Question 1

Discuss the major subtypes of social capital. Identify social groups or issues where bonding, bridging and instrumental social capital approaches would be helpful. Do you think that instrumental approaches have the potential to become more altruistic? What are the possible roles for social workers in this regard?

Accepted Answer

Social capital can be divided into three major subtypes: bonding, bridging, and instrumental social capital.

Bonding social capital refers to the connections and relationships within a homogenous group, such as family, close friends, or members of a specific community. This type of social capital is important for providing emotional support, sharing resources, and fostering a sense of belonging and identity within the group.

Bridging social capital, on the other hand, involves connections and relationships between different social groups or communities. This type of social capital is crucial for promoting diversity, tolerance, and understanding between different groups, and for accessing new information and opportunities outside of one's immediate social circle.

Instrumental social capital focuses on the tangible benefits that individuals or groups can gain from their social connections, such as access to resources, information, or opportunities. This type of social capital is often transactional in nature, and can be used to achieve specific goals or outcomes.

Each of these approaches to social capital can be helpful in different social groups or issues. Bonding social capital is particularly important in close-knit communities or support networks, where individuals rely on each other for emotional and material support. Bridging social capital is valuable in diverse communities or in addressing social issues that require collaboration and understanding between different groups. Instrumental social capital can be beneficial in situations where individuals or groups need to access resources, information, or opportunities to achieve specific goals or outcomes.

As for the potential for instrumental approaches to become more altruistic, it is possible for individuals or groups to use their instrumental social capital in a way that benefits others and promotes the common good. This may involve using their connections and resources to support others, advocate for social justice, or address systemic issues that affect their communities.

Social workers can play a crucial role in promoting and facilitating the development of all three types of social capital. They can work with individuals and communities to strengthen their bonding, bridging, and instrumental social capital, and to address the specific needs and challenges they face. Social workers can also advocate for policies and practices that promote social capital and address systemic barriers to building and maintaining strong social connections. Additionally, they can provide support and resources to individuals and groups to help them leverage their social capital in ways that benefit themselves and others. Overall, social workers can play a key role in fostering a more altruistic and supportive approach to instrumental social capital, and in promoting the overall well-being and resilience of individuals and communities.

Question 2

Define what you believe is meant by 'postmodernity.' What are the implications of this perspective for the development of social cohesion? How does this view affect the development of a unified social science with broad applicability?

Accepted Answer

Postmodernity refers to a cultural, intellectual, and social movement that emerged in the late 20th century, challenging the modernist ideals of progress, rationality, and universal truth. It is characterized by a skepticism towards grand narratives, a rejection of absolute truths, and a recognition of the diversity and complexity of human experiences.

The implications of this perspective for the development of social cohesion are significant. Postmodernity challenges the idea of a unified, homogeneous society and instead emphasizes the existence of multiple, diverse, and often conflicting social realities. This can lead to a fragmentation of social groups and a breakdown of traditional sources of social cohesion, such as shared values, beliefs, and norms. In a postmodern society, individuals may identify with multiple, fluid, and often transient social groups, making it challenging to establish a sense of collective identity and solidarity.

From a social science perspective, postmodernity presents a challenge to the development of a unified and universally applicable theory. The rejection of grand narratives and absolute truths means that social scientists must be sensitive to the diversity of human experiences and the complexity of social phenomena. This requires a more nuanced and context-specific approach to social research, as well as a recognition of the limitations of any single theory or perspective. As a result, the development of a unified social science with broad applicability becomes more challenging, as it requires an openness to multiple perspectives and a willingness to engage with the complexities of social reality.

In conclusion, postmodernity has significant implications for the development of social cohesion and the unity of social science. It challenges traditional notions of social unity and presents a more complex and fragmented view of society. This requires a more nuanced and context-specific approach to social research, as well as a recognition of the limitations of any single theory or perspective. While this may present challenges, it also offers opportunities for a more inclusive and diverse understanding of social phenomena.

Question 3

Discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of having markedly diverse subcultures in a society. What processes can serve to maximize the benefits and minimize the problems associated with diversity? What are the most factious dimensions on which our society is divided today?

Accepted Answer

Having markedly diverse subcultures in a society can bring both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, diversity can lead to a rich tapestry of ideas, perspectives, and traditions. It can foster creativity, innovation, and a greater understanding and appreciation of different ways of life. Additionally, diverse subcultures can contribute to a more vibrant and dynamic society, and can help to break down stereotypes and prejudices.

However, diversity can also lead to challenges. It can create tensions and conflicts between different groups, and can make it difficult to establish a cohesive national identity. It can also lead to inequality and discrimination, as some groups may face barriers to full participation in society.

To maximize the benefits and minimize the problems associated with diversity, it is important to promote inclusivity, tolerance, and understanding. This can be achieved through education, dialogue, and the promotion of policies that support equality and diversity. It is also important to create opportunities for different groups to interact and collaborate, in order to build bridges and foster a sense of unity.

In terms of the most factious dimensions on which our society is divided today, there are several key areas of division. These include political beliefs, socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity, religion, and gender. These divisions can create significant challenges for society, but they also present opportunities for growth and progress if they are addressed with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to equality.

Question 4

The manifest function of police in this country is

Accepted Answer

A)   Keeping minorities under control
B)   Racist profiling
C)   Preserving the current system
D)   Law Enforcement

Question 5

Which of the following is a dimension of cultural diversity in the United States?

Accepted Answer

A)   Religion
B)   Age
C)   Sexual orientation
D)   All of the above

Question 6

Discuss the nature of minority identity as a Holon. How does Billingsley's view accord with the development of a unified social science with broad applicability?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the nature of minority identity as...

Question 7

Which of the following is identified as a weakness of social capital?

Accepted Answer

A)   Downward leveling of norms
B)   Degradation of income
C)   Increased isolation
D)   Group instability

Question 8

The influences of modernity stressed

Accepted Answer

A)   Stability
B)   Spirituality
C)   Progress
D)   Divinity

Question 9

In Koestler's view, dual minority identity can be understood as

Accepted Answer

A)   A constant
B)   A variable
C)   A holon
D)   An output

Question 10

Current observers note that the gap between rich and poor is growing faster than at any time in our history. As this gap widens, what are the implications for an already diverse culture. Are minorities going to be able to have sufficient access to wealth to permit continued social cohesion? What policies might avert this crisis, and what are the potential breaking points in the social order as the gap widens?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Current observers note that the gap between...

Question 11

The preeminence of Western society emerged in large part due to the effects of

Accepted Answer

A)   Religion and economics
B)   Technology and democracy
C)   History and tradition
D)   Geography and climate

Question 12

The familiar term for cultural integration in contemporary use is

Accepted Answer

A)   The melting pot model
B)   The tossed salad model
C)   The hybrid model
D)   The laminated model

Question 13

The boundary effect in culture clashes has which effect?

Accepted Answer

A)   Information gain
B)   Information distortion
C)   Information amplification
D)   None of the above

Question 14

In contrast with modernity, postmodernism places more emphasis on

Accepted Answer

A)   Clarity
B)   Order
C)   Reason
D)   Diversity

Question 15

The final stage of social progress, according to Parsons, involved forming

Accepted Answer

A)   A common language
B)   Common enemies
C)   Inclusive values
D)   Spiritual traditions

Question 16

The coming together of women in the early feminist movement illustrates

Accepted Answer

A)   Bridging capital
B)   Instrumental capital
C)   Bonding capital
D)   All of the above

Question 17

Sutherland and Cressey developed a theory of social identity based on

Accepted Answer

A)   Differential opportunity
B)   Differential association
C)   Differential ability
D)   Differential achievement

Question 18

In systems theory, the point where two subcultures come together is a point of

Accepted Answer

A)   Learning
B)   Tension
C)   Cohesion
D)   Alliance

Question 19

Weber's so-called 'protestant ethic' stressed which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)   Religious orthodoxy
B)   Piety
C)   Self sacrifice
D)   Hard work

Question 20

Kroeber and Kluckhon suggest that the core feature of culture is

Accepted Answer

A)   Technology
B)   Religion
C)   Values
D)   Families

Exam 15: Theories Applied to Populations at Risk