HSC4M EXAM 4 QUESTIONS AND
100% CORRECT ANSWERS
What was the ritual for the weeping camel from Mongolia performed for?
It was performed to get the camel to accept its baby even though it was different.
(Davis) What is the "problem"? Not change or technology. It is a problem of ________.
Power.
Consider this statement by Wade Davis: "Genocide, the physical extinction of a people, is
universally condemned, but ethnocide, the destruction of people's way of life, is not only
not condemned, it's universally celebrated as part of a development 'strategy'." How does
the concept of ethnocentrism fit in here?
Although not openly acknowledged, ethnocide is celebrated as a 'development strategy' of those
who are in power. If a culture is ethnocentric, it will consider itself superior to all other cultures.
The goal will be to make everyone dress, eat, act, think, and talk like the group in power.
Norm
A standard, model, or pattern regarded as typical: the current middle-class norm of two
children per family.
Summarize bell hooks's overall perspective on what is required for having a successful
marriage.
True equality in all aspects of life, including sexual behaviours, chores around the
house, parenting tasks and genuine respect for one another.
Conflict Theory
,The theory which states that society is operating as a series of conflicts, mostly between classes
(wealthy and poor). It rejects the current norms, unlike the structural functionalists who see
society as a system whose parts work well together. Conflict theorists view society as unequal,
and requiring change to move toward equality. This perspective emphasizes a critique of
capitalism (market- and money-driven economies) and patriarchal - male dominated - societies,
both of which are norms in modern western society. In extreme cases, conflict theory proposes
the overthrowing of society to create new norms.
Structural Functionalism
The theory which states that society is a system that has many parts that function together.
Cultural norms help a society function more smoothly and cultural values help people make
choices about things such as how long to stay in school, when to get married, who to marry,
etc. Structural functionalists see crime as inevitable and therefore the function of police is to
take care of this part of society. Another way to see this theory is as a body. The body is the
society and all the organs, limbs, and so on, are the structures that work together to ensure the
body operates properly.
Symbolic Interactionism
The theory which states that both of the above theoretical perspectives are too broad because
they leave out the individual's perspective. This theory argues that people interpret symbols in
society in their own personal ways. It is important to understand how individuals perceive and
make sense of the world around them according to their unique character traits and experiences.
An example of that notion could be how one person may view a wooden spoon as a kitchen
tool and how another may associate it with a beating from childhood. Individuals interact with
symbols and attach their own meaning to them.
How do you think a structural functionalist would view the institution of marriage?
They see the family as the most appropriate structure to care for children and organize society. It
is important to keep society running smoothly. Monogamous partnerships produce children who
"belong" to a family unit. These partnerships allow the children to be cared for. People who join
in a partnership share or combine their capital and resources to be able to purchase a home, a
car, etc. and still engage in the workforce.
, How do you think a conflict theorist would view the institution of marriage?
In today's world, they see marriage being based on domination and control. Women are the
property of men. Women are used for child-bearing. Society needs to change its definition of
marriage, or get rid of it entirely, in order for society to function in a healthier way.
How would a symbolic interactionist view the institution of marriage if their parents
were in a functioned, lasting marriage?
They may say marriage is a good thing. It is associated with positive, peaceful memories, and it
is something to strive for.
How would a symbolic interactionist view the institution of marriage if their parents
were in an abusive, yet long-term marriage?
They may see it as something to avoid, as it means of control, pain, and unhappiness.
How would a symbolic interactionist view the institution of marriage if their parents
were divorced?
They may see it as something that doesn't last. There is no notion of "eternal love." Marriage
becomes something that you work hard at so you don't repeat your parents' mistakes.
Where do you think bell hooks and her perspective of marriage aligns best?
Conflict theory, as she see's marriage as a means of control and advises for true equality in
all aspects of it to succeed.
How would you classify Anne Kingston's theoretical perspective on marriage?
Symbolic interactionist. Quote to support this: "She maintains that there is not one
simple definition but as many as there are women themselves."
Cultural Materialism Theory
An anthropological school of thought (or research strategy) which states that the best way to
understand human culture is to examine material conditions - climate, food supply, geography,
etc.
Margaret Mead
100% CORRECT ANSWERS
What was the ritual for the weeping camel from Mongolia performed for?
It was performed to get the camel to accept its baby even though it was different.
(Davis) What is the "problem"? Not change or technology. It is a problem of ________.
Power.
Consider this statement by Wade Davis: "Genocide, the physical extinction of a people, is
universally condemned, but ethnocide, the destruction of people's way of life, is not only
not condemned, it's universally celebrated as part of a development 'strategy'." How does
the concept of ethnocentrism fit in here?
Although not openly acknowledged, ethnocide is celebrated as a 'development strategy' of those
who are in power. If a culture is ethnocentric, it will consider itself superior to all other cultures.
The goal will be to make everyone dress, eat, act, think, and talk like the group in power.
Norm
A standard, model, or pattern regarded as typical: the current middle-class norm of two
children per family.
Summarize bell hooks's overall perspective on what is required for having a successful
marriage.
True equality in all aspects of life, including sexual behaviours, chores around the
house, parenting tasks and genuine respect for one another.
Conflict Theory
,The theory which states that society is operating as a series of conflicts, mostly between classes
(wealthy and poor). It rejects the current norms, unlike the structural functionalists who see
society as a system whose parts work well together. Conflict theorists view society as unequal,
and requiring change to move toward equality. This perspective emphasizes a critique of
capitalism (market- and money-driven economies) and patriarchal - male dominated - societies,
both of which are norms in modern western society. In extreme cases, conflict theory proposes
the overthrowing of society to create new norms.
Structural Functionalism
The theory which states that society is a system that has many parts that function together.
Cultural norms help a society function more smoothly and cultural values help people make
choices about things such as how long to stay in school, when to get married, who to marry,
etc. Structural functionalists see crime as inevitable and therefore the function of police is to
take care of this part of society. Another way to see this theory is as a body. The body is the
society and all the organs, limbs, and so on, are the structures that work together to ensure the
body operates properly.
Symbolic Interactionism
The theory which states that both of the above theoretical perspectives are too broad because
they leave out the individual's perspective. This theory argues that people interpret symbols in
society in their own personal ways. It is important to understand how individuals perceive and
make sense of the world around them according to their unique character traits and experiences.
An example of that notion could be how one person may view a wooden spoon as a kitchen
tool and how another may associate it with a beating from childhood. Individuals interact with
symbols and attach their own meaning to them.
How do you think a structural functionalist would view the institution of marriage?
They see the family as the most appropriate structure to care for children and organize society. It
is important to keep society running smoothly. Monogamous partnerships produce children who
"belong" to a family unit. These partnerships allow the children to be cared for. People who join
in a partnership share or combine their capital and resources to be able to purchase a home, a
car, etc. and still engage in the workforce.
, How do you think a conflict theorist would view the institution of marriage?
In today's world, they see marriage being based on domination and control. Women are the
property of men. Women are used for child-bearing. Society needs to change its definition of
marriage, or get rid of it entirely, in order for society to function in a healthier way.
How would a symbolic interactionist view the institution of marriage if their parents
were in a functioned, lasting marriage?
They may say marriage is a good thing. It is associated with positive, peaceful memories, and it
is something to strive for.
How would a symbolic interactionist view the institution of marriage if their parents
were in an abusive, yet long-term marriage?
They may see it as something to avoid, as it means of control, pain, and unhappiness.
How would a symbolic interactionist view the institution of marriage if their parents
were divorced?
They may see it as something that doesn't last. There is no notion of "eternal love." Marriage
becomes something that you work hard at so you don't repeat your parents' mistakes.
Where do you think bell hooks and her perspective of marriage aligns best?
Conflict theory, as she see's marriage as a means of control and advises for true equality in
all aspects of it to succeed.
How would you classify Anne Kingston's theoretical perspective on marriage?
Symbolic interactionist. Quote to support this: "She maintains that there is not one
simple definition but as many as there are women themselves."
Cultural Materialism Theory
An anthropological school of thought (or research strategy) which states that the best way to
understand human culture is to examine material conditions - climate, food supply, geography,
etc.
Margaret Mead
