Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology: A Comprehensive Guide for Advanced Diploma in Public Services

Question 1

A group of sociologists argue that society is characterized by ongoing struggles for power and resources. This perspective is known as:

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 2

The functionalist perspective views society as:

Accepted Answer

A system in equilibrium

Answer

A battleground of competing interests

Answer

An arena where social actors construct and negotiate meanings

Question 3

Which concept in conflict theory refers to the idea that the powerful use their position to maintain their privileged status?

Accepted Answer

Hegemony

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Ideology

Question 4

Which of the following is a key principle of functionalism?

Accepted Answer

Social stability is maintained through consensus and shared values.

Answer

Society is characterized by conflict and competition for resources.

Answer

Individuals create meaning and reality through social interactions.

Question 5

According to conflict theory, which social class typically possesses the most power and resources?

Accepted Answer

The ruling class

Answer

The middle class

Answer

The working class

Question 6

Which sociological perspective focuses on the subjective meanings that individuals attach to their social world?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 7

Who is considered the founder of functionalism?

Accepted Answer

Emile Durkheim

Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Max Weber

Question 8

How does functionalism view social institutions such as the family?

Accepted Answer

As essential for maintaining social order and fulfilling basic needs.

Answer

As sources of conflict and oppression.

Answer

As irrelevant to the functioning of society.

Question 9

Which perspective focuses on the interaction between individuals at the micro-level to understand social phenomena?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 10

According to conflict theory, what is the primary cause of social change?

Accepted Answer

Power struggles between social groups

Answer

Consensus and cooperation

Answer

Technological advancements

Question 11

Which perspective views society as a complex system of interconnected elements?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 12

How does symbolic interactionism explain the development of the self?

Accepted Answer

Through social interactions and the internalization of cultural norms.

Answer

Through biological and genetic factors.

Answer

Through the influence of social class.

Question 13

Which of the following is a fundamental concept in functionalist theory?

Accepted Answer

Society is a system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain balance and stability

Answer

Social change is driven by conflict between different social groups

Answer

Individuals construct their own unique interpretations of the world

Answer

Social order is based on consensus and shared values

Question 14

According to conflict theory, what is the primary source of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Competition for scarce resources such as wealth and power

Answer

Differences in ideology and beliefs

Answer

Lack of access to education and opportunities

Answer

Psychological factors such as personality traits

Question 15

Symbolic interactionism emphasizes the importance of:

Accepted Answer

Individual agency, interpretation, and meaning-making

Answer

Social structures and institutional constraints

Answer

Economic factors and class divisions

Answer

Biological and psychological influences

Question 16

Conflict theory suggests that which social group typically holds the most power in society?

Accepted Answer

The ruling class

Answer

The working class

Answer

The middle class

Answer

The elderly

Question 17

Symbolic interactionism views society as:

Accepted Answer

A dynamic and ever-evolving process shaped by human interaction

Answer

A static and unchanging entity

Answer

A complex system of rules and norms

Answer

A product of biological and environmental factors

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of a macro-level sociological perspective?

Accepted Answer

Examining the impact of economic inequality on a society

Answer

Studying the interactions between individuals in a small group setting

Answer

Observing the behavior of a child within a family

Answer

Analyzing the socialization process of adolescents

Question 19

Which of the following is a key assumption of symbolic interactionism?

Accepted Answer

Social reality is constructed through human interaction and communication

Answer

Society is a system of objective structures that shape individual behavior

Answer

Social conflict is the primary driving force of social change

Answer

Individuals are rational actors who make choices based on self-interest

Question 20

According to functionalist theory, the family primarily performs which function?

Accepted Answer

Reproduction and socialization of children

Answer

Economic production and consumption

Answer

Political power and control

Answer

Education and training

Question 21

Which of the following is a characteristic of conflict theory?

Accepted Answer

Focus on social inequality, exploitation, and power dynamics

Answer

Belief that social change occurs gradually through consensus

Answer

Emphasis on the importance of shared values and norms

Answer

View of society as a harmonious and cooperative system

Question 22

What is a key assumption of functionalism in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Society is a complex system with interconnected parts that work together to maintain stability.

Answer

Social conflict is the primary driver of social change.

Answer

Individuals shape their social reality through interactions.

Question 23

Which sociologist is widely considered the father of conflict theory?

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Emile Durkheim

Answer

George Herbert Mead

Answer

Max Weber

Question 24

What is a common criticism of symbolic interactionism?

Accepted Answer

It may overemphasize individual experiences and struggle to generalize findings to wider social contexts.

Answer

It fails to acknowledge the role of external factors in shaping behavior.

Answer

It places excessive emphasis on the influence of social institutions.

Question 25

From a functionalist perspective, what is the main role of the family in society?

Accepted Answer

To socialize children and provide emotional support for its members.

Answer

To drive economic growth and technological innovation.

Answer

To enforce social order and maintain control.

Question 26

What is a central concept within conflict theory?

Accepted Answer

Class struggle, driven by inequalities in power and resources.

Answer

Symbolic interaction, the shared meanings and symbols in communication.

Answer

Social stratification, the hierarchical arrangement of society.

Answer

Socialization, the process of learning social norms and values.

Question 27

How does symbolic interactionism view the relationship between language and thought?

Accepted Answer

Language shapes our thoughts and experiences, and our thoughts are reflected in our language.

Answer

Language is simply a tool for communication, not influencing thought.

Answer

Thought is independent of language and precedes it.

Question 28

What is a strength of the functionalist perspective in sociology?

Accepted Answer

It provides a holistic view of society, examining how different parts contribute to its overall functioning.

Answer

It emphasizes the importance of individual agency and free will.

Answer

It offers highly accurate predictions about future social trends.

Answer

It is easily applicable across different cultures and historical periods.

Question 29

According to conflict theory, how does social change occur?

Accepted Answer

Through the power struggles and tensions between different social groups.

Answer

Through the diffusion of ideas and innovations across societies.

Answer

Through the gradual accumulation of small, incremental changes.

Question 30

What is a limitation of symbolic interactionism as a theoretical perspective?

Accepted Answer

It can be difficult to measure and analyze subjective experiences, which are central to the perspective.

Answer

It ignores the influence of social structures and institutions on individuals.

Answer

It assumes that all individuals are rational actors, making calculated decisions.

Question 31

How do different theoretical perspectives help us understand the role of education in society?

Accepted Answer

They provide distinct lenses through which to analyze the functions, impacts, and inequalities within the education system.

Answer

They offer a single, comprehensive explanation for all aspects of education in society.