Sociology 1010 Final Exam (everything)
Questions and Answers
sociological imagination - ANS-the ability to connect the most basic, intimate aspects of
an individual's life to seemingly impersonal and remote historical forces
social institutions - ANS-a complex group of interdependent positions that, together,
perform a social role and reproduce themselves over time; also defined in a narrow
sense as any institution in a society that works to shape the behavior of the groups or
people within it.
Verstehen - ANS-German for "understanding." The concept of Verstehen comes from
Max Weber and is the basis of interpretive sociology in which researchers imagine
themselves experiencing the life positions of the social actors they want to understand
rather than treating those people as objects to be examined.
Anomie - ANS-a sense of aimlessness or despair that arises when we can no longer
reasonably expect life to be predictable; too little social regulation; normlessness
Functionalism - ANS-a strain within sociology that believes the social world can be
described and predicted by certain observable relationships (akin to social physics)
double consciousness - ANS-a concept conceived by W. E. B. Du Bois to describe the
two behavioral scripts, one for moving through the world and the other incorporating the
external opinions of prejudiced onlookers, which are constantly maintained by African
Americans.
functionalism - ANS-the theory that various social institutions and processes in society
exist to serve some important (or necessary) function to keep society running. (page 32)
Conflict Theory - ANS-the idea that conflict between competing interests is the basic,
animating force of social change and society in general. (page 33)
Symbolic Interactionism - ANS-a micro-level theory in which shared meanings,
orientations, and assumptions form the basic motivations behind people's actions. (page
35)
postmodernism - ANS-a condition characterized by a questioning of the notion of
progress and history, the replacement of narrative within pastiche, and multiple,
perhaps even conflicting, identities resulting from disjointed affiliations. (page 35)
social construction - ANS-an entity that exists because people behave as if it exists and
whose existence is perpetuated as people and social institutions act in accordance with
the widely agreed-on formal rules or informal norms of behavior associated with that
entity. (page 35)
midrange theory - ANS-a theory that attempts to predict how certain social institutions
tend to function. (page 36)
Microsocology - ANS-a branch of sociology that seeks to understand local interactional
contexts; its methods of choice are ethnographic, generally including participant
observation and in-depth interviews. (page 43)
,Macrosociology - ANS-a branch of sociology generally concerned with social dynamics
at a higher level of analysis-that is, across the breadth of a society. (page 43)
Thinking like a sociologist" means that you - ANS-apply analytical tools to the things
you've always done without much conscious thought in the past.
Using the sociological imagination helps sociologists (and students of sociology) - ANS-
develop the ability to see the connections between our own personal experience and
the larger forces of history.
(Q003) What is an example of using one's sociological imagination? - ANS-
understanding that the divorce of one's parents is part of a larger societal trend toward
marriage dissolution
Which sociologist of the twentieth century introduced the concept of the sociological
imagination? - ANS-C. Wright Mills
What is defined as a complex group of interdependent positions that, together, perform
a social role and reproduce themselves over time? - ANS-a social institution
Sociology emerged in the nineteenth century, with the idea of a secular morality from
what thinker? - ANS-Auguste Comte
The early sociological writer, Harriet Martineau, wrote a book in 1838 that examined the
institution of marriage and challenged assumptions about women's inferiority. In this
respect, Martineau espoused what kind of theoretical position in her sociological
writing? - ANS-feminist
Rather than complaining about "kids these days," 52-year-old Professor Cathy Small
enrolled as an undergraduate at a large university in an attempt to better understand the
college experience of her students. She published her findings in the book, My
Freshman Year (under the pen name of Rebekah Nathan). This research is in line with
the methodology developed by which of the following early sociologists? - ANS-Max
Weber
the social environment in shaping people's behavior and personality. - ANS-The
Chicago School of Sociology emphasized the importance of
Which American sociologist was the first to undertake ethnography in the African
American community? - ANS-W. E. B. DuBois
Jamar enters a clothing store and a security guard immediately notices him and follows
his actions on a security monitor. Jamar is aware of the security guard's actions and
adjusts his own behavior to avoid a potential confrontation. This is a contemporary
example of which sociological concept developed at the turn of the twentieth century? -
ANS-double consciousness
feminist - ANS-Allison is concerned with the subtle messages that her niece receives
from her kindergarten teacher about suitable careers. For example, picture books read
in class portray women as nurses and secretaries but the doctors and engineers in the
books are male. Allison's concerns reflect what kind of theoretical perspective?
functionalism - ANS-A theoretical perspective most popular in the mid-twentieth century
held that social realities such as the roles that men and women play in heterosexual
couples or the existence of inequality could be explained by the necessary purpose they
served in society. What was this theoretical perspective?
Symbolic Interactionism - ANS-A researcher spends time with small organic farmers on
their land and at market in order to understand their particular subculture, noting the
brands of work clothes they prefer; their conversations about hoop houses, compost,
,and aquaponics; and the nonverbal greetings they give other drivers on rural roads.
This focus reflects which approach to research?
What is an example of an application of midrange theory? - ANS-exploring the role of
churches in maintaining community ties in rural areas
Whether Muslim women veil themselves, especially in countries such as the United
States and France, is often a controversial topic. Sociological research has found that
while some women choose to veil for religious reasons, others may take up the veil
because they are motivated to claim their Muslim identity in the face of anti-Muslim
sentiment. These different interpretations of the importance of veiling illustrates how
meaning is subjective. This emphasis on differences in subjective interpretations, in
turn, is characteristic of - ANS-postmodernism.
Sociology is distinct from other academic disciplines in its attempt to - ANS-detect
patterns in how different societies respond to similar phenomena.
affected religious life in England then, with ramifications that continue through the
present. - ANS-In her interview with Dalton Conley, Julia Adams talks about the
differences between sociology and history. As a self-identified historical comparative
sociologist, Adams makes the point that sociologists are less concerned with
uniqueness than they are with commonalities. Consider Henry the VIII of England
during the mid-1500s. Henry's succession of marriages (six wives in all) is often seen as
a unique case. Six wives is a lot by the norms of many European societies. A
sociologist, however, might well look at it by considering the ways in which Henry's
marriages
Microsociology - ANS-Observing and analyzing the conversations patients have with
their doctors would be an example of what kind of sociology?
One of the challenges faced by many colleges and universities is binge drinking on
campus. Imagine you are tasked with developing solutions to this problem. Thinking
sociologically, you suggest that it would be useful to understand the meaning placed on
the parties where binge drinking happens, so solutions are based on a deeper
understanding of the experience itself. Your approach relies on the methodology of -
ANS-interpretive sociology.
Macrosociology - ANS-Montrice is conducting a study of the effect of economic
recessions on marriage rates in European countries. What type of sociology is this?
Karl Marx - ANS-The contemporary social movement with the slogan "Fight for 15"
seeks a $15 minimum wage and unionization. This attempt to mobilize and make gains
for workers can be viewed as in line with the view of the social world of which classical
sociological theorist?
Getting ready to go out on a first date with someone she first contacted through a dating
app, Jada tries on a dress and stilettos. Then, remembering that the person mentioned
liking sporty women, Jada reconsidered and changed into shorts and a tank top. Jada's
wardrobe change illustrates what social theory? - ANS-looking-glass self
Drivers stop at red lights for no other reason than that there is a shared understanding
that this is what you're supposed to do at a red light. This shared meaning becomes the
basis for how people act and interact with each other on the road and thus takes on the
appearance of an objective fact. This is an example of - ANS-a social construction.
Material culture includes - ANS-buildings, artworks, and technological devices.
, What is an example of nonmaterial culture? - ANS-the rules for using the weight room at
the gym
Climate change has evoked a politically polarized debate in the United States. For
many, the cause and effect relationship between human activity and climate change
seems obvious based on the science available. For others, such a claim seems
ludicrous. Although it may seem that climate change is a matter of science, underlying
the disagreement are attachments to opposing - ANS-ideologies.
Suppose you are part of a research team stationed in Uganda to do sociological
surveys. You are there with your same-sex spouse of eight years. In Uganda,
homosexuality was criminalized in 2009 and is currently punishable by life
imprisonment. Attitudes in the country are not favorable toward homosexuality, but you
have not experienced difficulties in daily life. As you begin the write-up of your research,
you are especially aware of the scholarly need to - ANS-avoid letting your own beliefs
about same-sex relationships enter your writing.
Every year, as many as 20,000 devotees of Harley Davidson motorcycles convene in
Sturgis, South Dakota. Their numbers frequently overwhelm nearby towns and cities,
including the Mt. Rushmore National Monument. For some tourists visiting the
monument at that time, the cultural collision with tattooed and long-haired bikers might
be jarring. For the tourist who thinks like a sociologist, such an encounter is an
opportunity to observe a different group of people by applying - ANS-cultural relativism.
What is an example of using cultural relativism to think about cultural differences? -
ANS-You see a news story about a country where people often eat spicy seafood
dishes in the morning, and you reason that their long coastline and hot climate provide
easy access to both seafood and hot peppers.
Your friend Jerome tells you that he believes culture is an innate biological aspect of
human societies. Having already taken an introductory sociology class, you disagree,
arguing that modes of behavior and understanding are not universal or natural. You give
the example of the disagreement between indigenous Americans and colonial
Europeans about whether land was something that could be owned. You are trying to
illustrate the idea of - ANS-cultural scripts.
Skateboarding is a popular youth pastime. Within the activity, there are distinct
variations on how it's done, and the skating vocabulary can vary by place. In addition,
skateboarders have distinctive gear, such as skate shoes designed to provide grip and
durability. All this sets skaters apart as a kind of - ANS-subculture.
Sociologist Allison Pugh researched consumer culture and socioeconomic class
differences through parental purchases for children. In their relationship with their
children, low-income parents tended to strive for symbolic indulgence, whereas high-
income parents tended toward symbolic deprivation. Both of these approaches are an
attempt to ensure that kids "fit in" at school, indicating that parents of all classes shy
away from difference. These actions reflect - ANS-values
Some businesses in the United States, especially food-service establishments, will post
signs that read, "No shirt, no shoes, no service." These signs - ANS-reinforce a cultural
norm
Think about your own experience of going to school. More than simply "what you
learned in school today," much of our lives in the United States are shaped by that
entire experience: what we choose to wear, with whom we make friends, whom we
Questions and Answers
sociological imagination - ANS-the ability to connect the most basic, intimate aspects of
an individual's life to seemingly impersonal and remote historical forces
social institutions - ANS-a complex group of interdependent positions that, together,
perform a social role and reproduce themselves over time; also defined in a narrow
sense as any institution in a society that works to shape the behavior of the groups or
people within it.
Verstehen - ANS-German for "understanding." The concept of Verstehen comes from
Max Weber and is the basis of interpretive sociology in which researchers imagine
themselves experiencing the life positions of the social actors they want to understand
rather than treating those people as objects to be examined.
Anomie - ANS-a sense of aimlessness or despair that arises when we can no longer
reasonably expect life to be predictable; too little social regulation; normlessness
Functionalism - ANS-a strain within sociology that believes the social world can be
described and predicted by certain observable relationships (akin to social physics)
double consciousness - ANS-a concept conceived by W. E. B. Du Bois to describe the
two behavioral scripts, one for moving through the world and the other incorporating the
external opinions of prejudiced onlookers, which are constantly maintained by African
Americans.
functionalism - ANS-the theory that various social institutions and processes in society
exist to serve some important (or necessary) function to keep society running. (page 32)
Conflict Theory - ANS-the idea that conflict between competing interests is the basic,
animating force of social change and society in general. (page 33)
Symbolic Interactionism - ANS-a micro-level theory in which shared meanings,
orientations, and assumptions form the basic motivations behind people's actions. (page
35)
postmodernism - ANS-a condition characterized by a questioning of the notion of
progress and history, the replacement of narrative within pastiche, and multiple,
perhaps even conflicting, identities resulting from disjointed affiliations. (page 35)
social construction - ANS-an entity that exists because people behave as if it exists and
whose existence is perpetuated as people and social institutions act in accordance with
the widely agreed-on formal rules or informal norms of behavior associated with that
entity. (page 35)
midrange theory - ANS-a theory that attempts to predict how certain social institutions
tend to function. (page 36)
Microsocology - ANS-a branch of sociology that seeks to understand local interactional
contexts; its methods of choice are ethnographic, generally including participant
observation and in-depth interviews. (page 43)
,Macrosociology - ANS-a branch of sociology generally concerned with social dynamics
at a higher level of analysis-that is, across the breadth of a society. (page 43)
Thinking like a sociologist" means that you - ANS-apply analytical tools to the things
you've always done without much conscious thought in the past.
Using the sociological imagination helps sociologists (and students of sociology) - ANS-
develop the ability to see the connections between our own personal experience and
the larger forces of history.
(Q003) What is an example of using one's sociological imagination? - ANS-
understanding that the divorce of one's parents is part of a larger societal trend toward
marriage dissolution
Which sociologist of the twentieth century introduced the concept of the sociological
imagination? - ANS-C. Wright Mills
What is defined as a complex group of interdependent positions that, together, perform
a social role and reproduce themselves over time? - ANS-a social institution
Sociology emerged in the nineteenth century, with the idea of a secular morality from
what thinker? - ANS-Auguste Comte
The early sociological writer, Harriet Martineau, wrote a book in 1838 that examined the
institution of marriage and challenged assumptions about women's inferiority. In this
respect, Martineau espoused what kind of theoretical position in her sociological
writing? - ANS-feminist
Rather than complaining about "kids these days," 52-year-old Professor Cathy Small
enrolled as an undergraduate at a large university in an attempt to better understand the
college experience of her students. She published her findings in the book, My
Freshman Year (under the pen name of Rebekah Nathan). This research is in line with
the methodology developed by which of the following early sociologists? - ANS-Max
Weber
the social environment in shaping people's behavior and personality. - ANS-The
Chicago School of Sociology emphasized the importance of
Which American sociologist was the first to undertake ethnography in the African
American community? - ANS-W. E. B. DuBois
Jamar enters a clothing store and a security guard immediately notices him and follows
his actions on a security monitor. Jamar is aware of the security guard's actions and
adjusts his own behavior to avoid a potential confrontation. This is a contemporary
example of which sociological concept developed at the turn of the twentieth century? -
ANS-double consciousness
feminist - ANS-Allison is concerned with the subtle messages that her niece receives
from her kindergarten teacher about suitable careers. For example, picture books read
in class portray women as nurses and secretaries but the doctors and engineers in the
books are male. Allison's concerns reflect what kind of theoretical perspective?
functionalism - ANS-A theoretical perspective most popular in the mid-twentieth century
held that social realities such as the roles that men and women play in heterosexual
couples or the existence of inequality could be explained by the necessary purpose they
served in society. What was this theoretical perspective?
Symbolic Interactionism - ANS-A researcher spends time with small organic farmers on
their land and at market in order to understand their particular subculture, noting the
brands of work clothes they prefer; their conversations about hoop houses, compost,
,and aquaponics; and the nonverbal greetings they give other drivers on rural roads.
This focus reflects which approach to research?
What is an example of an application of midrange theory? - ANS-exploring the role of
churches in maintaining community ties in rural areas
Whether Muslim women veil themselves, especially in countries such as the United
States and France, is often a controversial topic. Sociological research has found that
while some women choose to veil for religious reasons, others may take up the veil
because they are motivated to claim their Muslim identity in the face of anti-Muslim
sentiment. These different interpretations of the importance of veiling illustrates how
meaning is subjective. This emphasis on differences in subjective interpretations, in
turn, is characteristic of - ANS-postmodernism.
Sociology is distinct from other academic disciplines in its attempt to - ANS-detect
patterns in how different societies respond to similar phenomena.
affected religious life in England then, with ramifications that continue through the
present. - ANS-In her interview with Dalton Conley, Julia Adams talks about the
differences between sociology and history. As a self-identified historical comparative
sociologist, Adams makes the point that sociologists are less concerned with
uniqueness than they are with commonalities. Consider Henry the VIII of England
during the mid-1500s. Henry's succession of marriages (six wives in all) is often seen as
a unique case. Six wives is a lot by the norms of many European societies. A
sociologist, however, might well look at it by considering the ways in which Henry's
marriages
Microsociology - ANS-Observing and analyzing the conversations patients have with
their doctors would be an example of what kind of sociology?
One of the challenges faced by many colleges and universities is binge drinking on
campus. Imagine you are tasked with developing solutions to this problem. Thinking
sociologically, you suggest that it would be useful to understand the meaning placed on
the parties where binge drinking happens, so solutions are based on a deeper
understanding of the experience itself. Your approach relies on the methodology of -
ANS-interpretive sociology.
Macrosociology - ANS-Montrice is conducting a study of the effect of economic
recessions on marriage rates in European countries. What type of sociology is this?
Karl Marx - ANS-The contemporary social movement with the slogan "Fight for 15"
seeks a $15 minimum wage and unionization. This attempt to mobilize and make gains
for workers can be viewed as in line with the view of the social world of which classical
sociological theorist?
Getting ready to go out on a first date with someone she first contacted through a dating
app, Jada tries on a dress and stilettos. Then, remembering that the person mentioned
liking sporty women, Jada reconsidered and changed into shorts and a tank top. Jada's
wardrobe change illustrates what social theory? - ANS-looking-glass self
Drivers stop at red lights for no other reason than that there is a shared understanding
that this is what you're supposed to do at a red light. This shared meaning becomes the
basis for how people act and interact with each other on the road and thus takes on the
appearance of an objective fact. This is an example of - ANS-a social construction.
Material culture includes - ANS-buildings, artworks, and technological devices.
, What is an example of nonmaterial culture? - ANS-the rules for using the weight room at
the gym
Climate change has evoked a politically polarized debate in the United States. For
many, the cause and effect relationship between human activity and climate change
seems obvious based on the science available. For others, such a claim seems
ludicrous. Although it may seem that climate change is a matter of science, underlying
the disagreement are attachments to opposing - ANS-ideologies.
Suppose you are part of a research team stationed in Uganda to do sociological
surveys. You are there with your same-sex spouse of eight years. In Uganda,
homosexuality was criminalized in 2009 and is currently punishable by life
imprisonment. Attitudes in the country are not favorable toward homosexuality, but you
have not experienced difficulties in daily life. As you begin the write-up of your research,
you are especially aware of the scholarly need to - ANS-avoid letting your own beliefs
about same-sex relationships enter your writing.
Every year, as many as 20,000 devotees of Harley Davidson motorcycles convene in
Sturgis, South Dakota. Their numbers frequently overwhelm nearby towns and cities,
including the Mt. Rushmore National Monument. For some tourists visiting the
monument at that time, the cultural collision with tattooed and long-haired bikers might
be jarring. For the tourist who thinks like a sociologist, such an encounter is an
opportunity to observe a different group of people by applying - ANS-cultural relativism.
What is an example of using cultural relativism to think about cultural differences? -
ANS-You see a news story about a country where people often eat spicy seafood
dishes in the morning, and you reason that their long coastline and hot climate provide
easy access to both seafood and hot peppers.
Your friend Jerome tells you that he believes culture is an innate biological aspect of
human societies. Having already taken an introductory sociology class, you disagree,
arguing that modes of behavior and understanding are not universal or natural. You give
the example of the disagreement between indigenous Americans and colonial
Europeans about whether land was something that could be owned. You are trying to
illustrate the idea of - ANS-cultural scripts.
Skateboarding is a popular youth pastime. Within the activity, there are distinct
variations on how it's done, and the skating vocabulary can vary by place. In addition,
skateboarders have distinctive gear, such as skate shoes designed to provide grip and
durability. All this sets skaters apart as a kind of - ANS-subculture.
Sociologist Allison Pugh researched consumer culture and socioeconomic class
differences through parental purchases for children. In their relationship with their
children, low-income parents tended to strive for symbolic indulgence, whereas high-
income parents tended toward symbolic deprivation. Both of these approaches are an
attempt to ensure that kids "fit in" at school, indicating that parents of all classes shy
away from difference. These actions reflect - ANS-values
Some businesses in the United States, especially food-service establishments, will post
signs that read, "No shirt, no shoes, no service." These signs - ANS-reinforce a cultural
norm
Think about your own experience of going to school. More than simply "what you
learned in school today," much of our lives in the United States are shaped by that
entire experience: what we choose to wear, with whom we make friends, whom we
