Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology: Master the Core Theories

Question 1

Which sociological theory emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of social institutions and shared values?

Accepted Answer

Structural Functionalism

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Postmodernism

Question 2

According to conflict theory, society is primarily defined by:

Accepted Answer

Power struggles and social inequality

Answer

Harmony and consensus

Answer

Social stability and order

Answer

Individualism and self-interest

Question 3

Which sociological perspective views society as a system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain social stability?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Competition for scarce resources

Answer

Cultural differences

Answer

Technological advancements

Answer

Political power

Question 5

Which theoretical perspective emphasizes the subjective meanings and interactions individuals create within society?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 6

Which perspective highlights the importance of gender and emphasizes women's experiences in society?

Accepted Answer

Feminist theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 7

Which theoretical perspective questions traditional notions of reality and emphasizes multiple and contested perspectives?

Accepted Answer

Postmodernism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 8

According to functionalists, which social institution plays a crucial role in maintaining social order and transmitting cultural values?

Accepted Answer

Family

Answer

Education

Answer

Healthcare

Answer

Religion

Question 9

Conflict theorists contend that the interests of different social groups within society are:

Accepted Answer

Frequently in opposition

Answer

Always aligned

Answer

Rarely in competition

Answer

Mutually exclusive

Question 10

Symbolic interactionists believe that social reality is primarily shaped by:

Accepted Answer

Subjective and negotiated interactions

Answer

Objective and external factors

Answer

Inherited and unchangeable characteristics

Answer

Fixed and predetermined structures

Question 11

Postmodernists reject the idea of:

Accepted Answer

Objective truth

Answer

Social progress

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Technological advancement

Question 12

Postmodern theory challenges the idea of:

Accepted Answer

Objective truth

Answer

Social structure

Answer

Social progress

Question 13

Which sociological perspective emphasizes the role of social institutions in maintaining societal stability?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Postmodernism

Question 14

According to conflict theory, what is the primary driver of social disparities?

Accepted Answer

Control over resources

Answer

Cultural differences

Answer

Discrimination based on personal characteristics

Answer

Deficiencies in education

Question 15

Which sociological perspective focuses on the significance of subjective meanings and interactions in shaping social realities?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Feminist theory

Answer

Postmodernism

Question 16

How does feminist theory distinguish itself from other sociological perspectives?

Accepted Answer

It centers on the experiences of women and other marginalized groups.

Answer

It rejects the notion of social structures based on power dynamics.

Answer

It prioritizes economic factors in shaping social life.

Answer

It argues that psychological factors are the root cause of social issues.

Question 17

Which theoretical perspective challenges the concept of a singular, objective reality?

Accepted Answer

Postmodernism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 18

How can functionalism be applied to explain the existence of crime in society?

Accepted Answer

It suggests that crime serves a function in maintaining social equilibrium.

Answer

It attributes crime to individual moral shortcomings.

Answer

It explains crime as a product of poverty and inequality.

Answer

It views crime as an indication of societal deterioration.

Question 19

How does symbolic interactionism contribute to our understanding of gender roles?

Accepted Answer

It reveals how gender roles are learned and reinforced through interpersonal interactions.

Answer

It contends that gender roles are determined by biology.

Answer

It suggests that gender roles merely reflect economic imbalances.

Answer

It has no bearing on the study of gender roles.

Question 20

Which theoretical perspective is most closely associated with the idea of social construction of reality?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Postmodernism

Question 21

According to symbolic interactionism, what is the primary factor that shapes social reality?

Accepted Answer

Symbols, meanings, and social interactions

Answer

External economic forces

Answer

Societal norms and values

Answer

Unconscious psychological processes

Question 22

Which sociological theory emphasizes conflict and power struggles as the primary drivers of social change?

Accepted Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Feminist Theory

Question 23

Which of the following is a fundamental assumption of functionalism?

Accepted Answer

Society is an interconnected system where parts collaborate to maintain stability.

Answer

Social change stems from conflicts between societal groups.

Answer

Individuals create their own interpretations of reality through interactions.

Answer

Gender roles are socially constructed and shaped by power dynamics.

Question 24

According to conflict theory, what is the root cause of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Unequal distribution of economic resources.

Answer

Differences in individual abilities and skills

Answer

Socialization processes

Answer

Cultural values and norms

Question 25

Which of the following is not a key principle of symbolic interactionism?

Accepted Answer

Society is an objective force that shapes individuals.

Answer

Individuals construct their own meanings of social reality.

Answer

Social interactions are influenced by symbols and gestures.

Answer

The self is a product of social interactions.

Question 26

Which theoretical perspective emphasizes the social construction of gender roles?

Accepted Answer

Feminist theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Postmodernism

Question 27

How does functionalism perceive the relationship between social institutions and social stability?

Accepted Answer

Social institutions are essential for maintaining social order and stability.

Answer

Social institutions are created to benefit the powerful and exploit the vulnerable.

Answer

Social institutions constantly evolve to meet societal needs.

Answer

Social institutions have no significant impact on how society functions.

Question 28

According to conflict theory, what is the primary function of the state?

Accepted Answer

To maintain the status quo and safeguard the powerful.

Answer

To protect the interests of all citizens equally.

Answer

To promote social equality and economic justice.

Answer

To facilitate negotiations between diverse societal groups.

Question 29

Which sociological perspective views social inequality as an inherent and unavoidable part of society?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Question 30

Which statement best describes the central principle of feminist theory?

Accepted Answer

Gender is a primary factor shaping individuals' experiences and opportunities.

Answer

Social stability is maintained through consensus and shared values.

Answer

Society is defined by conflicts between groups vying for limited resources.

Answer

Social meanings are constructed through interactions and symbols.

Question 31

Which sociological perspective emphasizes the importance of social order and stability, viewing society as a system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Postmodernism

Question 32

Who is widely recognized as the founder of conflict theory, which views society as a struggle for power and resources between different groups?

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Émile Durkheim

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Talcott Parsons

Question 33

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

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Postmodernism

Question 34

Which theoretical perspective emerged as a critique of traditional sociological perspectives, arguing that power structures and social inequalities shape social interactions and experiences?

Accepted Answer

Feminist theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Postmodernism

Question 35

Which conflict theorist argued that capitalist societies are characterized by a fundamental conflict between the owners of capital and the working class?

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Émile Durkheim

Answer

Talcott Parsons

Question 36

According to symbolic interactionism, the process of interpreting and assigning meaning to social interactions and situations is known as:

Accepted Answer

Definition of the situation

Answer

Socialization

Answer

Symbolic interaction

Answer

Social control

Question 37

Which postmodernist concept challenges the idea that there is a single, universal truth or objective reality, and instead emphasizes the multiple and fragmented nature of knowledge?

Accepted Answer

Fragmentation

Answer

Grand narrative

Answer

Discourse

Answer

Objectivity

Question 38

In the functionalist perspective, what is the fundamental mechanism that maintains social order?

Accepted Answer

Consensus

Answer

Critique

Answer

Symbolic interaction

Answer

Competition

Question 39

According to conflict theory, what is the main driving force shaping society?

Accepted Answer

Struggles over limited resources

Answer

Shared beliefs and values

Answer

Individual experiences and interpretations

Answer

Examination of social norms

Question 40

Which theoretical perspective emphasizes the subjective meanings that individuals give to social situations?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Postmodernism

Answer

Structuralism

Question 41

A criticism commonly leveled against functionalism is that it:

Accepted Answer

Underplays social conflict and inequality

Answer

Overemphasizes individual agency

Answer

Relies too heavily on qualitative research methods

Question 42

Which perspective argues that gender inequalities are primarily a product of socially constructed roles and expectations?

Accepted Answer

Feminist theory

Answer

Post-structuralism

Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Positivism

Question 43

Postmodernism is characterized by a:

Accepted Answer

Rejection of objective truth and universal values

Answer

Emphasis on social consensus

Answer

Focus on the micro-level of social interaction

Question 44

Which sociologist developed the concept of the 'habitus'?

Accepted Answer

Pierre Bourdieu

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Émile Durkheim

Question 45

A qualitative research method commonly used in symbolic interactionist studies is:

Accepted Answer

Participant observation

Answer

Survey questionnaires

Answer

Content analysis

Answer

Meta-analysis

Question 46

Which of the following is considered a primary social institution?

Accepted Answer

Family

Answer

Friendship group

Answer

Workplace

Answer

Sports club