Understanding Structural Functionalism: Key Concepts & Quiz

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Moi University**We aren't endorsed by this school

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SOCIOLOGY 300

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Sociology

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Dec 10, 2024

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DISSStructural Functionalism Quiz1. What is the main focus of structural functionalism in sociology? CA) The conflict between social classesB) The role of individual agency in social changeC) How social institutions and structures contribute to the stability and functioning of societyD) The subjective meanings individuals attach to their actions2. Who is considered one of the founding figures of structural functionalism? CA) Karl MarxB) Max WeberC) Emile DurkheimD) Sigmund Freud3. According to structural functionalism, what is a “social function”? CA) The ability of individuals to achieve personal successB) The negative impact of a social phenomenon on societyC) The role that a social structure or institution plays in maintaining societal stabilityD) The personal conflicts experienced by individuals within society4. What term did Talcott Parsons use to describe the interconnectedness of various social institutions and their roles in maintaining social order?A) Social equilibriumB) Social DarwinismC) Social contractD) Social integration5. According to structural functionalism, what happens when a social institution or structure fails to fulfill its function? CA) Society will automatically correct the issue through individual actionsB) The institution will be replaced by a new oneC) It leads to social instability and requires adjustments or reformsD) It has no significant impact on the overall stability of society6. Which of the following is an example of a social function according to structural functionalism? BA) The way people use social media for personal expressionB) The role of education in transmitting cultural values and normsC) The conflict between different political ideologiesD) The psychological effects of unemployment7. How does structural functionalism view social change? CA) As a conflict-driven processB) As an inevitable result of class struggles

C) As a gradual process that occurs through adjustments to maintain stabilityD) As a disruptive force that should be avoided8. What criticism is commonly leveled against structural functionalism?A) It underestimates the role of individual actions and conflicts in shaping societyB) It overemphasizes the importance of social changeC) It fails to recognize the importance of social stabilityD) It provides too much focus on historical contexts rather than current issues9. Which sociological perspective contrasts with structural functionalism by emphasizing the role of social conflict and power disparities?A) Symbolic interactionismB) Conflict theoryC) PostmodernismD) Feminist theory10. According to structural functionalism, what is the role of norms and values in society? CA) To create conflict and competitionB) To provide a basis for individual creativityC) To guide behavior and maintain social orderD) To undermine established institutionsAnswers:1.C) How social institutions and structures contribute to the stability and functioning of society2.C) Emile Durkheim3.C) The role that a social structure or institution plays in maintaining societal stability4.A) Social equilibrium5.C) It leads to social instability and requires adjustments or reforms6.B) The role of education in transmitting cultural values and norms7.C) As a gradual process that occurs through adjustments to maintain stability8.A) It underestimates the role of individual actions and conflicts in shaping society9.B) Conflict theory10. C) To guide behavior and maintain social orderStructural Functionalism Quiz (With Answers)1. What is the primary focus of structural functionalism in sociology?Answer:c) How various parts of society work together to maintain stability

2. According to structural functionalism, which of the following is an example of a social institution that contributes to societal stability?Answer:b) The education system3. Which sociologist is most commonly associated with the development of structural functionalism?Answer:c) Émile Durkheim4. Structural functionalists believe that social institutions serve certain functions in society. Which of the following is an example of a manifestfunction of schools?Answer:a) Teaching students academic skills5. What term describes unintended consequences of social structures, according to structural functionalism?Answer:b) Latent function6. Structural functionalists argue that inequality is a necessary part of society because:Answer:c) It ensures that the most important roles are filled by the most qualified individuals7. In structural functionalism, what concept refers to the balance and order maintained by interdependent parts of society?Answer:c) Social stability8. According to structural functionalism, what is a potential dysfunctionof a social institution like the media?Answer:c) Spreading misinformation or contributing to societal panic9. Structural functionalism is often critiqued for its:Answer:c) Conservative view of social stability and order10. How does structural functionalism explain the existence of deviance in society?Answer:a) It is a natural and inevitable part of the societal structureStructural Functionalism Application Quiz1. A local government introduces a new public healthcare system. Using structural functionalism, explain the manifestand latentfunctions of this institution.a) The manifest function is to reduce the cost of private healthcare; the latent function is to createmore jobs in the health sector.b) The manifest function is to provide accessible healthcare for all citizens; the latent function is the potential for a healthier workforce, improving productivity.c) The manifest function is to provide healthcare only to low-income citizens; the latent function is to reduce the financial burden on wealthy citizens.

2. According to structural functionalism, how would a functionalist view the role of religionin modern society?a) As an outdated belief system that creates social conflict and inequality.b) As a social institution that promotes social solidarity and moral guidelines for members of society.c) As a system that exploits the working class by distracting them from their economic struggles.3. In a workplace, an employee mentoring program is implemented. How would a structural functionalist interpret the manifestand latentfunctions of this program?a) The manifest function is to provide career guidance to junior employees; the latent function is the formation of social bonds among employees.b) The manifest function is to reduce employee turnover; the latent function is the disruption of team dynamics.c) The manifest function is to improve the company’s public image; the latent function is the increased competition among employees for promotions.4. Consider the educational system in a society. A functionalist would argue that it plays a key role in maintaining social order. What might be a dysfunction of the educational system from a structural functionalist perspective?a) It reinforces meritocracy, giving everyone an equal chance.b) It contributes to social inequality by favoring students from wealthier backgrounds.c) It ensures that the most talented individuals rise to leadership positions.5. A sudden increase in crime rates occurs in a large city. How would structural functionalism explain this rise in deviance?a) The rise in crime reflects an imbalance or dysfunction in social institutions such as the family, education, or economy.b) The rise in crime shows that society is evolving towards greater conflict and revolution.c) Crime rates are increasing because law enforcement is too lenient and needs to impose stricter penalties.6. The media is often seen as a key institution in society. What latentfunction of mass media might a structural functionalist identify?a) Educating the public on political issues.b) Acting as a source of social cohesion by reinforcing shared norms and values.c) Spreading biased information to create divisions in society.7. How would a structural functionalist view the role of poverty in society?a) Poverty is necessary because it provides a pool of labor for low-status jobs that are essential for society’s functioning.b) Poverty is a sign that society is failing and needs to be restructured.c) Poverty is primarily a result of exploitation by the wealthy elite.8. A structural functionalist views the family as an important institution. What manifestand latentfunctions might the family serve?a) The manifest function is to provide emotional support; the latent function is to control sexual

reproduction and inheritance.b) The manifest function is to socialize children into societal norms; the latent function is the creation of social networks and economic stability.c) The manifest function is to create strong family traditions; the latent function is to reduce individualism.Answer Key1.b) The manifest function is to provide accessible healthcare for all citizens; the latent function is the potential for a healthier workforce, improving productivity.2.b) As a social institution that promotes social solidarity and moral guidelines for members of society.3.a) The manifest function is to provide career guidance to junior employees; the latent function is the formation of social bonds among employees.4.b) It contributes to social inequality by favoring students from wealthier backgrounds.5.a) The rise in crime reflects an imbalance or dysfunction in social institutions such as the family, education, or economy.6.b) Acting as a source of social cohesion by reinforcing shared norms and values.7.a) Poverty is necessary because it provides a pool of labor for low-status jobs that are essentialfor society’s functioning.8.b) The manifest function is to socialize children into societal norms; the latent function is the creation of social networks and economic stability.Marxism Application Quiz1. A company raises wages for its workers after a union strike. How would a Marxist explain this event?a) The company is being charitable to improve worker satisfaction.b) It is a temporary concession to appease workers and maintain the existing power structure.c) The company genuinely cares about workers' well-being and aims to reduce inequality.2. In a society with high levels of wealth inequality, a Marxist would argue that this inequality exists because:a) Individuals are not working hard enough to succeed.b) The ruling class controls the means of production and exploits the working class for profit.c) It is a result of natural differences in individual abilities.3. An increase in automation leads to mass layoffs in a factory. How would a Marxist interpret the use of automation in this context?a) Automation improves productivity and benefits everyone equally.b) Automation is used by the capitalist class to increase profits while minimizing labor costs,

resulting in more exploitation of the working class.c) Automation is a neutral tool that has no impact on class relations.4. A government enacts policies that increase corporate tax cuts while reducing welfare programs. What would a Marxist critique of these policies be?a) The policies ensure economic growth and benefit society as a whole.b) The policies favor the interests of the bourgeoisie by reducing their financial obligations whileworsening the conditions of the proletariat.c) The policies will eventually help the working class through trickle-down economics.5. In a capitalist society, mass media often promotes consumerism and individual success stories. How would a Marxist critique the role of mass media in this context?a) The media reflects the values of individualism and meritocracy.b) The media serves as an ideological tool of the ruling class, distracting the working class from their exploitation by promoting consumerism and the myth of social mobility.c) The media is neutral and does not play a significant role in class relations.6. Consider a society where workers start a revolution to overthrow the capitalist system. According to Marxist theory, what would be the next stage after the revolution?a) The re-establishment of a capitalist system with new leaders.b) The transition to a socialist society, where the means of production are collectively owned.c) The rise of a dictatorship that suppresses both the working class and the bourgeoisie.7. According to Marxism, how does capitalism lead to the alienationof workers?a) Workers are isolated from the ruling class and cannot influence political decisions.b) Workers become alienated from the products of their labor, from each other, and from their own potential because their labor is exploited for profit rather than personal fulfillment.c) Workers become more efficient and productive, gaining satisfaction from their labor.8. A Marxist would argue that the global expansion of corporations is an example of:a) Globalization promoting equality and opportunity worldwide.b) The capitalist system expanding to exploit cheap labor and resources in developing countries, increasing wealth inequality on a global scale.c) The natural evolution of business to meet global demand.9. In a Marxist analysis, how would the relationship between landlords and tenants in a capitalist society be understood?a) Landlords provide a necessary service in exchange for fair compensation from tenants.b) Landlords exploit tenants by extracting rent, benefiting from property ownership without contributing labor, which reflects class exploitation.c) Landlords and tenants have a mutually beneficial relationship.10. A new technology allows certain entrepreneurs to become billionaires almost overnight.From a Marxist perspective, how would this be interpreted?a) The entrepreneurs deserve their success because they are innovative and hard-working.b) The rapid accumulation of wealth by a few individuals reflects the inherent inequalities of the

capitalist system, where profits are concentrated in the hands of a small elite.c) This success is a random outcome and has no relevance to class dynamics.Answer Key1.b) It is a temporary concession to appease workers and maintain the existing power structure.2.b) The ruling class controls the means of production and exploits the working class for profit.3.b) Automation is used by the capitalist class to increase profits while minimizing labor costs, resulting in more exploitation of the working class.4.b) The policies favor the interests of the bourgeoisie by reducing their financial obligations while worsening the conditions of the proletariat.5.b) The media serves as an ideological tool of the ruling class, distracting the working class from their exploitation by promoting consumerism and the myth of social mobility.6.b) The transition to a socialist society, where the means of production are collectively owned.7.b) Workers become alienated from the products of their labor, from each other, and from their own potential because their labor is exploited for profit rather than personal fulfillment.8.b) The capitalist system expanding to exploit cheap labor and resources in developing countries, increasing wealth inequality on a global scale.9.b) Landlords exploit tenants by extracting rent, benefiting from property ownership without contributing labor, which reflects class exploitation.10.b) The rapid accumulation of wealth by a few individuals reflects the inherent inequalities of the capitalist system, where profits are concentrated in the hands of a small elite.Easy Marxism Quiz1. Who is the primary author of "The Communist Manifesto"?a) Karl Marxb) Friedrich Engelsc) Vladimir Lenind) Max Weber2. What is the central focus of Marxism?a) The role of individuals in societyb) The struggle between different social classesc) The importance of cultural normsd) Technological advancements3. In Marxist theory, what term describes the owners of the means of production?a) Proletariatb) Bourgeoisiec) Aristocracyd) Capitalists

4. According to Marxism, what is the working class called?a) Bourgeoisieb) Proletariatc) Capitalistsd) Feudal Lords5. What does Marxism advocate for in society?a) Capitalist economyb) Socialism and eventually communismc) Feudalismd) Monarchism6. Which concept refers to the alienation workers feel in a capitalist society?a) Class consciousnessb) Exploitationc) Alienationd) Surplus value7. What is the ultimate goal of Marxism?a) Establishing a democratic governmentb) Creating a classless and stateless societyc) Promoting free-market capitalismd) Strengthening the military8. According to Marx, history is driven by:a) Technological innovationsb) Ideas and beliefsc) Class strugglesd) Religious movements9. What does the term "base and superstructure" refer to in Marxist theory?a) The economic foundation and the cultural institutions built upon itb) The government and its lawsc) The military and its strategiesd) The family and education system10. Which of the following is a key critique Marxism has of capitalism?a) It promotes individual freedomb) It leads to economic inequalityc) It encourages technological progressd) It supports artistic expressionAnswer Key

1.a) Karl Marx2.b) The struggle between different social classes3.b) Bourgeoisie4.b) Proletariat5.b) Socialism and eventually communism6.c) Alienation7.b) Creating a classless and stateless society8.c) Class struggles9.a) The economic foundation and the cultural institutions built upon it10.b) It leads to economic inequalityFeel free to use this quiz to test your basic knowledge of Marxism! Let me know if you have any questions or need further explanations on any of the topics.ChatGPTResponse 2Here’s an easy quizon Marxism that focuses on basic concepts and principles:Easy Marxism Quiz1. Who is considered the founder of Marxism?a) Max Weberb) Karl Marxc) Émile Durkheimd) Adam Smith2. In Marxist theory, the ruling class that owns the means of production is called the:a) Proletariatb) Bourgeoisiec) Aristocracyd) Working class3. According to Marx, what drives history and societal change?a) Religious beliefsb) Conflict between different social classesc) Technological innovationd) Government policies4. What is the term Marx uses to describe the working class?a) Bourgeoisieb) Proletariat

c) Aristocracyd) Capitalists5. Marx believed that capitalism would eventually be replaced by which system?a) Feudalismb) Socialismc) Fascismd) Democracy6. In Marxist theory, the concept of alienationrefers to:a) Workers feeling isolated from their familiesb) Workers being disconnected from the products of their labor and their true human potentialc) The government isolating itself from the peopled) Political parties alienating voters7. The Marxist term means of productionrefers to:a) Tools and resources used to produce goodsb) The political structure of a societyc) The distribution of wealthd) The consumption habits of individuals8. Marx believed that revolution would occur when:a) The working class peacefully negotiated for better conditionsb) The working class would overthrow the capitalist system through class strugglec) The government passed enough labor lawsd) The ruling class gave up power voluntarily9. What is the end goal of a Marxist revolution?a) Establishment of a capitalist societyb) The dictatorship of the proletariat, leading to a classless, stateless societyc) A monarchy ruled by the working classd) A theocratic government10. In Marxist theory, the superstructureof society includes:a) The economic base, including factories and businessesb) The cultural, political, and ideological aspects of society, such as education, religion, and mediac) The means of productiond) The laws and the constitutionAnswer Key1.b) Karl Marx2.b) Bourgeoisie

3.b) Conflict between different social classes4.b) Proletariat5.b) Socialism6.b) Workers being disconnected from the products of their labor and their true human potential7.a) Tools and resources used to produce goods8.b) The working class would overthrow the capitalist system through class struggle9.b) The dictatorship of the proletariat, leading to a classless, stateless society10.b) The cultural, political, and ideological aspects of society, such as education, religion, and mediaSymbolic Interactionism Application Quiz1. In a classroom setting, students raise their hands before speaking. How would a symbolicinteractionist interpret this behavior?a) As a rule imposed by the teacher for classroom management.b) As a symbol of respect and an agreed-upon gesture that conveys a request to speak, shaped by social norms.c) As a biological response to authority.2. A teenager starts dressing in a certain style after joining a new group of friends. How would symbolic interactionism explain this change?a) The teenager is pressured by the group and has no choice.b) The teenager adopts the style because of the meanings and identities associated with that group, creating a sense of belonging.c) The teenager’s new style reflects an internal desire to rebel against societal norms.3. In a job interview, a candidate maintains eye contact and uses a firm handshake. How would a symbolic interactionist view these behaviors?a) They are irrelevant to the outcome of the interview.b) They are important social symbols that convey confidence, professionalism, and respect, shaping the interviewer’s perception of the candidate.c) They are basic biological gestures that everyone performs automatically.4. A parent teaches their child to say "please" and "thank you." From a symbolic interactionist perspective, why is this significant?a) It reinforces power dynamics between the parent and child.b) It helps the child learn to use socially constructed symbols to communicate politeness and respect, which will shape their social interactions.c) It ensures that the child will be successful in life.5. In a new romantic relationship, partners often give each other small gifts. How would a symbolic interactionist explain this behavior?a) The gifts are meant to show economic power.b) The gifts symbolize affection and serve to communicate emotional investment in the

relationship, reinforcing their connection.c) Gift-giving is a meaningless habit.6. During a protest, participants carry signs with slogans and chant together. How would symbolic interactionism explain the meaning of these signs and chants?a) The signs and chants are just noise with no real significance.b) The signs and chants are symbols that convey shared meanings and collective identities, helping participants communicate their cause and unify their actions.c) The signs are designed to attract media attention but have no deeper meaning.7. A person gets a tattoo that represents a significant personal experience. How would a symbolic interactionist view the meaning of the tattoo?a) The tattoo is a purely aesthetic choice.b) The tattoo is a personal symbol that holds deep meaning for the individual, representing an important aspect of their identity or life experience.c) The tattoo is a cultural expectation.8. In a restaurant, a customer tips the waiter after receiving good service. How would a symbolic interactionist analyze the act of tipping?a) Tipping is a financial transaction unrelated to social interaction.b) Tipping is a symbolic gesture of appreciation that communicates social norms around gratitude and recognition of service, reinforcing social roles.c) Tipping is only done because it is required by law.9. A young child pretends to be a doctor by wearing a white coat and using a toy stethoscope. How would symbolic interactionism explain this play behavior?a) The child is imitating what they have seen adults do.b) The child is engaging in role-playing, using symbols (the white coat and stethoscope) to learn and understand social roles and expectations.c) The child is simply passing time.10. How would symbolic interactionism explain a person changing their behavior when interacting with different groups (e.g., behaving one way with friends and another way with coworkers)?a) The person is being dishonest.b) The person adjusts their behavior based on the meanings and expectations that arise in different social contexts, acting in ways that align with the roles they occupy in each situation.c) The person lacks a stable identity.Answer Key1.b) As a symbol of respect and an agreed-upon gesture that conveys a request to speak, shaped by social norms.2.b) The teenager adopts the style because of the meanings and identities associated with that

group, creating a sense of belonging.3.b) They are important social symbols that convey confidence, professionalism, and respect, shaping the interviewer’s perception of the candidate.4.b) It helps the child learn to use socially constructed symbols to communicate politeness and respect, which will shape their social interactions.5.b) The gifts symbolize affection and serve to communicate emotional investment in the relationship, reinforcing their connection.6.b) The signs and chants are symbols that convey shared meanings and collective identities, helping participants communicate their cause and unify their actions.7.b) The tattoo is a personal symbol that holds deep meaning for the individual, representing an important aspect of their identity or life experience.8.b) Tipping is a symbolic gesture of appreciation that communicates social norms around gratitude and recognition of service, reinforcing social roles.9.b) The child is engaging in role-playing, using symbols (the white coat and stethoscope) to learn and understand social roles and expectations.10.b) The person adjusts their behavior based on the meanings and expectations that arise in different social contexts, acting in ways that align with the roles they occupy in each situation.