Soc111 Exam #2 Practice Quiz
A practice quiz for a sociology class exam covering deviance, global stratification, social stratification in the U. S., and race and ethnicity. I think the questions tend to be on the easy side, but let me know what you think.
- 1.
________ is any behavior, belief, or condition that violates significant social norms in the society or group in which it occurs.
- A.
Deviance
- B.
Violence
- C.
Stigma
- D.
Crime
- E.
Honesty
Correct Answer
A. DevianceExplanation
Deviance is not only behavior, but basically anything which doesn't fit in with society, including beliefs and conditions, and it is culturally relative.Rate this question:
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- 2.
In his strain theory, sociologist Robert Merton identified five ways in which people adapt to cultural goals and approved ways of achieving them. In addition to conformity, Merton classified the remaining four types of adaptation as deviance. Which of the following was not a type of adaptation identified?
- A.
Innovation
- B.
Retreatism
- C.
Escapism
- D.
Rebellion
- E.
All of the above are adaptation types in strain theory
Correct Answer
C. EscapismExplanation
In his strain theory, sociologist Robert Merton identified five ways in which people adapt to cultural goals and approved ways of achieving them. These five types of adaptation are conformity, innovation, retreatism, rebellion, and ritualism. Escapism is not one of the types of adaptation identified by Merton.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Again referring to sociologist Robert Merton's strain theory, ________ occurs when people have no access to or desire for culturally acceptable goals, and also don't have any interest or ability in culturally acceptable ways of achieving them.
- A.
Innovation
- B.
Retreatism
- C.
Rebellion
- D.
Complacency
- E.
None of above
Correct Answer
B. RetreatismExplanation
The four adaptations of Merton's strain theory are innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Systematic controls that society puts in place to encourage conformity and shun deviance are known technically as:
- A.
Social rules
- B.
Social laws
- C.
Social systems
- D.
Social controls
- E.
Schools, churches, and the industrial-military complex
Correct Answer
D. Social controlsExplanation
Some of my other options might be valid in certain circles -- I don't know, for my class this is what they called it.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Some sociologists would argue that deviance is helpful for society.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Functionalists believe that deviance plays important role in society in three ways: 1. clarifies rules and confirms norms, 2. promotes social unity, and 3. can promote social change.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The three P's when referring to class include which of the following?
- A.
Power
- B.
Property
- C.
Prestige
- D.
The above are the three P's
- E.
Wasn't that a song by "Naughty by Nature"
Correct Answer
D. The above are the three P'sExplanation
You down with PPP, yeah you know me. Property is also referred to as wealth in certain circles.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Social mobility is movement within a social system (more frequently in open systems). An example of social mobility could be a upper middle class professional who loses everything and becomes homeless/underclass.
- A.
True
- B.
False
- C.
That could never happen in America
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
This is an example of vertical mobility which (unfortunately) works both ways, especially of late! (As far as downward mobility goes)Rate this question:
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- 8.
Max Weber had a term for the extent to which we have control over basic resources. What was that term?
- A.
Social chance
- B.
Life chance
- C.
Dumb luck
- D.
Kharma
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. Life chanceExplanation
Max Weber used the term "life chance" to refer to the extent to which individuals have control over basic resources. This concept encompasses the opportunities and possibilities that individuals have in life, such as access to education, healthcare, employment, and social support. Life chances are influenced by various factors such as social class, economic status, and institutional structures, and they play a crucial role in shaping individuals' life outcomes and overall well-being.Rate this question:
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- 9.
A person who could afford the basic necessities but nothing more would be an example of:
- A.
Subjective poverty
- B.
Absolute poverty
- C.
Relative poverty
- D.
One of the majority of Americans
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. Relative povertyExplanation
Subjective poverty would be in comparison to your own goals of wealth, absolute poverty is not having enough money to live, and relative poverty is being able to afford necessities but not much more.Rate this question:
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- 10.
In relation to economic inequality, the dependency theory, world systems theory, and the new international division of labor theory are perspectives rooted in the ________ approach.
- A.
Postmodern
- B.
Functionalist
- C.
Conflict
- D.
Symbolic interactionist
- E.
Development
Correct Answer
C. ConflictExplanation
The correct answer is conflict. The dependency theory, world systems theory, and the new international division of labor theory all focus on the unequal distribution of resources and power in society. They argue that economic inequality is a result of conflicts between different social groups, such as the rich and the poor, or between developed and developing nations. These theories emphasize the role of power dynamics and social struggles in shaping economic inequality.Rate this question:
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- 11.
________ is the hierarchical arrangement of large social groups based on the control over basic resources.
- A.
Social stratification
- B.
Social distinction
- C.
Social class
- D.
Social distortion
- E.
None of above
Correct Answer
A. Social stratificationExplanation
Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of large social groups based on their control over basic resources. It involves the division of society into different levels or strata, with individuals or groups occupying different positions based on factors such as wealth, power, and prestige. This arrangement creates a social hierarchy where some individuals or groups have more access to resources and opportunities than others. Social stratification is a fundamental aspect of societies and plays a significant role in shaping social interactions and inequalities.Rate this question:
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- 12.
A ________ is a system of social inequality in which people's status is permanently determined at birth based on their parent's ascribed status. It is a closed system of stratification.
- A.
Slavery system
- B.
Caste system
- C.
Social system
- D.
School system
- E.
None of above
Correct Answer
B. Caste systemExplanation
The caste system is a system of social inequality where an individual's social status is determined at birth and is based on their parents' ascribed status. It is considered a closed system of stratification because it is difficult for individuals to move between social classes. This system is prevalent in certain societies, particularly in India, where individuals are born into a specific caste and their social opportunities and privileges are largely determined by their caste membership.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Based on sociologist Max Weber's system of stratification, ________ is the respect or regard with which a person or status position is regarded by others. It includes fame, respect, honor, and esteem.
- A.
Power
- B.
Prestige
- C.
Property
- D.
Wealth
- E.
None of above
Correct Answer
B. PrestigeExplanation
According to Max Weber's system of stratification, prestige refers to the respect or regard that others have for a person or status position. It encompasses qualities such as fame, respect, honor, and esteem. This concept is important in understanding how individuals are valued and recognized in society based on their social standing and achievements.Rate this question:
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- 14.
________ include(s) property such as buildings, land, farms, houses, factories, and cars, as well as other assets such as bank accounts, corporate stocks, bonds, and insurance policies. It is computed by subtracting all debt obligations and converting the remaining assets into cash.
- A.
Power
- B.
Prestige
- C.
Wealth
- D.
Income
- E.
None of above
Correct Answer
C. WealthExplanation
Wealth is also sometimes referred to as propertyRate this question:
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- 15.
According to the ________, core values in the United States emphasize the importance of material possessions, hard work, individual initiative to get ahead, and behavior that supports the existing social structure. These same values support the prevailing resource distribution system and contribute to social inequality.
- A.
Functionalists
- B.
Symbolic interactionists
- C.
Liberals
- D.
Conflict theorists
- E.
Postmodern theory
Correct Answer
D. Conflict theoristsExplanation
Conflict theorists would argue that core values in the United States prioritize material possessions, hard work, individual initiative, and behavior that upholds the existing social structure. They believe that these values perpetuate social inequality by supporting the prevailing resource distribution system. Conflict theorists view society as a constant struggle for power and resources, with the dominant group using their influence to maintain their advantage over others. Therefore, conflict theorists would agree that these core values contribute to social inequality.Rate this question:
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- 16.
________ is a category of people who have been singled out as inferior or superior, often on the basis of real or alleged physical characteristics such as skin color, hair texture, eye shape, or other subjectively selected attributes.
- A.
Culture
- B.
Ethnicity
- C.
Subordinate group
- D.
Immigrants
- E.
Race
Correct Answer
E. RaceExplanation
Race is the correct answer because it refers to a category of people who have been singled out as inferior or superior based on physical characteristics such as skin color, hair texture, and eye shape. This categorization is often subjective and can lead to discrimination and inequality.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The qualities defining "race" arise from what percentage of human DNA?
- A.
Less than 1%
- B.
1% - 5%
- C.
5% - 10%
- D.
10% - 15%
- E.
DNA does not control "race"
Correct Answer
A. Less than 1%Explanation
Isn't it amazing how much weight us glorified apes put on this teeny-tiny difference? I think it is "officially" somewhere between 0.1% and 0.5%.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Somebody who was very uncomfortable with people different than themselves would be displaying ______ "social distance".
- A.
Anti
- B.
Little
- C.
Medium
- D.
Quasi
- E.
Great
Correct Answer
E. GreatExplanation
I don't know if this is a widespread term or not, but our class uses it a lot. Great social distance would be not wanting to be with different people, and little social distance would be being comfortable with different people.Rate this question:
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- 19.
There have been six characteristics that are usually attributed to highly prejudiced people, which one of the below is not one of these?
- A.
High levels of conformity
- B.
Highly superstitious
- C.
High levels of insecurity
- D.
More likely to submit to authority
- E.
All of the above are characteristics
Correct Answer
E. All of the above are characteristicsExplanation
Also display very rigid thinking and are highly intolerant (imagine that!)Rate this question:
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- 20.
A negative attitude or belief used to pre-judge and based on broad overgeneralizations would be:
- A.
Racism
- B.
Discrimination
- C.
Stereotype
- D.
Prejudice
- E.
None of above
Correct Answer
D. PrejudiceExplanation
Racism is judging one "race" to be better or worse than another, discrimination is an action against a targeted individual, stereotype is a broad overgeneralization based on some characteristic.Rate this question:
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Aug 18, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Nov 03, 2009Quiz Created by
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