Classical Sociological Theory: Master the Foundations of Sociology

Question 1

In Marx's theory, what is the primary driving force for social change?

Accepted Answer

Class conflict

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Technological advancement

Answer

Cultural values

Question 2

Weber proposed that the Protestant work ethic was instrumental in the emergence of capitalism. Which statement best explains his reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Protestants prioritized thrift, diligence, and self-discipline, contributing to capital accumulation.

Answer

Protestantism encouraged disengagement from the world, resulting in diminished economic activity.

Answer

Weber believed Protestantism was an outcome of capitalism, not a contributing factor.

Answer

Protestantism fostered a belief in divine right, legitimizing authoritarian rule and hindering economic growth.

Question 3

Which concept is central to Max Weber's theory of bureaucracy?

Accepted Answer

Rational-legal authority

Answer

Charismatic authority

Answer

Traditional authority

Answer

Patriarchy

Question 4

In Karl Marx's theory, which concept is central to his understanding of social class?

Accepted Answer

Division of Labor

Answer

Role of the State

Answer

Influence of Cultural Norms

Question 5

Which of the following, according to Émile Durkheim's functionalist theory of religion, is not a function of religion?

Accepted Answer

Driving economic development

Answer

Fostering social integration

Answer

Exerting social control

Answer

Providing a sense of meaning and purpose

Question 6

According to Weber's theory of social stratification, what primary factor drives social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Economic resources

Answer

Political power

Answer

Cultural values

Answer

Religious beliefs

Question 7

Which common critique of functionalist theories of society highlights their emphasis on?

Accepted Answer

Social order and stability

Answer

Conflict and change

Answer

Individual agency

Answer

Cultural diversity

Question 8

In modern societies, according to Durkheim, which mechanism is crucial for maintaining social solidarity?

Accepted Answer

Organic solidarity

Answer

Mechanical solidarity

Answer

Anomic solidarity

Answer

Coercive solidarity

Question 9

Which of the following is **not** a key concept in Karl Marx's theory of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interaction

Answer

Class consciousness

Answer

Alienation

Answer

Division of labor

Question 10

According to Max Weber, what is the driving force behind social action?

Accepted Answer

Rational choice

Answer

Economic self-interest

Answer

Social norms

Answer

Cultural values

Question 11

What is the primary goal of sociological research?

Accepted Answer

To understand the social world and human behavior.

Answer

To test and verify social theories.

Answer

To provide solutions to social problems.

Answer

To promote social change.

Question 12

What is the significance of the concept of 'reflexivity' in sociological research?

Accepted Answer

It refers to the researcher's awareness of their own biases and assumptions.

Answer

It is a technique for ensuring that research findings are reliable and valid.

Answer

It is a method for engaging with participants in a collaborative manner.

Answer

It is a way of measuring the impact of research on the participants.

Question 13

In Marx's theory, how does alienation manifest in capitalist societies?

Accepted Answer

Workers feel disconnected from their work, its products, and their own potential.

Answer

Individuals' identities are mainly determined by their social class.

Answer

Alienated individuals can find fulfillment through personal growth and education.

Question 14

In Marx's theory of social stratification, which concept emphasizes the conflict between different social classes?

Accepted Answer

Class conflict

Answer

Status inconsistency

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Group affiliation

Question 15

Durkheim's concept of 'solidarity' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The degree of unity and shared values among members of a society

Answer

The feeling of isolation and alienation experienced by individuals in modern society

Answer

The process by which societies become more complex and differentiated

Answer

The system of beliefs and rituals that bind a society together

Question 16

Weber identified 'traditional authority' as a type of authority based on:

Accepted Answer

Established customs and traditions

Answer

Rational-legal principles

Answer

Exceptional personal qualities

Answer

Bureaucratic structures

Question 17

According to Durkheim, religion primarily serves the function of:

Accepted Answer

Maintaining social cohesion and solidarity

Answer

Promoting rapid social change and innovation

Answer

Regulating individual behavior and morality

Answer

Providing comfort and spiritual fulfillment

Question 18

Marx's concept of 'immiseration' refers to the process of:

Accepted Answer

Growing poverty and destitution among the working class

Answer

Accumulation of wealth by the capitalist class

Answer

Increased exploitation of workers

Answer

Technological advancements leading to job displacement

Question 19

Weber distinguished between traditional and charismatic authority primarily based on their:

Accepted Answer

Source of legitimacy

Answer

Scope of power

Answer

Duration of rule

Answer

Nature of followers

Question 20

Durkheim's concept of 'anomie' describes a state of:

Accepted Answer

Normlessness and social disorganization

Answer

Excessive social control and conformity

Answer

Rapid social change and modernization

Answer

Heightened levels of social integration and solidarity

Question 21

Durkheim argued that social solidarity is maintained through shared values and beliefs. Which term did he use to describe this?

Accepted Answer

Collective conscience

Answer

Social contract

Answer

Socialization

Answer

Gemeinschaft

Question 22

Who developed the method of verstehen, or empathetic understanding, as a way to gain insight into the subjective experiences of individuals and groups?

Accepted Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Émile Durkheim

Answer

George Herbert Mead

Question 23

According to Marx's theory of social conflict, what is the primary source of tension and inequality in society?

Accepted Answer

Economic resources and the class struggle

Answer

Religious beliefs and practices

Answer

Cultural differences and values

Answer

Political ideologies and power dynamics

Question 24

Which concept is central to Weber's theory of social stratification and refers to an individual's social standing based on factors such as wealth, prestige, and power?

Accepted Answer

Status

Answer

Class

Answer

Occupation

Answer

Party

Question 25

According to Durkheim, which type of suicide is caused by a lack of social regulation and a sense of normlessness?

Accepted Answer

Anomic suicide

Answer

Fatalistic suicide

Answer

Altruistic suicide

Answer

Egoistic suicide

Question 26

Weber argued that the Protestant work ethic, characterized by values such as thrift, hard work, and discipline, played a significant role in the development of which economic system?

Accepted Answer

Capitalism

Answer

Socialism

Answer

Communism

Answer

Feudalism

Question 27

Which classical sociological theorist emphasized the role of human agency, social interaction, and the development of the self through social experiences?

Accepted Answer

George Herbert Mead

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Émile Durkheim

Answer

Karl Marx

Question 28

According to Marx, the bourgeoisie, or capitalist class, is defined by their relationship to the means of production. What is this relationship?

Accepted Answer

Ownership and control

Answer

Producing the most goods

Answer

Controlling the government

Answer

Selling their labor for wages

Question 29

Weber identified three types of legitimate authority. Which type is based on tradition and custom?

Accepted Answer

Traditional authority

Answer

Legal-rational authority

Answer

Bureaucratic authority

Answer

Charismatic authority