C273 Introduction to Sociology Practice Questions - Set 1 - Part 1

Correct Answer: Positivism

Comte introduced the concept of positivism, advocating for a scientific approach to studying society. Empiricism refers to a general reliance on experience or observation, while functionalism and structuralism are other perspectives in sociology.

Correct Answer: Social Darwinism

Social Darwinism is Spencer’s application of the "survival of the fittest" to societies, where he believed natural selection allows the most capable to advance society. Conflict theory and symbolic interactionism are different sociological perspectives, and positivism relates to a scientific approach to sociology.

Correct Answer: Bourgeoisie and Proletariat

Marx identified the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and the proletariat (working class) as the two main groups in class conflict. The aristocrats and clergy are not central to Marx's analysis of class struggle.

Correct Answer: Social Integration

Social integration describes the degree to which people are connected to their social groups. Durkheim believed strong integration led to societal stability. Functionalism is broader and symbolic interaction is about social symbols, while structural analysis pertains to societal structure.

Correct Answer: Protestant Ethic

The Protestant Ethic, as Weber argued, involved values such as hard work and frugality, which facilitated the growth of capitalism. Marxist theory focuses on class conflict, not religious values.

Correct Answer: Social reform

Martineau believed sociology should be a path to societal improvement, addressing issues like racial and gender equality. She was less focused on capitalism or purely theoretical frameworks.

Correct Answer: Social Integration

Social integration reflects the extent of an individual's connection to their social group. Durkheim linked low social integration with higher suicide rates, while the other terms relate to broader or slightly different concepts.

Correct Answer: Proletariat

In Marxist theory, the proletariat refers to the working class, who do not own means of production and are subject to exploitation by the bourgeoisie (capitalist class).

Correct Answer: Counterculture

Countercultures develop values in opposition to those of mainstream society, often challenging social norms. Subcultures differ from the dominant culture but don’t oppose it directly.

Correct Answer: Social Norms

Social norms are the accepted behaviors within a society. Cultural relativism and ethnocentrism relate to judging or understanding other cultures.

Correct Answer: Culture Shock

Culture shock occurs when people experience confusion or anxiety upon encountering a different culture. Anomie describes a breakdown in social norms, not cultural encounters.

Correct Answer: Latent Functions

Latent functions are unintended positive consequences, while manifest functions are intended. Dysfunctions are harmful outcomes of actions.

Correct Answer: Functional Analysis

Functional analysis views society as a system where each part has a role. Anomie refers to normlessness, often leading to social instability.

Correct Answer: Play

Mead emphasized play as essential for children to understand different roles and develop a sense of self.

Correct Answer: Symbolic Interactionism

Symbolic interactionism suggests that prejudice arises from societal labels, shaping perceptions and behaviors. Conflict theory focuses more on power struggles.

Correct Answer: Experiment

An experiment involves controlled settings where variables are manipulated to observe outcomes, unlike surveys, case studies, or secondary analyses.

Correct Answer: Peer Pressure

Peer pressure describes the influence from one's social group to conform, which can affect individual behavior.

Correct Answer: Looking-Glass Self

The looking-glass self describes how we form our self-image by interpreting others' responses to us, a key idea of Cooley's theory.

Correct Answer: Primary Group

Primary groups, such as family and close friends, have close-knit and long-term relationships, unlike secondary groups or associations.

Correct Answer: Organizations become dominated by a few elite members

The iron law of oligarchy states that organizations tend to centralize power in a small elite group.