Culture and Society: Explore the Impact of Culture on Human Behavior

Question 1

How do cultural norms influence the organization and functioning of social institutions? Analyze their impact on either the family or the education system.

Accepted Answer

Cultural norms provide shared values and beliefs that guide behavior within social institutions.

Answer

Cultural norms have no effect on social institutions.

Answer

Cultural norms only affect individuals' behavior, not the structure or functioning of social institutions.

Answer

Cultural norms are irrelevant to social institutions, which are shaped by economic and political factors.

Question 2

How does culture influence social change? Discuss the ways in which cultural values and beliefs can both drive and hinder societal transformations.

Accepted Answer

Culture can both promote and obstruct social change, depending on its values and beliefs.

Answer

Culture is a fixed force that prevents social change.

Answer

Culture has no impact on social change, which is solely driven by economic and technological factors.

Question 3

What is a defining characteristic of culture?

Accepted Answer

It is passed down through generations.

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It remains unchanged over time.

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It is exclusive to developed societies.

Answer

It has no impact on human behavior.

Question 4

How does culture influence our thinking and perception?

Accepted Answer

Culture provides a framework that shapes how we understand the world.

Answer

Culture has no impact on our cognition and perception.

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Culture completely controls our cognition and perception.

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Culture and cognition and perception are unrelated.

Question 5

What is cultural relativism? Provide an example to explain how it works.

Accepted Answer

Understanding that different cultures have their own unique values and beliefs that should be respected in their own context.

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Believing that one's own culture is better than others.

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Believing that all cultures are the same.

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Thinking that culture never changes.

Question 6

Explore the dynamic relationship between culture and social change. How does culture both drive and resist change?

Accepted Answer

Culture drives change by shaping values, norms, and beliefs that influence behaviors and attitudes.

Accepted Answer

Culture resists change by providing stability and reinforcing existing values and norms.

Answer

Culture passively adapts to change without influencing its direction.

Answer

Culture and social change are independent forces with no significant interaction.

Question 7

In sociology, culture is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

A shared system of beliefs, values, and practices that shape a group's behavior

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The unique lifestyle of a particular society

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The totality of learned behaviors and customs within a society

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The collection of material objects and artifacts produced by a society

Question 8

How do socialization and social institutions contribute to the development of cultural identity?

Accepted Answer

Socialization within institutions like family, school, and media plays a crucial role in shaping cultural identity.

Answer

Cultural identity is primarily determined by genetics.

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Socialization has no impact on cultural identity formation.

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Cultural identity is fixed and does not change over time.

Question 9

How does education contribute to the preservation and transmission of cultural values and beliefs?

Accepted Answer

Education plays a crucial role in reinforcing and perpetuating established cultural values and beliefs, contributing to cultural continuity.

Answer

Education is a neutral space for learning objective facts, unaffected by cultural influences.

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Education mainly focuses on passing down cultural heritage, without actively shaping or altering cultural norms.

Answer

Education solely emphasizes critical thinking, encouraging students to question and challenge cultural norms and beliefs.

Question 10

In cross-cultural research, what is a crucial ethical consideration regarding cultural sensitivity?

Accepted Answer

Respecting the values, beliefs, and practices of the culture being studied.

Answer

Obtaining informed consent from participants.

Answer

Protecting participants' privacy and anonymity.

Question 11

How does cultural capital contribute to social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Cultural capital provides advantages in education, employment, and social networks, enhancing social mobility.

Answer

Cultural capital directly translates into higher income and wealth, leading to social mobility.

Answer

Cultural capital hinders social mobility by discouraging disadvantaged groups from pursuing higher education and careers.

Answer

Cultural capital has minimal impact on social mobility, as social class is primarily determined by economic factors.

Question 12

Define cultural hegemony and explain how it contributes to the formation and maintenance of social hierarchies.

Accepted Answer

Cultural hegemony involves the spread of dominant cultural values and norms through institutions like media, education, and family, shaping individuals' beliefs and behaviors.

Answer

Cultural hegemony refers to the dominance of one culture over others through force and coercion.

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Cultural hegemony has no significant impact on social hierarchies and power dynamics.

Answer

Cultural hegemony is a temporary phenomenon that diminishes as societies become more diverse.

Question 13

How do cultural norms and values shape the socialization process?

Accepted Answer

They guide behavior, set expectations, and create a sense of belonging.

Answer

They have no impact.

Answer

They only influence socialization during early childhood.

Answer

They don't influence identity formation.

Question 14

Evaluate the ethical implications of cultural appropriation, considering its impact on cultural identity, authenticity, and respect for diverse cultures.

Accepted Answer

Cultural appropriation undermines cultural identity, authenticity, and respect for diverse cultures.

Answer

Cultural appropriation is often justified as a means of cultural appreciation.

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Cultural appropriation is only problematic if it results in financial gain for the appropriator.

Answer

Cultural appropriation can contribute to cultural diversity and understanding.

Question 15

What is ethnocentrism and how can it hinder cross-cultural communication?

Accepted Answer

Ethnocentrism is the belief that one's own culture is superior, leading to prejudice and biases towards other cultures.

Answer

Ethnocentrism is a neutral concept that simply acknowledges cultural differences.

Answer

Ethnocentrism can help cross-cultural communication by providing a shared understanding.

Answer

Ethnocentrism has no impact on cross-cultural communication.

Question 16

What is a limitation of quantitative research methods in cultural studies?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative methods can be difficult to generalize to a wider population.

Answer

Quantitative methods are not suitable for studying cultural phenomena.

Answer

Quantitative methods are always more time-consuming and expensive to conduct than qualitative methods.

Answer

The findings from quantitative research methods are always difficult to interpret.

Question 17

To ensure cultural sensitivity and minimize bias, researchers can employ two strategies based on the principle of cultural relativism. Describe these strategies.

Accepted Answer

Immerse themselves in the culture and consult local experts.

Accepted Answer

Refrain from judgments and avoid imposing external values.

Answer

Rely solely on quantitative data.

Answer

Apply a universal set of ethical guidelines.

Question 18

According to Talcott Parsons, what is the primary function of culture?

Accepted Answer

To maintain social order

Answer

To provide individuals with a sense of purpose

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To facilitate communication

Answer

To regulate behavior

Question 19

Which of the following is a key feature of postmodern culture?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on fragmentation

Answer

Emphasis on tradition

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Belief in progress

Answer

Stability

Question 20

How does culture influence the way we perceive the world?

Accepted Answer

It provides us with a framework through which we interpret reality.

Answer

It determines our every thought and action.

Answer

It has no impact on our perception of the world.

Answer

It is only relevant to non-Western societies.

Question 21

What is the difference between material and non-material culture?

Accepted Answer

Physical objects (material) and ideas, beliefs, and values (non-material)

Answer

Ideas, beliefs, and values (material) and physical objects (non-material)

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Material and non-material culture are interchangeable terms.

Answer

There is no such thing as non-material culture.

Question 22

How can we promote cultural understanding and tolerance?

Accepted Answer

Education and exposure to different cultures

Answer

Suppressing minority cultures

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Isolating and stigmatizing certain groups

Answer

There is no way to promote cultural understanding and tolerance.

Question 23

Which of the following is **not** considered a core component of culture?

Accepted Answer

Social media

Answer

Values

Answer

Beliefs

Answer

Norms

Question 24

How do values primarily influence our actions?

Accepted Answer

They provide us with moral guidelines for right and wrong.

Answer

They determine our long-term goals and aspirations.

Answer

They shape our immediate perceptions and reactions.

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They impact our relationships with others.

Question 25

Which of the following best exemplifies a cultural norm?

Accepted Answer

Saying 'thank you' when someone holds the door open.

Answer

Wearing a formal suit to a job interview.

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Believing in the importance of education.

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Celebrating New Year's Eve with fireworks.

Question 26

How has globalization impacted the world's cultures?

Accepted Answer

It has both increased cultural diversity and led to homogenization.

Answer

It has increased cultural diversity by connecting people from different backgrounds.

Answer

It has spread Western culture to all corners of the globe.

Answer

It has led to the homogenization of cultures, making them more similar to each other.

Question 27

According to functionalist theory, a primary function of culture in society is to:

Accepted Answer

Maintain social stability

Answer

Foster individual creativity

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Challenge societal norms

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Promote rapid social change

Question 28

Which of the following accurately describes a subculture?

Accepted Answer

A group with distinct values, beliefs, and norms

Answer

A group that completely isolates itself from the dominant culture

Answer

A group that actively opposes the values of the dominant culture

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A group whose members share only a single common interest

Question 29

Symbolic interactionism views culture as primarily:

Accepted Answer

Learned through social interactions

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Innate and unchanging

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Imposed on individuals by society

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Created by isolated individuals

Question 30

Education and specialized knowledge are considered key elements of:

Accepted Answer

Cultural capital

Answer

Financial capital

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Social capital

Answer

Human capital

Question 31

The process by which individuals adjust to a new culture is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Acculturation

Answer

Assimilation

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Integration

Answer

Marginalization

Question 32

Which sociological theory places the most emphasis on the role of conflict and power struggles in the development and maintenance of culture?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 33

Which of the following is a fundamental component of a culture?

Accepted Answer

Values

Answer

Technology

Answer

Geographical location

Answer

Genetic makeup

Question 34

According to the functionalist view, the primary function of culture is to:

Accepted Answer

Maintain social cohesion and stability

Answer

Promote creativity and self-expression

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Facilitate economic advancement

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Challenge established norms and values

Question 35

The process of transmitting culture from one generation to the next is called:

Accepted Answer

Socialization

Answer

Indoctrination

Answer

Assimilation

Answer

Acculturation

Question 36

The concept of cultural hegemony refers to:

Accepted Answer

The dominance of one culture over others within a society

Answer

The resistance to cultural change

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The spread of culture through globalization

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The coexistence of multiple cultures in a society

Question 37

According to conflict theory, culture is primarily used by dominant groups to:

Accepted Answer

Maintain their power and privilege

Answer

Promote social cohesion

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Foster economic growth

Answer

Preserve traditional values

Question 38

The process of adjusting and adapting to a new culture is known as:

Accepted Answer

Acculturation

Answer

Assimilation

Answer

Integration

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Socialization

Question 39

Which of the following is a core principle of cultural relativism?

Accepted Answer

All cultures have their own unique and valuable perspectives.

Answer

Cultures should be judged by universal standards.

Answer

Cultural practices should be strictly adhered to.

Answer

Different cultures are inherently superior or inferior to one another.

Question 40

According to Émile Durkheim, what is the primary purpose of social norms?

Accepted Answer

To maintain social order and cohesion.

Answer

To encourage individual freedom and autonomy.

Answer

To prevent social change and innovation.

Answer

To promote competition and conflict between groups.

Question 41

What is the central concept in the process of socialization?

Accepted Answer

Learning and internalizing the norms and values of society.

Answer

Developing a unique and independent personality.

Answer

Acquiring knowledge and skills through formal education.

Answer

Adjusting to the demands of social groups.

Question 42

According to Pierre Bourdieu, what is the definition of cultural capital?

Accepted Answer

The accumulated knowledge and skills acquired through education and experience.

Answer

The financial resources and material possessions owned by individuals.

Answer

The innate abilities and talents people are born with.

Answer

The social networks and connections people have.

Question 43

What is the concept of cultural hegemony?

Accepted Answer

The dominance of one culture over others through power and influence.

Answer

The spread of cultural ideas and values through voluntary adoption.

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The resistance of a culture to change and modernization.

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The decline and disappearance of a cultural group.

Question 44

How do cultural institutions, such as museums and libraries, contribute to the preservation and promotion of cultural diversity?

Accepted Answer

By showcasing cultural artifacts and histories from various cultures

Accepted Answer

By promoting cultural exchange and dialogue

Answer

By imposing a single, dominant cultural narrative

Question 45

How do cultural norms influence the distribution of resources and opportunities within a society, and how does this impact social stratification and equality?

Accepted Answer

Cultural norms shape societal values, beliefs, and behaviors that influence resource distribution and opportunities, often leading to social stratification.

Answer

Cultural norms have no impact on resource distribution or social stratification.

Answer

Cultural norms always promote equality by ensuring fair access to resources and opportunities for all.

Question 46

The theory of cultural relativism emphasizes the significance of:

Accepted Answer

Understanding cultures within their specific contexts

Answer

Judging other cultures based on one's own standards

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Avoiding bias in cultural comparisons

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Focusing solely on cultural similarities

Question 47

Which process plays a central role in transmitting culture across generations?

Accepted Answer

Socialization

Answer

Diffusion

Answer

Assimilation

Answer

Acculturation

Question 48

The process of cultural change that involves the interaction and mutual influence of two distinct cultures is known as:

Accepted Answer

Acculturation

Answer

Assimilation

Answer

Amalgamation

Answer

Diffusion

Question 49

The concept of cultural hegemony, introduced by Antonio Gramsci, refers to:

Accepted Answer

The dominance of one culture over others within a society

Answer

The spread of a culture through the process of globalization

Answer

The influence of mass media on the formation of cultural beliefs and values

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The emergence of a singular, globalized culture

Question 50

Identify the example of a subculture:

Accepted Answer

Teenager culture

Answer

Religious culture

Answer

National culture

Answer

Ethnic culture

Question 51

In sociology, what key concept refers to the shared beliefs, values, and practices that shape a group's identity?

Accepted Answer

Culture

Answer

Structure

Answer

Socialization

Answer

Deviance

Question 52

Which of the following is not a primary function of culture?

Accepted Answer

Creating economic wealth

Answer

Providing a sense of identity

Answer

Facilitating communication

Answer

Promoting conformity

Question 53

According to the symbolic interactionist perspective, how do individuals make sense of the social world?

Accepted Answer

Through interpretation of symbols and interactions

Answer

Through direct observation

Answer

Through biological instincts

Answer

Through socialization

Question 54

Identify an example of a cultural value in the United Kingdom.

Accepted Answer

Individualism

Answer

Collectivism

Answer

Fatalism

Answer

Machismo

Question 55

Which of the following is not a key influence on human behavior and social interactions according to the unit description?

Accepted Answer

Genetics

Answer

Values

Answer

Norms

Answer

Culture

Question 56

What is the term used to describe the shared beliefs, values, and practices that define a group of people?

Accepted Answer

Culture

Answer

Society

Answer

Community

Answer

Ethnicity

Question 57

What is the term used to describe the unwritten rules that govern how people behave in a particular society?

Accepted Answer

Norms

Answer

Values

Answer

Laws

Answer

Customs

Question 58

What is the term used to describe the process by which individuals change from one culture to another?

Accepted Answer

Acculturation

Answer

Socialization

Answer

Enculturation

Answer

Assimilation

Question 59

According to cultural anthropologist Clifford Geertz, what is the essence of culture?

Accepted Answer

A system of symbols and meanings that humans use to interpret and make sense of their world.

Answer

A set of beliefs, values, and norms that guide human behavior.

Answer

A collection of artifacts, tools, and technologies that shape human existence.

Answer

A product of biological evolution and environmental adaptation.

Question 60

Which of the following is **NOT** a factor that can influence cultural change and transformation?

Accepted Answer

Deeply rooted traditions and cultural inertia

Answer

Technological advancements and innovations

Answer

Economic shifts and globalization processes

Answer

Contact and interaction with diverse cultures

Question 61

What is cultural hegemony, and how can its influence be resisted?

Accepted Answer

Cultural hegemony is a form of control based on consent rather than coercion.

Accepted Answer

Resistance to cultural hegemony involves challenging dominant group beliefs and promoting alternative perspectives.

Answer

Cultural hegemony is the dominant group imposing its beliefs and values on subordinate groups through direct force.

Answer

Cultural hegemony is inherently beneficial for society, fostering unity and shared values.

Question 62

Which of the following best exemplifies a social norm?

Accepted Answer

Polite behavior includes expressing gratitude.

Answer

Murder is immoral.

Answer

The sky has a blue hue.

Answer

Paris serves as France's capital city.

Question 63

According to symbolic interactionist theory, the meaning of symbols is:

Accepted Answer

Negotiated and constructed socially.

Answer

Inherent and universally understood.

Answer

Determined solely by individual experiences.

Answer

Fixed and unalterable.

Question 64

Which of the following illustrates the concept of cultural lag?

Accepted Answer

Traditional values persisting despite social changes.

Answer

Rapid technological advancements outpacing societal norms.

Answer

New cultural forms emerging.

Answer

Decline of established institutions.