Exam 1: Introduction to Sociology

"The increasing suicide rates in today's society are a reflection of limited access to education and jobs." Which theory would this statement typify?

Ming is in an abusive relationship with her husband, but has remained in the marriage for several years. She endures the abuse not because she is weak willed but because in her culture it is unacceptable to get a divorce. C. Wright Mills would say this explanation was made by a person who possesses which theoretical understanding?

Durkheim argued that suicide rates vary due to differences in the degree of social solidarity in different social groups.

Samantha was unable to get a job as an auto mechanic; the primary reason given by potential employers was that customers had no confidence that their car would be properly fixed by a woman. Samantha decided to do her own survey and interviewed consumers to see if this was true. To address her concerns, the findings of her survey would have best been interpreted through which theoretical approach?

A conscientious coffee consumer eager to thwart exploitation of plantation workers in developing countries buys nothing but fair-trade coffee. According to C. Wright Mills, what does this consumer possess?

Both functionalism and conflict theory are concerned with macrolevel aspects of society, but they differ in their focus. Briefly explain the difference in focus between them.

Which of the following factors best explains the absence of women in early sociology?

Describe the different orientations, assumptions, and focuses of the four main sociological paradigms Give an example of a research question that someone working from each perspective might be interested in. What kinds of questions would he or she ask? Why?

Which of the following is a major theoretical paradigm in sociology?

Briefly explain the four main features of symbolic interactionism.

In Canada, the most dramatic increase in suicide rates in recent decades has been among men over 50.

Which early sociological theorist developed the conflict approach?

Lisa is a sex trade worker who frequently provides her services to married men. Which theorist would argue that Lisa's role in society helps to preserve the institution of the family?

"I can't believe that Amala went behind my back and bought the necklace I told her I wanted to buy myself. Either she is terribly selfish or she is going to give it to me for my birthday. Without knowing her motives, I won't know the truth." Which sociological method (translated from the original German) is reflected in this statement?

Navdeep is upset about failing a test. He goes back to his residence and laughs about the stupid questions, dismissing the test as a waste of time. Which theorist could best explain the difference between what Navdeep feels and what he does?

Which of the following statements describes how people are likely to respond in the face of complex problems and social issues?

How would a functionalist view the Canadian criminal justice system, as compared to a conflict theorist?

According to the text, which of the following debates centres on our ability to act freely within certain limits?

Which of the following would be a statement representing knowledge based on ego-defence?

Which of the following terms refers to attributing the cause of one's experiences to supernatural forces?