Exam 1: Introduction to Sociology

According to the text, what does sociology ultimately offer for the resolution of challenges faced by society?

Theories cannot state how and why certain facts are related.

Sociologists are not interested in the connection between personal problems and the social structures in which people are embedded.

A feminist sociologist's interest in researching the sex trade may stem from thinking about female exploitation in a patriarchal society. In this case, which of the following terms reflects her motivation for choosing this topic?

Which of the following most accurately describes the concept of latent function?

Helen is a 75-year-old woman, who was recently widowed. She spends most of her days alone because many of her friends are either ill or dead and her children are too busy to visit her. Helen has decided to commit suicide because she cannot stand being lonely anymore. According to Durkheim, what kind of suicide is Helen committing?

Mothers from the Philippines sometimes leave their children with relatives and go abroad as domestic workers. They believe this is the best way to meet the financial needs of their children and ensure a positive future for them. What kind of social structure in Filipino society is reflected in this female migration?

Which of the following perspectives assumes that society is stable and orderly?

Which of the following theories focuses on how privileged groups try to maintain their advantage?

Lisa is a sex trade worker, who frequently provides her services to successful businessmen. Which theorist would argue that Lisa is struggling to increase her social standing despite her limited opportunities?

Identify and describe the level of analysis for each of the four main theoretical traditions in sociology. How would each perspective view homelessness? How would each perspective attempt to resolve the issue of homelessness?

What did Durkheim conclude about suicide rates?

Which of the following sociological insights is Robert Merton noted for contributing?

Which of the following is described in the text as a leading Canadian sociologist?

The federal government passes several laws getting tough on crime in order to protect the public and make citizens feel safe. This leads to overcrowding in prisons and several costly riots. According to sociologists, what are these unforeseen results of the government's action?

What focus of analysis is shared by the conflict and functional perspectives?

Sandra and her family frequently donate money and clothing to various foreign aid programs to help people in impoverished nations. Lately, Sandra has been skeptical about continuing with such efforts because she feels as though it does not make a difference. Which of the following best describes the patterns of social relations that are responsible for this lack of change despite the individual efforts of people like Sandra?

According to the text, what is the manifest function of schooling?

Which of the following changes in capitalism partly explains why Marx's vision of a revolutionary future for early industrial society was unfulfilled?

All of the founding figures of sociology were interested in understanding Europe's transition to industrial capitalism and in doing something to make this a smoother transition. Which of the following sociologists was most preoccupied with the economy?