01.3 Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology

What is the purpose of sociological theories according to the text?

• To explain social institutions and interactions

• To create new social norms

• To eliminate social inequalities

• To predict future societal changes

Which sociologist is mentioned in the text for studying social solidarity?

• Émile Durkheim

• Max Weber

• Karl Marx

• Herbert Spencer

What is a hypothesis in the context of sociology?

• A testable proposition about society

• A proven fact about social behavior

• A philosophical belief about human nature

• A historical account of social events

What are the three paradigms mentioned that dominate sociological thinking?

• Functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism

• Marxism, feminism, postmodernism

• Structuralism, post-structuralism, existentialism

• Behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism

What is the main focus of Structural Functionalism in sociology?

• The way each part of society functions together to contribute to the functioning of the whole.

• The way inequities and inequalities contribute to social, political, and power differences.

• The way one-on-one interactions and communications behave.

• The study of economic systems and their impact on society.

Which sociologist applied Spencer’s theory to explain how societies change and survive over time?

• Émile Durkheim

• Herbert Spencer

• Alfred Radcliffe-Brown

• Robert Merton

What are manifest functions?

• The consequences of a social process that are sought or anticipated.

• The unintended consequences of a social process.

• The way social institutions maintain stability.

• The inequalities that contribute to power differences.

What are latent functions?

• Intended and recognized consequences

• Unintended and unrecognized consequences

• Negative and harmful consequences

• Positive and beneficial consequences

What are dysfunctions?

• Positive outcomes of social processes

• Neutral outcomes of social processes

• Undesirable consequences for society

• Expected outcomes of social processes

What is an example of a latent function of college education?

• Gaining knowledge

• Preparing for a career

• Meeting new people

• Finding a good job