Social Change Theories: Explore Key Concepts and Implications for Society

Question 1

In world-systems theory, what is the core concept that defines the world-system?

Accepted Answer

A self-contained, interconnected system encompassing all human activity globally

Answer

A group of nations primarily connected through trade

Answer

A system of global power dynamics dominated by a few powerful nations

Answer

A system that has remained unchanged throughout human history

Question 2

According to dependency theory, what is a defining characteristic of underdeveloped countries?

Accepted Answer

Subordinate position in the global economic system

Answer

High levels of foreign investment

Answer

Rapid technological advancement

Question 3

How does modernization theory perceive social change?

Accepted Answer

As a linear, progressive process from traditional to modern societies

Answer

As a result solely of internal factors within societies

Answer

As a cyclical process of development and decline

Question 4

How does world-systems theory differ from modernization theory?

Accepted Answer

It emphasizes the global interconnectedness of societies

Answer

It focuses exclusively on the political aspects of social change

Answer

It argues that development is possible for all societies

Question 5

Which of the following is a key distinction between modernization theory and world-systems theory?

Accepted Answer

The geographic scope of analysis

Answer

The role of culture in social change

Answer

The emphasis on economic factors

Question 6

A fundamental assumption of modernization theory is that:

Accepted Answer

Social change follows a straightforward and progressive path.

Answer

Traditional societies are intrinsically inferior to modern societies.

Answer

Economic growth inevitably leads to greater social equality.

Answer

Culture has a marginal influence on social transformation.

Question 7

A central concept in dependency theory is:

Accepted Answer

Center-periphery relationships.

Answer

Development of the individual.

Answer

Social constructivism.

Answer

Symbolic interactionism.

Question 8

Which sociologist is primarily associated with modernization theory?

Accepted Answer

Talcott Parsons.

Answer

Karl Marx.

Answer

Frantz Fanon.

Answer

Noam Chomsky.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT an assumption of modernization theory?

Accepted Answer

Traditional societies are defined by advanced technology.

Answer

Social change follows a linear and inevitable process.

Answer

Western societies represent the epitome of social evolution.

Answer

Economic progress leads to social and cultural advancement.

Question 10

According to modernization theory, how does education contribute to social change?

Accepted Answer

Promotes industrialization and economic growth.

Answer

Preserves traditional customs and values.

Answer

Challenges existing social structures.

Answer

Blocks upward social mobility.

Question 11

Which characteristic does NOT apply to the core in world-systems theory?

Accepted Answer

Dependency on peripheral economies.

Answer

Concentrated capital and technology.

Answer

Political and military dominance.

Answer

Extensive industrialization.

Question 12

Which statement best summarizes a central argument of dependency theory?

Accepted Answer

Developing nations heavily rely on developed nations for economic growth.

Answer

Economic growth in developing nations exacerbates poverty.

Answer

Foreign investment consistently benefits developing economies.

Answer

Education is the sole solution to global inequality.

Question 13

According to dependency theory, which factor significantly contributes to the underdevelopment of peripheral societies?

Accepted Answer

Exploitation by economically dominant nations

Answer

Lack of educational opportunities

Answer

Geographic isolation

Answer

Internal political instability

Question 14

Which characteristic is NOT associated with world-systems theory?

Accepted Answer

Linear view of historical progression

Answer

Emphasis on global interconnectedness

Answer

Recognition of the role of capitalism in shaping social change

Answer

Division of the world into core, periphery, and semi-periphery zones

Question 15

Which sociologist is primarily known for his concept of 'social evolution', which views societies as progressing through stages of increasing complexity?

Accepted Answer

Auguste Comte

Answer

Talcott Parsons

Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Max Weber

Question 16

Which term in world-systems theory refers to the group of countries that benefit economically from their central position in the global economic system?

Accepted Answer

Core

Answer

Periphery

Answer

Semi-periphery

Answer

Hinterland

Question 17

Which assumption of modernization theory suggests that industrialization leads to increased social equality and a decline in social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Economic trickle-down effect

Answer

Linear progression

Answer

Technological determinism

Answer

Cultural diffusion

Question 18

Which theory posits that social change results from the ongoing conflict between different segments of society, each with its own interests and values?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Rational choice theory

Question 19

Which potential criticism of dependency theory argues that it overlooks the role of local elites in maintaining and benefiting from dependency relationships?

Accepted Answer

Neglect of local agency

Answer

Oversimplification

Answer

Exaggeration of external influences

Answer

Eurocentrism

Question 20

Which sociological theory emphasizes the central role of industrialization, technological advancements, and economic growth as the primary drivers of social change?

Accepted Answer

Modernization theory

Answer

Dependency theory

Answer

World-systems theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 21

Which theory posits that powerful, developed nations exploit and underdevelop poorer nations, leading to the creation of a global hierarchy and unequal distribution of wealth?

Accepted Answer

Dependency theory

Answer

Modernization theory

Answer

World-systems theory

Answer

Neoclassical theory

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic commonly attributed to modernization theory?

Accepted Answer

Recognition of the significance of social and cultural diversity

Answer

Emphasis on economic growth and industrialization

Answer

Belief in progress and the inevitability of change

Answer

Focus on the role of elites in leading social change

Question 23

Which theory challenges the assumptions and conclusions of modernization theory by arguing that the development of Western societies has occurred at the expense and exploitation of the global South?

Accepted Answer

Dependency theory

Answer

World-systems theory

Answer

Modernization theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 24

Which social change theory emphasizes the role of conflict, power struggles, and inequality in shaping society?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Modernization theory

Answer

Dependency theory

Answer

World-systems theory

Question 25

Which theory suggests that social change occurs through a gradual and orderly process of evolution, with societies progressing through predictable stages of development?

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary theory

Answer

Modernization theory

Answer

Revolution theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 26

Which theory of social change emphasizes that societies progress through stages of development, driven by technological innovation?

Accepted Answer

Modernization Theory

Answer

World-Systems Theory

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Dependency Theory

Question 27

According to dependency theory, which of the following is a defining characteristic of underdeveloped countries?

Accepted Answer

Economic reliance on developed nations

Answer

High levels of technological development

Answer

Strong political institutions

Answer

Advanced healthcare systems

Question 28

Which theory of social change views the world as a hierarchical system divided into core, semi-periphery, and periphery?

Accepted Answer

World-Systems Theory

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Evolutionary Theory

Answer

Rational Choice Theory

Question 29

Which of the following is a critique of modernization theory?

Accepted Answer

It assumes a universal and linear path of progress for all societies.

Answer

It emphasizes the significance of local factors.

Answer

It provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing social change.

Question 30

According to dependency theory, what is considered the primary obstacle to development in developing nations?

Accepted Answer

Exploitation by developed nations

Answer

Political instability

Answer

Shortage of natural resources

Answer

Cultural barriers to change

Question 31

Which core concept of world-systems theory suggests that the global economy is organized into a hierarchy of countries?

Accepted Answer

Core-Periphery Model

Answer

Cognitive Development

Answer

Social Stratification

Question 32

Which theory of social change highlights the importance of individual agency and rational decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Rational Choice Theory

Answer

Marxist Theory

Answer

Structural-Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Question 33

Which of the following is a criticism of world-systems theory?

Accepted Answer

It oversimplifies the complex dynamics of global systems.

Answer

It offers a comprehensive framework for social change analysis.

Answer

It has strong empirical support.

Question 34

According to rational choice theory, individuals make decisions primarily based on:

Accepted Answer

Cost-benefit analysis

Answer

Emotional impulses

Answer

Cultural norms

Answer

Social conformity

Question 35

Which theory of social change emphasizes the role of social conflict, particularly class struggle, as the primary driver of societal transformation?

Accepted Answer

Marxist Theory

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Feminist Theory

Question 36

According to modernization theory, societies progress through a series of stages from traditional to modern. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a traditional society?

Accepted Answer

High levels of education

Answer

Subsistence agriculture

Answer

Strong family ties

Answer

Low levels of industrialization

Question 37

Which prominent theorist argued that social change is primarily driven by conflicts between social classes?

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Auguste Comte

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Emile Durkheim

Question 38

World-systems theory posits that:

Accepted Answer

Global capitalist system perpetuates a hierarchical division among nations.

Answer

Social change progresses in a linear and inevitable manner.

Answer

Traditional societies are inherently inferior to modern societies.

Question 39

Dependency theory attributes the underdevelopment of certain nations primarily to their:

Accepted Answer

Economic reliance on more developed nations.

Answer

Insufficient natural resources.

Answer

Lack of skilled workforce.

Answer

Cultural barriers to progress.

Question 40

World-systems theory operates on the assumption that:

Accepted Answer

The global economy is a finite system with limited resources.

Answer

Social change is determined by internal factors within societies.

Answer

All societies are destined to reach the same level of development.

Answer

The state plays the primary role in driving social change.

Question 41

Which impact is NOT typically associated with globalization?

Accepted Answer

Increased cultural homogeneity within countries.

Answer

Increased spread of technology and ideas.

Answer

Increased economic interconnectedness.

Answer

Increased environmental challenges.

Question 42

A key criticism of functionalist theories of social change is their:

Accepted Answer

Tendency to overlook conflict and social inequality.

Answer

Overly optimistic view of societal progress.

Answer

Deterministic nature.

Answer

Excessive focus on the agency of individuals.

Question 43

Which term refers to the process of spreading cultural traits from one society to another?

Accepted Answer

Diffusion

Answer

Socialization

Answer

Assimilation

Answer

Acculturation