Sociology : Contemporary Theory

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Sociology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 :Sociological Thinking

Herbert Bloomer and G. Herbert Mead are associated with which of the following sociological perspectives?

Possible Answers:

Symbolic-interactionalist perspective

Postmodern perspective

Conflict perspective

Pre-modern perspective

Functionalist perspective

Correct answer:

Symbolic-interactionalist perspective

Explanation:

赫伯特纰漏常常creati功臣ng the term symbolic interactionism. Mead and Bloomer were part of the Chicago School. They believed that a persons symbolic actions and behaviors within a group help to create social meaning. Conflict perspective is associated with Max Weber and Karl Marx. Functionalist perspective is commonly related to works of Talcott Parson's and Robert Merton. Postmodern perspective was not aligned with any one notable theorist. Pre-modern perspective does not exist.

Example Question #1 :Contemporary Theory

Which of the following is the theoretical perspective that analyzes societies on the microlevel and macrolevel?

Possible Answers:

Functionalist perspective

Conflict perspective

Pre-modernist perspective

Post modernist perspective

Symbolic interactionist perspective

Correct answer:

Post modernist perspective

Explanation:

Functionalist and conflict theories analyze societies on the macrolevel only. Symbolic interactionists analyze societies only on the microlevel. The postmodernist perspective examines how society is impacted and shaped on a micro and macro level. The pre-modernist perspective is not an actual sociological perspective.

Example Question #1 :Contemporary Theory

Which statement would be true about the Functionalist theory and families?

Possible Answers:

Families are no longer cohesive units.

Families function to provide social status and socialization.

Families mirror gender biases.

Families are sources of inequality.

Correct answer:

Families function to provide social status and socialization.

Explanation:

The Functionalist theory believes family serves the purpose to provide for structure and stability through socialization and creating social stability. Families as sources of inequality and family as a unit that mirrors gender biases are examples of the Conflict theory. Families losing cohesiveness would be a concept the Postmodernists would believe in.

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