Question 1

Which theoretical perspective focuses on society as a system of interrelated, mutually dependent parts that work together to maintain stability, cohesion, and continuity?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Question 2

According to the conflict perspective, what is the primary source of social change?

Accepted Answer

Competition for limited resources controlled by powerful groups

Question 3

A sociologist observes that women, as a group, have less access to resources and power than men. Which perspective best explains this observation?

Accepted Answer

Feminist theory

Question 4

Which perspective emphasizes that people act based on the meaning they attribute to others, and that meaning grows out of social interaction?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 5

In the functionalist perspective, how are dysfunctional activities that threaten a society's survival typically addressed?

Accepted Answer

They are controlled or eliminated

Question 6

Which level of analysis is primarily used by symbolic interactionism?

Accepted Answer

Micro

Question 7

A sociologist is studying how people continuously reinterpret and reevaluate their knowledge in everyday encounters. Which perspective is most relevant?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 8

According to the feminist perspective, which factors explain many of our social interactions and lack of access to resources?

Accepted Answer

Gender, ethnicity, race, age, sexual orientation, and social class

Question 9

Which perspective asserts that society is based on inequality in terms of ethnicity, race, social class, and gender?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Question 10

If a sociologist wants to analyze how institutional structures and day-to-day interactions must change to achieve social change, which perspective would they most likely use?

Accepted Answer

Feminist theory

Question 11

Which perspective would most likely interpret a protest for racial equality as a struggle between groups competing for limited resources?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Question 12

A sociologist is examining how social structures contribute to the stability and continuity of society. Which perspective is most appropriate for this analysis?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Question 13

Which perspective would most likely focus on how meanings are created and changed through everyday social interactions?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 14

Which theoretical perspective is most likely to analyze both macro and micro levels of society?

Accepted Answer

Feminist theory

Question 15

A sociologist is interested in how social class affects access to education and healthcare. Which perspective would best guide their research?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Question 16

Which perspective would most likely argue that social change is possible only if both institutional structures and daily interactions are transformed?

Accepted Answer

Feminist theory

Question 17

Which perspective would interpret a family as a unit that maintains societal stability and cohesion?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Question 18

Which perspective would most likely analyze how gender roles are constructed and maintained through social interaction?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 19

Which perspective would most likely view age, race, and sexual orientation as central factors in explaining social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Feminist theory

Question 20

A sociologist is studying how people interpret symbols in their everyday lives. Which perspective is most relevant?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Major Sociological Theoretical Perspectives

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