Exam 1: The Sociological Perspective and Research Process

Which of these groups has the lowest rate of suicide?

Functionalist Talcott Parsons suggested that complementary roles for men and women in the family contribute to social stability. The husband/father performs the __________ tasks, which involve leadership and decision-making responsibilities in the home, and employment outside the home to support the family.

Karl Marx and Max Weber were in agreement that __________ was at least one source of inequality in society.

The basis for Marx's theory of society is the belief that _______________ .

A number of Europeans were important in establishing sociology. Discuss these figures in terms of their contributions.

A __________ is defined as a set of logically interrelated statements that attempts to describe, explain, and (occasionally) predict social events.

According to the __________ perspective, the classical theories have been unsuccessful in explaining social life in contemporary societies that are characterized by postindustrialization, consumerism, and global communications.

With __________ research, the goal is scientific objectivity, and the focus is on data that can be measured numerically.

Tom works on the assembly line at the local Ford automobile factory. According to Marx, Tom would be considered a member of the __________ because he does not own the means of production.

Explain what Herbert Spencer meant by "survival of the fittest." What are the criticisms of his approach?

Middle-income countries are nations with highly industrialized economies; technologically advanced industrial, administrative, and service occupations; and relatively high levels of national and personal income.

Marx termed the tools, land, factories, and money for investment that form the economic basis of a society the __________. Trappings of the bourgeoisie

Barbara was born female, which refers to her __________; she acts very feminine, which refers to her __________.

Explain how industrialization and urbanization motivated the emergence of sociology, the systematic study of society.

Sociologists conducting research may formulate a(n) __________, which is a statement of the relationship between two or more variables.

Sociologist Robert K. Merton stated that in order for social institutions and other social units to be considered functional, their functions must be intended and recognized by all participants.

Based on British social theorist Herbert Spencer's theory, __________ is the belief that those species of animals, including human beings, that are the most adapted to their environment will survive and prosper, whereas those that are poorly adapted will eventually die out.

 __________ states that societies develop social structures, or institutions, that persist because they play a part in helping society survive. These institutions include the family, education, government, religion, and the economy.

All sociological theories and theorists may be categorized as functionalist, conflict, or symbolic interactionist.

French philosopher Auguste Comte's philosophy, the belief that the world can best be understood through scientific inquiry, became known as __________,