play a crucial role in shaping an individual's beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviors, as they provide social interaction, cultural norms, and socialization experiences that contribute to one's social development.

A more humane approach to deviance involves a combination of approaches. Firstly, we need to protect people from deviance that harms themselves and others, as it is essential to ensure their safety and well-being. Secondly, tolerating deviance that is not harmful allows for individual freedom and diversity. Lastly, developing systems of fairer treatment for deviance promotes justice and equality. By implementing all of these approaches, we can create a more humane and balanced response to deviance.

C. Wright Mills identified the major decision makers at the highest level of corporations, politics, and the armed forces in the United States as "Power elite." This term refers to a small group of individuals who hold significant power and influence in society. These individuals often come from privileged backgrounds and have connections and resources that allow them to shape important decisions and policies. Mills argued that this power elite operates behind the scenes and is not accountable to the general public, leading to a concentration of power and inequality in society.

The consequences of social class can include dying early or experiencing premature death, becoming ill, receiving good healthcare, getting divorced, child rearing, education attainment, religious affiliation, political participation, crimes committed, and contact with the criminal justice system. All of these outcomes can be influenced by an individual's social class, indicating that all of the options listed are potential consequences of social class.

Culture refers to the language, beliefs, values, norms, behaviors, and objects that are passed down from one generation to another within a group. It encompasses the shared knowledge, customs, practices, and artifacts that define a particular society or community. Culture plays a crucial role in shaping the identity of individuals and groups, as it provides a framework for understanding and interpreting the world around us.

A subculture is a group whose values and related behavior distinguish its members from the general culture, but they do not hold values that stand in opposition to those of the dominant culture. On the other hand, a counterculture is a group that holds values that are in direct opposition to those of the dominant culture. Therefore, the correct answer is subculture; counterculture.

The sociological perspective refers to the idea that people's social experiences, including the groups they belong to and their experiences within those groups, shape their behavior. This perspective emphasizes the influence of social factors on individuals and recognizes that society and social structures play a significant role in shaping human behavior and interactions. It focuses on understanding how social forces and institutions impact individuals and their actions, rather than solely attributing behavior to individual characteristics or personal choices.

People who are ethnocentric use their own culture as a yardstick to judge the ways of others. This means that they evaluate and compare other cultures based on the standards and values of their own culture. They may believe that their own culture is superior or the "right" way of doing things, leading them to make judgments and form opinions about other cultures. This can result in a lack of understanding and acceptance of cultural differences.

People in poor nations have many children for a variety of reasons. Firstly, children are often viewed as gifts from God, and having more children is seen as a blessing. Additionally, children cost little to rear in poor nations, as resources and expenses may be limited. Furthermore, children can contribute to the family income at an early age, by helping with household chores or working in informal sectors. Lastly, having more children can provide a sense of social security for parents, as they may rely on their children for support in old age.

The ego develops to balance the incompatible demands of the Id and the super ego. The Id represents the instinctual and impulsive desires, while the super ego represents the internalized moral and societal standards. The ego acts as the mediator between these two conflicting forces, making decisions based on reality and finding compromises that satisfy both the Id's desires and the super ego's moral standards.

The major patterns of minority and dominant group relations include genocide, population transfer, internal colonialism, segregation, assimilation, and multiculturalism. These patterns represent different ways in which minority and dominant groups interact and can be observed in various societies throughout history.

Erik Wright's 4-class model based on Marx consists of capitalists (large businesses), petty bourgeoisie (small businesses), managers, and workers. This model categorizes individuals based on their relationship to the means of production and their control over it. Capitalists are the owners of large businesses, while the petty bourgeoisie includes small business owners. Managers are individuals who oversee the operations of businesses, and workers are those who sell their labor for wages. This model does not include the categories of working poor, underclass, or upper class.

Max Weber believed that religion, specifically Calvinism, played a significant role in the development of capitalism. He argued that the Protestant ethic, which emphasized hard work, discipline, and frugality, created a mindset that was conducive to the accumulation of wealth. According to Weber, this religious belief system broke traditional norms and values, paving the way for the emergence of capitalism.

Socialization refers to the process by which individuals learn and internalize the norms, values, and behaviors of their society. It plays a significant role in shaping how we express and experience emotions. Through socialization, we acquire the appropriate ways to express emotions based on cultural expectations and societal norms. Additionally, socialization also influences the types of emotions we feel, as it shapes our understanding of what emotions are acceptable or desirable in a given context. Therefore, socialization is the most suitable answer as it encompasses both the expression and experience of emotions.

The correct answer includes the classes identified by Kahl & Gilbert based on Weber's model. These classes are the capitalist class, upper middle class, lower middle class, working class, working poor, and underclass. The answer does not include the classes of nobility and bourgeoisie, as they are not part of Kahl & Gilbert's classification.

Max Weber identified three types of authority: traditional authority, rational-legal authority, and charismatic authority. Weber was a German sociologist and philosopher who is known for his work on the theory of social action and the concept of authority. He argued that traditional authority is based on long-standing customs and traditions, rational-legal authority is based on rules and laws, and charismatic authority is based on the personal qualities and charisma of the leader. Weber's ideas have had a significant impact on the field of sociology and continue to be studied and applied today.

Karl Marx is the correct answer because he is known for his critique of religion and his famous quote, "Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the sentiment of a heartless world....It is the opium of the people." Marx believed that religion was a tool used by the ruling class to pacify and control the working class, diverting their attention away from their exploitation and suffering. He saw religion as a form of false consciousness that perpetuated inequality and hindered social change.

Using participant observation is a research method where the researcher actively engages in the social setting being studied, observing and sometimes participating in the activities of the participants. This method allows for a deep understanding of the social context and the behaviors of the individuals involved. It is commonly used in qualitative research to gather rich and detailed data.

The basic steps in the sociological research model include selecting a topic, defining the problem, reviewing the literature, formulating a hypothesis, collecting the data, sharing the results, analyzing the results, and choosing a research method. These steps are essential in conducting a comprehensive sociological research study, as they help researchers identify the research problem, gather relevant information, develop a hypothesis, collect and analyze data, and communicate the findings to the scientific community. By following these steps, researchers can ensure the validity and reliability of their research findings.