Social Change Theories: Explore the Major Perspectives on Social Transformation

Question 1

Which theory suggests that social change is primarily driven by internal factors within a society, such as technological advancements and population growth?

Accepted Answer

Modernization theory

Answer

Dependency theory

Answer

World-systems theory

Answer

Social movements theory

Question 2

According to dependency theory, the primary cause of underdevelopment in certain countries is:

Accepted Answer

Exploitation by more economically advanced nations.

Answer

Inadequate internal resources and capabilities.

Answer

A lack of access to global markets.

Answer

Cultural resistance to modernization.

Question 3

World-systems theory proposes that the global economic system is structured into distinct regions known as:

Accepted Answer

Core, semi-periphery, and periphery.

Answer

Developed, developing, and underdeveloped.

Answer

First World, Second World, and Third World.

Answer

Capitalist, socialist, and communist.

Question 4

Dependency theory has been applied to explain:

Accepted Answer

The economic stagnation of Latin American countries.

Answer

The rapid economic growth of East Asian nations.

Answer

The disintegration of the Soviet Union.

Answer

The formation of the European Union.

Question 5

World-systems theory offers insights into:

Accepted Answer

The global distribution of wealth and inequality.

Answer

The emergence of social movements.

Answer

The decline of welfare systems.

Answer

The spread of democratic governance.

Question 6

According to symbolic interactionism, what significantly influences social reality?

Accepted Answer

Interpersonal interactions

Answer

Economic structures

Answer

Cultural norms

Answer

Political ideologies

Question 7

Which characteristic is associated with the postmodern condition?

Accepted Answer

Fragmentation and diversity

Answer

Cultural homogenization

Answer

Economic stability

Answer

Technological stagnation

Question 8

To analyze the effects of social media on society, which sociological theory could be applied?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Modernization theory

Answer

Dependency theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 9

Which historical event is credited with triggering the development of modernization theory?

Accepted Answer

The Industrial Revolution

Answer

The French Revolution

Answer

The American Revolution

Answer

World War II

Question 10

How does modernization theory explain social change in developing countries?

Accepted Answer

Through a combination of all the aforementioned factors.

Answer

Through the adoption of Western norms and institutions.

Answer

Through the development of a stable middle class.

Answer

Through the expansion of industrialization and urbanization.

Question 11

Which is a key strength of dependency theory?

Accepted Answer

Explaining the persistence of underdevelopment in certain regions

Answer

Identifying all factors contributing to underdevelopment

Answer

Providing practical solutions for addressing underdevelopment

Answer

Predicting the exact future of underdeveloped regions

Question 12

In world-systems theory, which debate centers on the impact of individual actions versus broader societal structures in driving global inequalities?

Accepted Answer

The debate on the role of individual agency in shaping the dynamics of the global economy.

Answer

The debate on the relative importance of economic and political factors in determining the global distribution of wealth and influence.

Answer

The debate on the influence of cultural factors in shaping the development of the world-system.

Answer

The debate on the inevitability of capitalist expansion.

Question 13

Dependency theory argues that:
A. Developed countries exploit the economies of underdeveloped countries.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 14

Functionalist theory emphasizes the role of social institutions in:

Accepted Answer

Maintaining stability and equilibrium

Answer

Promoting social change and progress

Answer

Perpetuating inequality and oppression

Question 15

Conflict theory views society as a system of competing groups with:

Accepted Answer

Unequal access to resources and power

Answer

Shared values and common interests

Answer

Harmonious relationships and cooperation

Question 16

A fundamental assumption of modernization theory is that:

Accepted Answer

Social change is linear and progressive

Answer

Traditional cultures are inherently inferior

Answer

Economic growth automatically leads to social development

Question 17

Dependency theory suggests that the primary beneficiaries of the capitalist world system are:

Accepted Answer

Core countries

Answer

Periphery countries

Answer

Semi-periphery countries

Question 18

The originator of world-systems theory is:

Accepted Answer

Immanuel Wallerstein

Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Max Weber

Question 19

World-systems theory assumes the global economy is divided into a hierarchical structure. Which of the following concepts describes this assumption?

Accepted Answer

Uneven development

Answer

Economic determinism

Answer

Global diffusion of ideas

Question 20

Dependency theory primarily argues that:

Accepted Answer

Underdeveloped countries are impoverished by their relationships with developed countries.

Answer

Foreign aid is an effective way to promote economic equality.

Answer

Globalization has had a universally positive impact on all societies.

Answer

Cultural values and norms are the main drivers of social change.

Question 21

A strength of dependency theory is that it:

Accepted Answer

Provides a critique of the global capitalist system.

Answer

Offers practical solutions for promoting economic development.

Answer

Is universally accepted by social scientists.

Answer

Has been consistently supported by empirical research.

Question 22

World-systems theory suggests that the global economy is divided into:

Accepted Answer

Core, periphery, and semi-periphery

Answer

Developed, developing, and underdeveloped

Answer

Capitalist, socialist, and feudal

Answer

First world, second world, and third world

Question 23

Dependency theory identifies which of the following as a primary mechanism of exploitation?

Accepted Answer

Unequal terms of trade

Answer

Foreign investment

Answer

Cultural imperialism

Answer

Military intervention

Question 24

A key distinction between modernization theory and dependency theory is that:

Accepted Answer

Modernization theory emphasizes internal factors, while dependency theory emphasizes external factors.

Answer

Modernization theory views social change as positive, while dependency theory views it as negative.

Answer

Modernization theory is based on empirical data, while dependency theory is based on theoretical assumptions.

Answer

Modernization theory is more widely accepted by sociologists than dependency theory.

Question 25

Which criticism of modernization theory emphasizes its tendency to overlook the influence of external factors in societal transformations?

Accepted Answer

It neglects the impact of colonialism and global power dynamics in shaping social change.

Answer

It overemphasizes the role of technology and industrialization.

Answer

It ignores the role of culture and tradition.

Answer

It assumes that all societies follow a linear path to development.

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a key idea of modernization theory?

Accepted Answer

Cultural differences are a barrier to modernization.

Answer

Societies progress through distinct stages of development.

Answer

Economic development leads to social progress.

Answer

Technological innovation is the driving force of social change.

Question 27

According to dependency theory, what is the main reason for underdevelopment in developing countries?

Accepted Answer

Exploitation by developed countries

Answer

Lack of natural resources

Answer

Internal political instability

Answer

Cultural resistance to change

Question 28

Which of the following is a central tenet of modernization theory?

Accepted Answer

Social change is primarily driven by internal factors within a society and occurs through a linear and progressive process.

Answer

Social change is a complex process influenced by multiple factors, both internal and external, and may not always be progressive.

Answer

Social change is primarily driven by traditional cultural values and occurs gradually over long periods.

Answer

Social change is primarily driven by the spread of technology and ideas from developed to developing countries.

Question 29

According to modernization theory, social change occurs in a:

Accepted Answer

Linear and progressive manner

Answer

Cyclic and repetitive pattern

Answer

Random and unpredictable fashion

Question 30

Identify a major criticism of dependency theory.

Accepted Answer

Both (b) and (c).

Answer

It overly simplifies the relationship between developed and developing nations.

Answer

It overlooks the role of internal factors in economic underdevelopment.

Answer

It fails to consider the diversity of experiences within developing nations.

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT considered a limitation of modernization theory?

Accepted Answer

Provides a comprehensive explanation of all aspects of social change.

Answer

Bias towards Western perspectives

Answer

Underestimation of cultural diversity

Answer

Ignores the role of social inequality

Question 32

In world-systems theory, the semi-periphery is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

A combination of core and periphery characteristics

Answer

Rapid economic growth

Answer

Political instability

Answer

High levels of poverty.

Question 33

According to dependency theory, what is the primary factor contributing to underdevelopment in developing nations?

Accepted Answer

External factors such as colonialism and economic exploitation.

Answer

Internal factors such as corruption and inefficient governance.

Answer

Cultural factors such as a lack of entrepreneurial spirit.

Answer

Environmental factors such as resource scarcity.

Question 34

Which of the following is a fundamental principle of modernization theory?

Accepted Answer

Economic development inevitably leads to social and political modernization.

Answer

Traditional societies are inherently superior to modern societies.

Answer

Social change progresses linearly and steadily.

Answer

Culture plays a dominant role in shaping social change.

Question 35

Dependency theory contends that:

Accepted Answer

Underdeveloped countries are often exploited by developed countries.

Answer

Economic growth is always beneficial for reducing poverty.

Answer

Social change originates solely within societies themselves.

Answer

Culture is an obstacle to economic development.

Question 36

According to world-systems theory, the global economy is structured into which three primary categories?

Accepted Answer

Core, periphery, and semi-periphery

Answer

First, second, and third world

Answer

Developed, developing, and underdeveloped

Answer

Capitalist, socialist, and communist

Question 37

Which theory places significant emphasis on the role of culture in shaping social change?

Accepted Answer

Cultural materialism

Answer

Modernization theory

Answer

Dependency theory

Answer

World-systems theory

Question 38

In Karl Marx's theory, what is identified as the primary engine of social change?

Accepted Answer

Economic conflict

Answer

Technological innovation

Answer

Population growth

Answer

Cultural diffusion

Question 39

Which concept is central to the work of Max Weber?

Accepted Answer

Bureaucracy

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Economic surplus

Answer

World-system

Question 40

Which of the following is NOT a key assumption of modernization theory?

Accepted Answer

Culture has a negligible influence on social change.

Answer

Social change is a gradual and linear process.

Answer

Modern societies are superior to traditional societies.

Answer

Technological advancements drive social change.

Question 41

Which sociological perspective emphasizes the role of social conflict in driving social change?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 42

Which type of social change involves a significant alteration of the existing social order and structures?

Accepted Answer

Revolutionary change

Answer

Incremental change

Answer

Reformist change

Answer

Situational change

Question 43

Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of social change?

Accepted Answer

Technological regression.

Answer

New social institutions.

Answer

Increased inequality.

Answer

New social norms.