Contemporary Sociological Theory: Explore Modern Social Thought

Question 1

According to Anthony Giddens' theory of structuration, what is the fundamental concept?

Accepted Answer

Duality of Structure

Answer

Social Reproduction

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Question 2

Which of the following is a key concept in Talcott Parsons' theory of social action that emphasizes the need for shared values and norms to maintain social order and stability?

Accepted Answer

Value consensus

Answer

Socialization

Answer

Social structure

Answer

Social mobility

Question 3

According to Robert Merton's strain theory, what is a deviant?

Accepted Answer

Someone who violates social norms due to a disjuncture between culturally defined goals and the legitimate means of achieving them

Answer

Someone who conforms to social norms

Answer

Someone who creates new social norms

Answer

Someone who is born with a genetic predisposition to deviance

Question 4

Which of the following is a critique of Anthony Giddens' theory of structuration that highlights the need to consider the influence of broader social structures and institutions on individual agency?

Accepted Answer

It overemphasizes the role of agency

Answer

It is too deterministic

Answer

It does not account for the role of culture

Answer

It is difficult to apply empirically

Question 5

How has globalization influenced contemporary sociological theory by broadening the scope of sociological inquiry?

Accepted Answer

Increased the need for cross-cultural studies and comparative analysis

Answer

Diminished the importance of social class as a factor in social stratification

Answer

Made theories more deterministic and less flexible

Answer

Reduced the focus on agency and individual choice

Question 6

Which of the following is a key concept in feminist sociological theory that emphasizes the systemic oppression of women in patriarchal societies?

Accepted Answer

Patriarchy

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Social mobility

Question 7

How has postmodernism influenced contemporary sociological theory by challenging traditional notions of truth and objectivity?

Accepted Answer

Emphasized the role of discourse and language in shaping social reality

Answer

Increased the focus on objective reality and scientific methods

Answer

Made theories more deterministic and less open to interpretation

Answer

Reduced the importance of empirical research and qualitative methods

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of a contemporary sociological theory that focuses on the role of social networks and cultural capital in shaping opportunities and life outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Bourdieu's theory of social capital

Answer

Giddens' theory of structuration

Answer

Parsons' theory of social action

Answer

Merton's strain theory

Question 9

How can contemporary sociological theory contribute to understanding the causes and consequences of climate change by analyzing social factors?

Accepted Answer

By analyzing the social factors that contribute to climate change, such as consumption patterns and energy production

Answer

By predicting future environmental impacts with certainty

Answer

By providing definitive solutions to climate change

Answer

By ignoring climate change as a social issue

Question 10

Which of the following is a challenge facing contemporary sociological theory due to the rapidly changing nature of social phenomena?

Accepted Answer

Keeping up with the diversity and complexity of social phenomena

Answer

The lack of interdisciplinary collaboration with other social sciences

Answer

Insufficient funding for sociological research

Answer

A decline in public interest in sociological research

Question 11

According to symbolic interactionism, individuals construct their social reality through:

Accepted Answer

Social interactions and shared meanings

Answer

Material conditions and economic factors

Answer

Cognitive processes and individual perceptions

Answer

Biological instincts and genetic predispositions

Question 12

Critical realism in social research involves:

Accepted Answer

Recognizing the interplay of social structures and human agency

Answer

Prioritizing quantitative data over qualitative data

Answer

Assuming an objective and knowable social reality

Answer

Relying exclusively on unstructured interviews

Question 13

Which concept is absent from Talcott Parsons' theory of social action?

Accepted Answer

Emotionality

Answer

Rationality

Answer

Normativity

Answer

Voluntarism

Question 14

Which concept is not a core principle of Talcott Parsons' theory of social action?

Accepted Answer

Individual autonomy

Answer

Social structure

Answer

Cultural norms

Question 15

Which of the following is a fundamental principle of Talcott Parsons' theory of social action?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Social exchange

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 16

According to Robert Merton's anomie theory, deviance arises from:

Accepted Answer

Strain theory

Answer

Inherent social norms

Answer

Labeling theory

Answer

Differential association

Question 17

A key feature of Anthony Giddens' theory of structuration is the:

Accepted Answer

Reciprocal relationship between structure and agency

Answer

Emphasis on micro-level interactions

Answer

Focus on social conflict

Answer

Deterministic view of human behavior

Question 18

Which sociological perspective prioritizes the analysis of power and inequality in shaping social structures?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Positivism

Question 19

Which theory posits that crime is a rational choice made by individuals after weighing potential costs and benefits?

Accepted Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Social control theory

Answer

Routine activity theory

Answer

Broken windows theory

Question 20

The study of how language and symbols influence social interactions is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Phenomenology

Answer

Ethnomethodology

Answer

Conversation analysis

Question 21

The term 'habitus' is associated with the work of Pierre Bourdieu and refers to:

Accepted Answer

Unconscious dispositions

Answer

Social institutions

Answer

Cultural norms

Answer

Cognitive schemas

Question 22

Which type of inequality focuses on disparities in access to resources and opportunities based on gender?

Accepted Answer

Gender inequality

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Social inequality

Answer

Racial inequality

Question 23

Which of the following is a core concept in Talcott Parsons' structural functionalism?

Accepted Answer

Social system

Answer

Social action

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social conflict

Question 24

According to Anthony Giddens' structuration theory, agency and structure are:

Accepted Answer

Dependent and mutually reinforcing.

Answer

Independent and mutually exclusive.

Answer

Interdependent but constantly in conflict.

Answer

Unrelated and irrelevant to each other.

Question 25

Which of the following is a key argument of postmodern sociologists?

Accepted Answer

Language and discourse shape our social experiences.

Answer

Reason and science are the only sources of valid knowledge.

Answer

Truth and reality are objective and universal.

Answer

Social progress is inevitable and linear.

Question 26

Which of the following best describes the role of reflexivity in contemporary sociological research?

Accepted Answer

Researchers should acknowledge their own biases and positionality in the research process.

Answer

Researchers should remain detached and objective from their research subjects.

Answer

Researchers should prioritize quantitative data over qualitative data.

Answer

Researchers should aim to produce research findings that are applicable to all social contexts.

Question 27

In Talcott Parsons' theory of social action, which concept refers to the socially expected behaviors and responsibilities of individuals?

Accepted Answer

Social roles

Answer

Social class

Answer

Social conflict

Answer

Social mobility

Question 28

Which concept is central to Anthony Giddens' theory of structuration?

Accepted Answer

Duality of structure

Answer

Symbolic interaction

Answer

Social reproduction

Answer

Social stratification

Question 29

According to Robert Merton, which form of deviant behavior occurs when individuals accept societal goals but reject socially approved means to achieve them?

Accepted Answer

Innovation

Answer

Conformity

Answer

Ritualism

Answer

Retreatism

Question 30

In Karl Marx's conflict theory, which factor is seen as the primary driver of social transformation?

Accepted Answer

Economic relations and class struggles

Answer

Cultural values and norms

Answer

Demographic changes and population shifts

Answer

Technological advancements and scientific discoveries

Question 31

Zygmunt Bauman argues that in postmodern societies, relationships are characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Greater fragility and impermanence

Answer

Increased stability and commitment

Answer

Enhanced emotional depth and intimacy

Answer

Stronger emphasis on traditional values and norms

Question 32

Pierre Bourdieu's concept of 'habitus' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The internalized dispositions and practices that shape individuals' behavior

Answer

The external social structures that constrain individual choices

Answer

The unconscious beliefs and values that guide human actions

Answer

The cultural capital that individuals acquire through education and socialization

Question 33

Which feminist theorist emphasizes the economic dimension of women's oppression and the need for a transformative economic system?

Accepted Answer

Nancy Fraser

Answer

Simone de Beauvoir

Answer

Betty Friedan

Answer

Judith Butler

Question 34

Sociological theories can be effectively applied to analyze real-world social issues by:

Accepted Answer

Providing analytical frameworks to interpret social phenomena

Answer

Offering ready-made solutions to complex social problems

Answer

Predicting future events with certainty

Answer

Justifying the status quo and existing social arrangements

Question 35

Which of Robert Merton's concepts describes the discrepancy between cultural goals and the legitimate means to achieve them?

Accepted Answer

Anomie

Answer

Deviance

Answer

Socialization

Answer

Social mobility

Question 36

In Anthony Giddens' theory of structuration, which characteristic is attributed to social structure?

Accepted Answer

Re-created and modified through human practices

Answer

Exogenous and immutable

Answer

Influential on individual behavior only

Answer

External and beyond human agency

Question 37

Which concept is NOT central to the sociological perspective known as symbolic interactionism?

Accepted Answer

Objective and measurable social reality

Answer

Social construction of meaning

Answer

Shared cultural norms

Answer

Interpretation of symbols and gestures

Question 38

Which sociological theory places emphasis on the role of conflict, competition, and power struggles in society?

Accepted Answer

Marxist conflict theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 39

Which research method is most appropriate for investigating the subjective experiences and interpretations of individuals in a social setting?

Accepted Answer

Participant observation (ethnography)

Answer

Quantitative survey

Answer

Controlled experiment

Answer

Secondary data analysis

Question 40

Which of the following is NOT considered a recognized subfield within the discipline of sociology?

Accepted Answer

Economics

Answer

Criminology

Answer

Industrial sociology

Answer

Sociolinguistics

Question 41

In Talcott Parsons' theory of social action, the concept of 'social order' refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Maintenance of stability and equilibrium within society

Answer

Process of social change and transformation

Answer

Conflict and competition between different social groups

Answer

Hierarchy of social status and inequality

Question 42

According to Robert Merton's strain theory, which response do individuals adopt when they cannot achieve socially approved goals through legitimate means?

Accepted Answer

Innovation and alternative goal-seeking strategies

Answer

Conformity and passive acceptance

Answer

Ritualism and strict adherence to social norms

Answer

Retreatism and withdrawal from society

Question 43

Anthony Giddens' structuration theory emphasizes the:

Accepted Answer

Mutual interdependence of social structure and individual agency

Answer

Primacy of social structure over individual actions

Answer

Importance of social conflict and change

Answer

Focus on the influence of culture and ideology

Question 44

In contrast to classical sociological theory, contemporary sociological theory typically places more emphasis on:

Accepted Answer

Micro-level interactions and individual agency

Answer

Macro-level structures and social determinism

Answer

Historical analysis and the role of institutions

Answer

The influence of biological factors on social behavior

Question 45

Which of the following is a key concept in Talcott Parsons' theory of social action?

Accepted Answer

Understanding society as a system of interdependent parts

Answer

Interpretive understanding

Answer

Socialization and internalization of cultural values

Answer

Emphasis on the role of subjective meanings and interactions

Question 46

According to Robert Merton, which of the following is a source of anomie?

Accepted Answer

High cultural goals and limited legitimate means to achieve them

Answer

Weak cultural goals and strong institutionalized means

Answer

Strong cultural goals and strong institutionalized means

Answer

Low cultural goals and weak institutionalized means

Question 47

Which of the following is a characteristic of Anthony Giddens' structuration theory?

Accepted Answer

The idea that social structures and human agency are mutually constitutive, shaping each other

Answer

Human agency as a key factor in shaping social structures

Answer

A focus on large-scale social institutions and their impact on individuals

Answer

A rejection of the role of agency in social change

Question 48

According to Robert Merton, which of the following is a type of deviant behavior that involves accepting cultural goals but rejecting the legitimate means to achieve them?

Accepted Answer

Innovation

Answer

Conformity

Answer

Ritualism

Answer

Retreatism

Question 49

Which of the following is a key concept in Anthony Giddens' theory of modernity?

Accepted Answer

Disembedding: the separation of social relations from local contexts

Answer

Social stratification and its impact on inequality

Answer

Economic inequality and its consequences for social order

Answer

Political participation and its role in shaping social change

Question 50

Which of the following is a method commonly used in qualitative sociological research to gather in-depth information from participants?

Accepted Answer

Interviews, allowing researchers to directly engage with individuals

Answer

Questionnaires, providing structured data from a larger sample

Answer

Content analysis, examining written or visual materials for patterns and meanings

Answer

Statistical analysis, using numerical data to identify trends and relationships

Question 51

According to Anthony Giddens, the relationship between structure and agency in social life is:

Accepted Answer

Structure and agency are mutually constitutive, with each influencing and shaping the other

Answer

Structure strictly determines agency, leaving individuals with no choice

Answer

Agency completely overrides structure, allowing individuals to shape their own realities

Answer

Structure and agency are independent forces, operating separately in social life

Question 52

Which sociological perspective emphasizes the role of individuals in constructing their own reality through social interaction?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict Theory