Chapter 14 Urban And Environmental Sociology: Quick Quiz

Urban sociologists specialize in studying the social structures, processes, and behaviors within urban areas and their surrounding regions. They analyze how urbanization impacts individuals, communities, and societies, examining topics such as urban planning, social inequality, poverty, crime, and community development. By focusing on cities and their surroundings, urban sociologists aim to understand the unique dynamics and challenges that arise in urban environments. Therefore, the statement "Urban sociologists focus on the study of cities and their surroundings" is true.

After World War II, many cities recognized the need to revitalize their downtown areas. To achieve this, they implemented various measures, including creating pedestrian-friendly areas to encourage walking and reduce traffic congestion. Additionally, they introduced light rail systems to provide efficient and environmentally-friendly transportation options. Furthermore, cities also focused on developing unique trademarks and tourist destinations to attract visitors and boost the local economy. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above" as all these efforts were part of the downtown revitalization initiatives undertaken by many cities after World War II.

The correct answer is "All of the above" because Logan and Molotch (1987) argue that cities are driven by development and profit, and all the actors mentioned - speculators and developers, local politicians and large corporations, homeowners and financial institutions - participate in this process. They all play a role in the growth machine model by promoting and benefiting from urban development.

Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, have significantly increased the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. These activities release large amounts of carbon dioxide that would otherwise remain trapped in the Earth's crust. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change. Therefore, humans have had a major influence on the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Sustainability is the ability of earth's various systems, including human cultural systems and economies, to survive and adapt to changing environmental conditions indefinitely. It refers to the capacity to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves the responsible use of resources, conservation of biodiversity, and the promotion of social and economic well-being. Sustainability is essential for the long-term survival and well-being of both the planet and its inhabitants.

Wood is a renewable resource because it is derived from trees, which can be replanted and regrown. Trees are a sustainable source of wood as they can be harvested and new trees can be planted in their place. This allows for a continuous supply of wood without depleting the resource. In contrast, gasoline, coal, and uranium are non-renewable resources as they are finite in quantity and cannot be replenished in a short period of time.

The statement suggests that the political structure of a city is more important in defining it than its population. This means that the way a city is governed, its laws and regulations, and the political institutions that exist within it have a greater impact on its identity than the number of people living there. The population may vary over time, but the political form remains relatively stable and defines the city's character.

The completion of the Interstate Highway System did not contribute to the rapid growth of suburban areas from 1900 to 1950. The other options mentioned in the question all played a role in the growth of suburban areas during that time period. Framing techniques allowed for the construction of affordable housing, government guarantees for loans made homeownership more accessible, and tax laws provided indirect subsidies for homeownership. However, the completion of the Interstate Highway System occurred after 1950 and therefore cannot be considered a contributing factor to the rapid growth of suburban areas during the specified time frame.

The Tragedy of the Commons is a theory that explains how the short-term interests of individuals and groups can conflict with the long-term group and global interests in a finite world. This theory suggests that when individuals act in their own self-interest and exploit common resources without considering the consequences, it can lead to the depletion or degradation of those resources, ultimately harming everyone in the long run. This concept highlights the importance of collective action and sustainable management of shared resources to avoid the tragedy of overexploitation.

The correct answer is 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit. This indicates that the Earth's average surface temperature has increased by 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit over the last 100 years. This increase in temperature is a result of various factors such as greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and human activities that contribute to global warming.