SOC 220 Exam 2 V2 | SOC 220
Introduction to Sociology | Q&A with
Rationale (SOC220 Exam 2) | Nightingale
College
1. According to Robert Merton’s strain theory, which of the following describes an
‘innovator’?
A. An individual who accepts cultural goals but uses illegal means to achieve them.
B. An individual who rejects cultural goals and institutionalized means entirely.
C. An individual who conforms to social norms regardless of the outcome.
D. An individual who follows the rules but lacks any interest in social success.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Merton’s strain theory explains deviance through the lens of social structures
and access to goals. The innovator accepts the societal goal of success, such as wealth, but
lacks the legitimate means to reach it, resulting in criminal behavior. This highlights how
structural barriers can lead individuals to adopt alternative, often deviant, paths to success.
2. In the context of social stratification, how is a ‘caste system’ defined?
A. A system based primarily on merit and individual achievement.
B. A closed system where social standing is based on ascription or birth.
C. An open system that allows for significant vertical social mobility.
,D. A system where social status is determined solely by occupation and income.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A caste system is a rigid form of social stratification where individuals are born
into their status and cannot change it. Social mobility is virtually nonexistent because
status is assigned at birth based on heritage. This differs from class systems, which are
more open and allow for movement based on effort or luck.
3. Which theoretical perspective suggests that deviance is not inherent in an act, but is
determined by the reaction of others?
A. Labeling Theory
B. Functionalism
C. Conflict Theory
D. Structural Strain Theory
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Labeling theory focuses on the social response to behavior rather than the
behavior itself. It posits that individuals become ‘deviant’ only after they are labeled as
such by authority figures or the community. This process can lead to the internalization of
the deviant identity, influencing future behavior through a self-fulfilling prophecy.
4. A person who experiences a change in social class from their parents’ generation is
demonstrating which type of mobility?
A. Intragenerational mobility
, B. Horizontal mobility
C. Structural mobility
D. Intergenerational mobility
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Intergenerational mobility refers to changes in the social position of children
relative to their parents. This is a key metric for sociologists to determine the level of
opportunity within a society. Unlike intragenerational mobility, which tracks a person’s
status over their own lifetime, intergenerational mobility looks at long-term trends across
families.
5. Which term describes the unfair treatment of an individual or group based on their actual
or perceived membership in a specific category?
A. Stereotyping
B. Prejudice
C. Discrimination
D. Ethnocentrism
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Discrimination refers to the actual actions or practices that result in unequal
treatment of people. While prejudice involves internal attitudes and beliefs, discrimination
is the behavioral component that manifests in social interactions. Sociologists study
Introduction to Sociology | Q&A with
Rationale (SOC220 Exam 2) | Nightingale
College
1. According to Robert Merton’s strain theory, which of the following describes an
‘innovator’?
A. An individual who accepts cultural goals but uses illegal means to achieve them.
B. An individual who rejects cultural goals and institutionalized means entirely.
C. An individual who conforms to social norms regardless of the outcome.
D. An individual who follows the rules but lacks any interest in social success.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Merton’s strain theory explains deviance through the lens of social structures
and access to goals. The innovator accepts the societal goal of success, such as wealth, but
lacks the legitimate means to reach it, resulting in criminal behavior. This highlights how
structural barriers can lead individuals to adopt alternative, often deviant, paths to success.
2. In the context of social stratification, how is a ‘caste system’ defined?
A. A system based primarily on merit and individual achievement.
B. A closed system where social standing is based on ascription or birth.
C. An open system that allows for significant vertical social mobility.
,D. A system where social status is determined solely by occupation and income.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A caste system is a rigid form of social stratification where individuals are born
into their status and cannot change it. Social mobility is virtually nonexistent because
status is assigned at birth based on heritage. This differs from class systems, which are
more open and allow for movement based on effort or luck.
3. Which theoretical perspective suggests that deviance is not inherent in an act, but is
determined by the reaction of others?
A. Labeling Theory
B. Functionalism
C. Conflict Theory
D. Structural Strain Theory
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Labeling theory focuses on the social response to behavior rather than the
behavior itself. It posits that individuals become ‘deviant’ only after they are labeled as
such by authority figures or the community. This process can lead to the internalization of
the deviant identity, influencing future behavior through a self-fulfilling prophecy.
4. A person who experiences a change in social class from their parents’ generation is
demonstrating which type of mobility?
A. Intragenerational mobility
, B. Horizontal mobility
C. Structural mobility
D. Intergenerational mobility
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Intergenerational mobility refers to changes in the social position of children
relative to their parents. This is a key metric for sociologists to determine the level of
opportunity within a society. Unlike intragenerational mobility, which tracks a person’s
status over their own lifetime, intergenerational mobility looks at long-term trends across
families.
5. Which term describes the unfair treatment of an individual or group based on their actual
or perceived membership in a specific category?
A. Stereotyping
B. Prejudice
C. Discrimination
D. Ethnocentrism
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Discrimination refers to the actual actions or practices that result in unequal
treatment of people. While prejudice involves internal attitudes and beliefs, discrimination
is the behavioral component that manifests in social interactions. Sociologists study
