Strayer University SOC 100 Exam 2 (pdf) | 2026/2027 | Introduction
to Sociology Q&A | Sociology
1. The process by which individuals internalize the values, beliefs, and norms
of a given society and learn to function as members of that society is called:
A) Social integration
B) Socialization
C) Social reproduction
D) Social control
Correct Answer: Socialization
Rationale: Socialization is the lifelong process by which individuals internalize
the values, beliefs, and norms of a given society and learn to function as
members of that society. It is how culture is transmitted from one generation
to the next. Social integration refers to the connection between individuals
and social groups, while social control refers to mechanisms that enforce
norms.
2. Which of the following is the most significant agent of socialization for
most individuals?
A) The media
B) Peers
C) The family
D) Schools
Correct Answer: The family
Rationale: The family is the primary agent of socialization for most
individuals, as it is the first and most enduring influence on a person's
,development. Families transmit cultural values, norms, and expectations to
children from birth.
3. According to Charles Horton Cooley, the "looking-glass self" refers to:
A) The process of developing self-image based on how we think others see us
B) The way people mirror each other's behavior in social settings
C) The ability to see ourselves objectively
D) The process of learning through observation
Correct Answer: The process of developing self-image based on how we think
others see us
Rationale: Charles Horton Cooley developed the concept of the "looking-glass
self," which describes how individuals develop their self-image based on how
they think others see and judge them. This process involves imagining how
we appear to others, imagining their judgment of that appearance, and
developing our self-concept accordingly.
4. According to George Herbert Mead, the "generalized other" refers to:
A) A specific person who serves as a role model
B) The common expectations and attitudes of society that individuals use to
guide their behavior
C) A person who has a significant impact on one's life
D) The process of developing self-awareness
Correct Answer: The common expectations and attitudes of society that
individuals use to guide their behavior
Rationale: George Herbert Mead's concept of the "generalized other" refers
to the common expectations, attitudes, and values of society that individuals
,internalize and use to guide their behavior. It represents the broader social
community's perspective that individuals adopt to evaluate their own
actions.
5. The stage in Mead's theory of the development of self where children learn
to take the role of multiple others and understand the general norms of
society is the:
A) Preparatory stage
B) Play stage
C) Game stage
D) Imitation stage
Correct Answer: Game stage
Rationale: In Mead's theory, the game stage is when children learn to take
the role of multiple others simultaneously and understand the general norms
and expectations of society. This is when the concept of the "generalized
other" develops. The preparatory stage involves imitation, while the play
stage involves taking the role of specific individuals.
6. A status that is assigned at birth or received involuntarily later in life is
called a(n):
A) Achieved status
B) Ascribed status
C) Master status
D) Social role
Correct Answer: Ascribed status
, Rationale: An ascribed status is a social position acquired at birth or taken on
involuntarily later in life. Examples include race, gender, and family
background. These statuses are not chosen and often shape opportunities
and life outcomes.
7. A status that is earned through individual effort and accomplishment is
called a(n):
A) Ascribed status
B) Achieved status
C) Master status
D) Social role
Correct Answer: Achieved status
Rationale: An achieved status is earned through individual effort, choices,
and accomplishments. Examples include being a doctor, a college graduate,
or an athlete. It is contrasted with an ascribed status, which is assigned at
birth.
8. A status that cuts across other statuses and is the most important status a
person occupies is called a:
A) Ascribed status
B) Achieved status
C) Master status
D) Status set
Correct Answer: Master status
Rationale: A master status is a status that cuts across other statuses and is
the most important status a person occupies. It often dominates how others
to Sociology Q&A | Sociology
1. The process by which individuals internalize the values, beliefs, and norms
of a given society and learn to function as members of that society is called:
A) Social integration
B) Socialization
C) Social reproduction
D) Social control
Correct Answer: Socialization
Rationale: Socialization is the lifelong process by which individuals internalize
the values, beliefs, and norms of a given society and learn to function as
members of that society. It is how culture is transmitted from one generation
to the next. Social integration refers to the connection between individuals
and social groups, while social control refers to mechanisms that enforce
norms.
2. Which of the following is the most significant agent of socialization for
most individuals?
A) The media
B) Peers
C) The family
D) Schools
Correct Answer: The family
Rationale: The family is the primary agent of socialization for most
individuals, as it is the first and most enduring influence on a person's
,development. Families transmit cultural values, norms, and expectations to
children from birth.
3. According to Charles Horton Cooley, the "looking-glass self" refers to:
A) The process of developing self-image based on how we think others see us
B) The way people mirror each other's behavior in social settings
C) The ability to see ourselves objectively
D) The process of learning through observation
Correct Answer: The process of developing self-image based on how we think
others see us
Rationale: Charles Horton Cooley developed the concept of the "looking-glass
self," which describes how individuals develop their self-image based on how
they think others see and judge them. This process involves imagining how
we appear to others, imagining their judgment of that appearance, and
developing our self-concept accordingly.
4. According to George Herbert Mead, the "generalized other" refers to:
A) A specific person who serves as a role model
B) The common expectations and attitudes of society that individuals use to
guide their behavior
C) A person who has a significant impact on one's life
D) The process of developing self-awareness
Correct Answer: The common expectations and attitudes of society that
individuals use to guide their behavior
Rationale: George Herbert Mead's concept of the "generalized other" refers
to the common expectations, attitudes, and values of society that individuals
,internalize and use to guide their behavior. It represents the broader social
community's perspective that individuals adopt to evaluate their own
actions.
5. The stage in Mead's theory of the development of self where children learn
to take the role of multiple others and understand the general norms of
society is the:
A) Preparatory stage
B) Play stage
C) Game stage
D) Imitation stage
Correct Answer: Game stage
Rationale: In Mead's theory, the game stage is when children learn to take
the role of multiple others simultaneously and understand the general norms
and expectations of society. This is when the concept of the "generalized
other" develops. The preparatory stage involves imitation, while the play
stage involves taking the role of specific individuals.
6. A status that is assigned at birth or received involuntarily later in life is
called a(n):
A) Achieved status
B) Ascribed status
C) Master status
D) Social role
Correct Answer: Ascribed status
, Rationale: An ascribed status is a social position acquired at birth or taken on
involuntarily later in life. Examples include race, gender, and family
background. These statuses are not chosen and often shape opportunities
and life outcomes.
7. A status that is earned through individual effort and accomplishment is
called a(n):
A) Ascribed status
B) Achieved status
C) Master status
D) Social role
Correct Answer: Achieved status
Rationale: An achieved status is earned through individual effort, choices,
and accomplishments. Examples include being a doctor, a college graduate,
or an athlete. It is contrasted with an ascribed status, which is assigned at
birth.
8. A status that cuts across other statuses and is the most important status a
person occupies is called a:
A) Ascribed status
B) Achieved status
C) Master status
D) Status set
Correct Answer: Master status
Rationale: A master status is a status that cuts across other statuses and is
the most important status a person occupies. It often dominates how others
