Socw410 Midterm Review Chp 4

Culture is a complex concept that encompasses various elements. Norms, values, and customs are the behavioral patterns and rules that a society follows. Symbols, thoughts, and traditions are the intangible aspects that represent a society's beliefs and ideas. Politics, religions, and philosophies are the systems and beliefs that govern a society's organization and worldview. Therefore, all of the options mentioned - norms, values, and customs; symbols, thoughts, and traditions; politics, religions, and philosophies - are components that contribute to the formation of culture.

Conflict theory maintains that struggle among classes is inevitable. This theory suggests that society is divided into different classes, with each class having conflicting interests and goals. According to conflict theory, these class conflicts are a fundamental aspect of social life and will inevitably lead to tension and struggle between the dominant and subordinate classes. This theory emphasizes the importance of power and inequality in shaping social relationships and structures.

Simmel argued that all conflict serves to centralize power, establish clear boundaries among groups, and restrict deviance among group members. Conflict often leads to a consolidation of power within a group or organization, as individuals or factions vie for control. It also creates clear boundaries between opposing groups, defining who is "us" and who is "them." Additionally, conflict can serve to enforce social norms and restrict deviant behavior within a group, as members rally together against perceived threats or challenges. Therefore, all of the options mentioned - centralizing power, establishing clear boundaries, and restricting deviance - are outcomes of conflict according to Simmel's perspective.

W. E. B. Du Bois, a conflict theorist, founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This organization was established in 1909 and aimed to fight for the civil rights and equality of African Americans. Du Bois believed in using legal and political means to challenge racial discrimination and promote social justice. The NAACP played a significant role in advocating for racial equality, fighting against segregation and racial violence, and pushing for the enforcement of civil rights legislation.

Dysfunctions refer to the parts of society that do not contribute to the well-being of society. These are aspects or elements that have negative effects on the functioning and stability of society. Dysfunctions can include things like crime, poverty, inequality, or any other factors that hinder the overall functioning and progress of society.

This statement describes symbolic interaction theory, which emphasizes the importance of meaning in communication and how individuals interpret and respond to symbols and gestures within a social context. Symbolic interaction theory suggests that people create shared meanings through their interactions, and these meanings shape their behavior and social relationships. It focuses on how individuals construct their reality through communication and the exchange of symbols.

Social constructionism is a theory that asserts that we construct our reality based on our experiences. This theory suggests that our understanding of the world is not objective or fixed, but rather shaped by social interactions, language, and cultural norms. It emphasizes the role of society in shaping our perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors. Social constructionism challenges the idea of an objective reality and highlights the subjective nature of our experiences and interpretations.

Liberal feminism is the branch of feminist theory that first supported the idea of equal rights and equal treatment for women. It focuses on achieving gender equality through legal and political reforms, advocating for women's rights within the existing societal framework. Liberal feminists believe in individual rights and freedoms, and aim to remove barriers and discrimination that prevent women from fully participating in society. They emphasize the importance of education, equal opportunities, and equal pay for women.

Functionalist theory attempts to explain how various aspects of a society work together to maintain stability. This theory suggests that society is like an organism, with different parts working together to function smoothly. It emphasizes the importance of social institutions, such as family, education, and government, in maintaining social order. According to functionalists, these institutions have specific functions that contribute to the overall stability and well-being of society. They believe that when these institutions work harmoniously, social stability is achieved.

The strength of feminism that has been criticized as perpetuating inequality is its focus on women. Critics argue that by solely focusing on women's issues, feminism may overlook or ignore the experiences and struggles of other marginalized groups, such as men, transgender individuals, or non-binary individuals. This narrow focus on women's issues can perpetuate inequality by excluding and marginalizing other voices and perspectives.

Both cultural relativism and multiculturalism advocate for the equal treatment of different cultures. Cultural relativism is the belief that cultural practices and beliefs should be understood and evaluated in their own cultural context, without imposing one's own cultural values. Multiculturalism, on the other hand, promotes the recognition and acceptance of multiple cultures within a society, emphasizing the importance of diversity and equal rights for all cultural groups. Therefore, the idea that different cultures should be treated equally aligns with both cultural relativism and multiculturalism.

Durkheim's assertions state that society should be viewed as a functioning whole, behavior should be analyzed within its social context, and different parts of society serve specific functions. This means that in order to understand society and human behavior, it is necessary to consider the interconnections and interdependencies between various social elements. By acknowledging these three aspects, Durkheim emphasized the importance of studying society as a complex system rather than focusing solely on individual actions or isolated social phenomena.

Weber argued that groups could be defined by class, status, and party, but not by religion. Religion, according to Weber, is a separate social institution that can influence and intersect with other groupings, but it does not serve as a defining characteristic of a group. Instead, religion is considered a personal belief system that individuals may adhere to, but it does not necessarily determine their social standing or group affiliation.

Ideology is defined as one's dominant ideas about what is correct and how things should be. It encompasses a set of beliefs, values, and principles that shape an individual's worldview and guide their behavior and decision-making. Ideology can be political, religious, or social in nature, and it influences how individuals perceive and interpret the world around them. It serves as a framework for understanding and evaluating various aspects of society, such as politics, economics, and culture.

Manifest functions refer to the intended and recognized consequences or outcomes of social institutions, practices, or actions. These functions are consciously and explicitly acknowledged by individuals or groups in society. They serve a purpose and contribute to the overall functioning and stability of a social system. Unlike latent functions, which are unintended or unrecognized consequences, manifest functions are easily identifiable and understood by members of society. Dysfunctions, on the other hand, refer to the negative or unintended consequences of social institutions or actions. Anomie refers to a state of normlessness or social instability.

Cultural pluralism refers to the recognition and acceptance of different cultures within a society. It involves valuing and accommodating diverse cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and practices. This can be seen through policies and practices that promote inclusivity, tolerance, and respect for cultural differences. Cultural pluralism encourages individuals to maintain their unique cultural identities while also fostering social cohesion and integration. It recognizes that a society is made up of multiple cultures and aims to create an environment where all cultures are valued and celebrated.

Ethnicity is the correct answer because it refers to the cultural or social group that an individual identifies with based on shared characteristics such as nationality, language, religion, or customs. It involves a sense of belonging and association with a particular group based on common cultural elements. Culture, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses the beliefs, values, behaviors, and practices of a group, including ethnicity. Culture relativism refers to the idea that cultural norms and values should be understood and evaluated within their own cultural context. Multiculturalism refers to the coexistence and recognition of multiple cultural groups within a society.

Latent functions refer to the unintended or unrecognized consequences of social institutions. These functions are not explicitly stated or intended, but they still play a significant role in shaping society. In this context, institutions serve as a means of transmitting norms, values, and beliefs to individuals in society. While the manifest functions of institutions are their intended and recognized purposes, such as education in schools, latent functions can include things like socialization, networking, or even the reinforcement of social inequalities. Therefore, latent functions are the appropriate explanation for how institutions pass on norms, values, and beliefs.