Contemporary Sociological Theory Quizzes: Test Your Knowledge

Question 1

In symbolic interactionism, which concept is central?

Accepted Answer

Meaning

Answer

Social structure

Answer

Conflict

Answer

Objectivity

Question 2

In symbolic interactionism, which concept is central to understanding how individuals create and interpret social reality?

Accepted Answer

Meaning

Answer

Social structure

Answer

Socialization

Answer

Power

Question 3

According to functionalism, how do social institutions contribute to social order?

Accepted Answer

They meet essential societal needs, promoting cooperation and stability.

Answer

They primarily cause social conflict and disruption.

Answer

They have no significant impact on social order, as individuals act solely on self-interest.

Answer

They are solely determined by economic factors and have no influence on social order.

Question 4

In structuralism, how does language influence social interactions?

Accepted Answer

Language reflects and reinforces existing social structures and power dynamics.

Answer

Language is a neutral tool for communication that has no impact on social interactions.

Answer

Language is a purely individual phenomenon that does not affect social interactions.

Answer

Language is a tool that individuals can use to freely construct and negotiate social reality.

Question 5

In contemporary sociological theory, how do macro-level social forces and individual actions interact and shape social outcomes? Explain the relationship between structure and agency.

Accepted Answer

Structure and agency are mutually constitutive, continuously interacting and reshaping each other.

Answer

Structure and agency operate independently, with no influence on each other.

Answer

Structure is the dominant force shaping individual actions, while agency has minimal impact.

Answer

Agency is the primary determinant of social outcomes, with structure playing a negligible role.

Question 6

When conducting sociological research using big data, which ethical considerations are paramount for researchers to address?

Accepted Answer

Privacy, informed consent, and potential bias and discrimination

Answer

Data accuracy and reliability

Answer

Researcher's personal beliefs and values

Answer

Cost-effectiveness of the research project

Question 7

Social movements play a significant role in shaping society. Evaluate their diverse origins, strategies, and potential impacts on public policy and social institutions.

Accepted Answer

Social movements stem from diverse origins, employ a variety of strategies, and have varying impacts on public policy and social institutions.

Answer

Social movements are solely reactive responses to specific grievances, lacking the agency to proactively drive change.

Answer

The effectiveness of social movements is primarily determined by their size and level of public support.

Answer

Social movements have a negligible impact on public policy and social institutions.

Question 8

Anthony Giddens' structuration theory centers around which key concept?

Accepted Answer

Duality of structure

Answer

Social conformity

Answer

Symbolic meaning

Answer

Unintended consequences

Question 9

Erving Goffman's 'dramaturgical approach' emphasizes the:

Accepted Answer

Performance of social roles in daily life

Answer

Importance of social expectations in shaping identity

Answer

Subjective meaning-making in social encounters

Answer

Structural constraints on individual agency

Question 10

According to Pierre Bourdieu, what is 'cultural capital'?

Accepted Answer

The accumulation of knowledge, skills, and dispositions that provide social advantages

Answer

The economic resources that individuals possess

Answer

The social networks and connections that individuals have

Answer

The prestigious objects and symbols that individuals own

Question 11

How does feminist theory differ from traditional sociological perspectives?

Accepted Answer

By emphasizing the experiences and perspectives of women

Answer

By assuming that gender does not shape social life

Answer

By oversimplifying the complexities of gender and inequality

Answer

By neglecting the influence of macro-level factors

Question 12

Which of the following is a strength of symbolic interactionism as a theoretical approach?

Accepted Answer

In-depth analysis of everyday social interactions

Answer

Ability to generalize findings to a large population

Answer

Focus on structural constraints and macro-level processes

Answer

Clear and objective methodology

Question 13

Which contemporary sociological theory emphasizes the significance of power and domination in shaping social structures?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Postmodernism

Question 14

According to Anthony Giddens' structuration theory, individuals and social structures:

Accepted Answer

Mutually influence and shape each other in a dynamic relationship.

Answer

Remain separate and independent of each other.

Answer

Are hierarchical, with social structures dominating individuals.

Answer

Are antagonistic, with individuals constantly resisting social structures.

Question 15

Which postmodern sociological perspective challenges the notion of an objective social reality?

Accepted Answer

Social constructivism

Answer

Critical realism

Answer

Ethnomethodology

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 16

Habermas' theory of communicative action places central importance on:

Accepted Answer

Inter-subjective understanding and the creation of shared meaning.

Answer

Instrumental rationality focused on achieving specific goals.

Answer

Emotional intelligence and the ability to regulate emotions.

Answer

Objectivity and the pursuit of value-free knowledge.

Question 17

Which contemporary sociological approach focuses on the everyday interactions and meanings that people create in their social worlds?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Structuralism

Question 18

According to Pierre Bourdieu's theory of practice, social action is primarily influenced by:

Accepted Answer

All forms of capital, including economic, cultural, and social.

Answer

Economic capital alone.

Answer

Cultural capital alone.

Answer

Social capital alone.

Question 19

Which contemporary feminist sociological theory highlights the intersectionality of race, class, and gender in shaping social experiences?

Accepted Answer

Intersectionality

Answer

Essentialism

Answer

Liberal feminism

Answer

Radical feminism

Question 20

Manuel Castells' network society theory emphasizes the transformative role of:

Accepted Answer

The internet and information technologies.

Answer

Transportation and logistics systems.

Answer

Political institutions and governance.

Answer

Economic globalization and financial markets.

Question 21

Which contemporary sociological theory focuses on the role of emotions in social interactions and processes?

Accepted Answer

Emotional sociology

Answer

Cultural sociology

Answer

Social exchange theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Question 22

According to Zygmunt Bauman's theory, contemporary social life is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Flexibility and fleeting connections

Answer

Stability and predictability

Answer

Economic prosperity and growth

Answer

Technological stagnation and decline

Question 23

Which concept from Anthony Giddens' Structuration Theory refers to the way that social structures simultaneously enable and constrain human agency?

Accepted Answer

Duality of structure

Answer

Time-space distanciation

Answer

Social reproduction

Answer

Symbolic interaction

Question 24

Jürgen Habermas's theory of communicative action emphasizes the importance of:

Accepted Answer

Establishing social consensus through rational discourse

Answer

Gaining power and control through strategic communication

Answer

Creating social change through collective action

Answer

Maintaining social order through symbolic rituals

Question 25

Who is credited with being the founder of social network analysis?

Accepted Answer

Jacob Moreno

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Emile Durkheim

Answer

Auguste Comte

Question 26

Which contemporary sociological theory focuses on the role of emotion and empathy in social interactions?

Accepted Answer

Emotional sociology

Answer

Exchange theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Group theory

Question 27

The primary distinction between qualitative and quantitative research methods in sociology is:

Accepted Answer

Qualitative methods focus on understanding individual experiences, while quantitative methods focus on understanding broad social patterns.

Answer

Qualitative methods use data in the form of numbers, while quantitative methods use data in the form of words.

Answer

Qualitative methods are more subjective, while quantitative methods are more objective.

Answer

Quantitative methods are more difficult to conduct than qualitative methods.

Question 28

According to Pierre Bourdieu, which type of capital is based on socially recognized forms of knowledge and skills?

Accepted Answer

Cultural capital

Answer

Economic capital

Answer

Social capital

Answer

Symbolic capital

Question 29

Which feminist theory places emphasis on the role of women's unpaid labour in the home and its contribution to the economy?

Accepted Answer

Marxist feminism

Answer

Liberal feminism

Answer

Socialist feminism

Answer

Radical feminism

Question 30

Which sociological theory highlights the influence of technology on shaping social interactions and societal structures?

Accepted Answer

Technological determinism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 31

According to symbolic interactionism, the meaning of a symbol is determined by:

Accepted Answer

Subjective interpretations and individual experiences

Answer

The inherent qualities of the symbol itself

Answer

Social consensus and shared understandings

Answer

Objective and universal truths

Question 32

Which ethical principle in sociological research requires researchers to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of their participants?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

beneficence

Question 33

In structuralist theory, language is primarily seen as:

Accepted Answer

A system of symbols that influences our perceptions and interactions

Answer

A means of expressing personal ideas and emotions

Answer

A method of conveying information between individuals

Question 34

Which of the following is a central tenet of symbolic interactionism?

Accepted Answer

Social interactions are shaped by culture and symbols.

Answer

Society is an interconnected system of parts.

Answer

Social change is driven by conflict.

Answer

Social structures determine individual behavior.

Question 35

According to postmodern theory, a defining characteristic of contemporary society is:

Accepted Answer

The decline of grand narratives.

Answer

The dominance of rationalism and objectivity.

Answer

The absence of social conflict.

Answer

The widespread belief in objective truth.

Question 36

Who is credited with developing the theory of structuration?

Accepted Answer

Anthony Giddens

Answer

Pierre Bourdieu

Answer

Jürgen Habermas

Answer

Michel Foucault

Question 37

Which criticism is NOT commonly leveled against functionalism?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive explanation of all social phenomena.

Answer

Overemphasis on consensus and stability.

Answer

Neglect of conflict and social change.

Answer

Lack of empirical testability.

Question 38

Which sociological perspective focuses on how power and inequality shape social life?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Functionalism

Question 39

Which type of sociological analysis examines social phenomena at the intermediate level between micro and macro?

Accepted Answer

Meso-level analysis

Answer

Macro-level analysis

Answer

Micro-level analysis

Answer

Grand theory analysis

Question 40

Which challenge is NOT associated with qualitative research methods in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Unsuitability for studying large-scale social phenomena.

Answer

Difficulty in generalizing findings.

Answer

Subjectivity in interpreting results.

Answer

High cost and time-consuming nature.

Question 41

In participant observation, how can sociologists ethically balance the pursuit of objectivity with minimizing the impact on participants?

Accepted Answer

Balance objectivity and minimizing impact through informed consent, data anonymization, and researcher reflexivity.

Answer

Prioritize objectivity over minimizing impact on participants.

Answer

Disregard ethical considerations to ensure accurate data collection.

Question 42

Which of the following characteristics is NOT commonly associated with contemporary sociological theories?

Accepted Answer

Focusing on abstract and universal principles

Answer

Prioritizing social change and transformation

Answer

Adopting an interdisciplinary approach

Answer

Emphasizing the role of media and technology in shaping society

Question 43

According to Giddens' theory of structuration, what plays the primary role in driving social change?

Accepted Answer

Individual human beings as active agents

Answer

Unchanging and rigid social structures

Answer

Technological advancements

Answer

Deeply ingrained values and cultural norms

Question 44

Which sociological perspective places primary focus on the symbolic and cultural aspects of social life?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Marxism

Question 45

Jürgen Habermas' theory of communicative action emphasizes the significance of:

Accepted Answer

Rational argumentation and dialogue

Answer

Economic transactions and exchanges

Answer

Social control and conformity

Answer

Cultural symbols and rituals

Question 46

Which of the following concepts is NOT included in Bourdieu's theory of social reproduction?

Accepted Answer

Economic determinism

Answer

Cultural capital

Answer

Social capital

Answer

Symbolic violence

Question 47

Zygmunt Bauman identified which characteristic as defining postmodern society?

Accepted Answer

Uncertainty and constant fluidity

Answer

Rampant individualism

Answer

Unbridled consumerism

Answer

Increasing globalization and interconnectedness

Question 48

Which of the following is a key strength of symbolic interactionism in explaining small-scale social interactions?

Accepted Answer

Highlights the importance of personal meanings and interpretations in social interactions

Answer

Focuses on analyzing large-scale social structures

Answer

Relies exclusively on quantitative research methods for data collection

Answer

Assumes the researcher's perspective is completely objective and unbiased

Question 49

How does the digital divide and unequal access to technology contribute to and worsen existing social disparities?

Accepted Answer

Differential access to technological resources can lead to social exclusion, reduced opportunities, and diminished civic engagement.

Answer

Technology universally reduces social inequality by providing equal access to information and resources.

Answer

The digital divide mainly affects developing countries, as access to technology is widespread in developed nations.

Answer

The digital divide primarily impacts older generations, as younger people are generally more technologically proficient.

Question 50

Anthony Giddens' structuration theory is characterized by which key concept?

Accepted Answer

Duality of structure

Answer

Reflexivity

Answer

Systemic integration

Answer

Cultural relativism

Question 51

Who is the founding figure of symbolic interactionism, a sociological perspective that emphasizes the subjective meanings people attach to their interactions?

Accepted Answer

George Herbert Mead

Answer

Émile Durkheim

Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Max Weber

Question 52

Conflict theory in sociology prioritizes which aspect of social life?

Accepted Answer

Power, inequality, and social conflict

Answer

Social harmony and consensus

Answer

Symbolic meanings and individual experiences

Answer

Cultural values and norms

Question 53

The 'looking-glass self' is a concept developed by:

Accepted Answer

Charles Horton Cooley

Answer

George Herbert Mead

Answer

Erving Goffman

Answer

Harold Garfinkel

Question 54

Which sociological theorist's ideas significantly influenced the development of feminist theory?

Accepted Answer

Harriet Martineau

Answer

Émile Durkheim

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Karl Marx

Question 55

Which criticism is commonly directed towards postmodernism?

Accepted Answer

Lack of a coherent theoretical framework

Answer

Overemphasis on structure and agency

Answer

Excessive focus on the individual

Answer

Overly pessimistic outlook

Question 56

How has globalization influenced the emergence, strategies, and impact of transnational social movements?

Accepted Answer

Globalization has amplified the effectiveness of transnational social movements in addressing global issues compared to local movements.

Answer

Globalization has hindered the growth of transnational social movements by strengthening national boundaries.

Answer

Transnational social movements primarily use traditional mobilization methods such as protests and rallies.

Question 57

In research involving vulnerable populations, which ethical principle is most crucial?

Accepted Answer

Acquiring informed consent from participants

Answer

Preserving participants' anonymity

Answer

Guaranteeing research data confidentiality

Answer

Maintaining objectivity during the research process

Question 58

In contemporary sociology, what is the key difference between critical theory and postmodernism?

Accepted Answer

Critical theory aims to drive social change, while postmodernism focuses on critique and deconstruction.

Answer

Postmodernism rejects the idea of absolute truth, while critical theory accepts it.

Answer

Critical theory is based on Marxism, while postmodernism is mainly linked to feminist theory.

Answer

Postmodernism highlights the importance of social structures, while critical theory emphasizes individual agency.

Question 59

In sociological research, which ethical concern is most significant when using big data?

Accepted Answer

Protecting the privacy of participants

Answer

Ensuring the accuracy of findings

Answer

Maintaining the consistency of methods

Answer

Enhancing the applicability of results

Question 60

How does Pierre Bourdieu's theory of social reproduction explain the impact of social class on educational attainment?

Accepted Answer

Higher social class students have advantages that boost their academic performance.

Answer

Lower social class students have lower cognitive abilities.

Answer

Schools unfairly treat lower social class students.

Answer

Lower social class students lack motivation to succeed academically.

Question 61

What is a key advantage of qualitative research methods in sociology?

Accepted Answer

In-depth understanding of social phenomena

Answer

Generalizability of findings to a wider population

Answer

Objectivity and reliability of findings

Answer

Cost-effectiveness and resource efficiency

Question 62

Which of the following is NOT a key element of social capital, as defined by sociological theory?

Accepted Answer

Financial resources

Answer

Trust

Answer

Networks

Answer

Cohesion

Question 63

According to Zygmunt Bauman, what is a key characteristic of postmodern society?

Accepted Answer

Fluidity and uncertainty

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Technological advancement

Question 64

Which sociological perspective primarily focuses on understanding the subjective experiences and meanings that individuals attach to their social interactions?

Accepted Answer

Interpretivism

Answer

Positivism

Answer

Critical realism

Answer

Postmodernism