UExcel Sociology 2

Question 1

The functionalist perspective in sociology views society as:

Accepted Answer

A system of interrelated parts that work together to maintain stability and order

Answer

A site of ongoing conflict between groups competing for scarce resources

Answer

A collection of symbols and meanings created through everyday social interaction

Answer

An economic structure that shapes all other aspects of social life

Question 2

Erving Goffman's concept of 'total institutions' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Places where all aspects of residents' lives are controlled and regulated by authorities

Answer

Government agencies that oversee all social welfare programs

Answer

Community organizations that provide comprehensive social services

Answer

Corporations that dominate entire sectors of the economy

Question 3

Which theoretical perspective emphasizes that society is characterized by inequality and that conflict between competing groups drives social change?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Structural functionalism

Question 4

Cultural relativism is the practice of:

Accepted Answer

Evaluating a culture based on its own values, context, and standards

Answer

Judging other cultures by the standards and values of one's own culture

Answer

Believing all cultures share the same universal moral principles

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Adopting practices and beliefs from other cultures into one's own

Question 5

Social stratification refers to:

Accepted Answer

The hierarchical ranking of individuals or groups based on wealth, power, or prestige

Answer

The process by which societies become more technologically complex over time

Answer

The geographic division of society into urban and rural areas

Answer

The process of social mobility between successive generations

Question 6

Which of the following best describes a social norm?

Accepted Answer

A shared expectation or informal rule that guides behavior within a group or society

Answer

A law formally enacted and enforced by the government

Answer

An individual's personal moral code or ethical belief system

Answer

A biological drive that determines universal human behavior

Question 7

The concept of 'social mobility' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The change in an individual's or group's position within the social stratification system

Answer

The movement of people from one geographic location to another

Answer

The spread of cultural practices from one society to another through contact

Answer

The process of urbanization occurring in industrializing societies