Question 1

Discuss why the definitions of deviance and social stigma are dependent on
 cultural variations and socially accepted norms. Give examples of how people are  stigmatized for behaviours they may no longer engage in.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss why the definitions of deviance and...

Question 2

What was the motivation behind Stanley Milgram's experimental study of obedience?

Accepted Answer

A)  To understand how self-esteem issues in subjects affect their treatment of others. 
B)  To develop more effective means to ensure soldiers follow orders. 
C)  To better understand the deterrence factor of the death penalty. 
D)  To better understand German involvement in the annihilation of Jews in World War II.

Question 3

What did Helen Rose Fuchs Ebaugh examine through her interviews with divorced men and women, former nuns and retirees, among others?

Accepted Answer

A)  sociocultural evolution 
B)  role exit 
C)  role conflict 
D)  social networking

Question 4

What term do sociologists use to describe the labels society uses to devalue members of  certain groups?

Accepted Answer

A)  stigmata 
B)  crime 
C)  deviance 
D)  stigma

Question 5

We change reference groups as we take on different statuses during our lives.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 6

Every society needs to produce and distribute goods and services so that people's needs are fulfilled. What is the social institution that performs this function?

Accepted Answer

A)  manufacturing 
B)  the economy 
C)  the family 
D)  government

Question 7

Jamal is a top student. He is very competitive about his grades. Every term, when the Dean's List (students with an A average) is posted, Jamal is one of the first to check it. Why is this?

Accepted Answer

A)  The other people on the list constitute his reference group. 
B)  The other people on the list share his ascribed status. 
C)  He is building a coalition with the other people on the list. 
D)  The other people on the list constitute his primary group.

Question 8

A pro-life group condemns the act of abortion yet takes the action of murdering a physician who performs legal abortions. This example of a double standard can be explained sociologically using which of the following concepts?

Accepted Answer

A)  a social network that links individuals directly to others and through them indirectly to even more people 
B)  they operate as a primary group based on face-to-face association and cooperation 
C)  a coalition representing a permanent alliance that is geared towards a common goal 
D)  the conversion of in-group virtues to out-group vices

Question 9

What is a social network?

Accepted Answer

A)  The way in which a society is organized into predictable relationships. 
B)  A social structure that derives its existence from the social interactions through which people define and redefine its character. 
C)  A series of social relationships that link a person directly to others and therefore indirectly to still more people. 
D)  An attempt to reach agreement with others concerning some objective.

Question 10

Describe a postmodern society. Is Canada a postmodern society? If so, is it
 postmodern for everyone? If not, what characteristics does it lack?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe a postmodern society. Is Canada a...

Question 11

In Weber's proposed view of the ideal bureaucracy he argued that in order to be successful an organization must continually promote its talented employees. However, there is a fine line where if crossed, the Peter Principle may occur. Which of the following characteristics discusses this bureaucratic notion?

Accepted Answer

A)  Division of labour 
B)  Employment based on technical qualifications 
C)  Written rules and regulations 
D)  Hierarchy of authority

Question 12

Viewed from the Thomas theorem, the recent change in views of homosexuality affected by the annual Gay Pride Parade in Toronto, Ontario can best be explained through which of the following statements?

Accepted Answer

A)  Members of subordinate groups who challenge traditional social views can raise consciousness, resulting in a new perception and experience of reality. 
B)  Occupying a predictable position in society shapes how humans think and act, and the resources they have access to. 
C)  How humans interact with one another is shaped by their own position relative to the position of others. 
D)  "Human beings interpret or define each other's actions instead of merely reacting to each other's actions".

Question 13

Binge drinking on college campuses both shows conformity to the peer culture as well as  representing ________ the standards of conduct expected of those in an academic  context.

Accepted Answer

A)  adherence to 
B)  formal social control of 
C)  deviance from 
D)  informal social control of

Question 14

What is the term for the principle of bureaucracy that establishes that work should be carried out "without hatred or passion"?

Accepted Answer

A)  hierarchy of authority 
B)  written rules and regulations 
C)  division of labour 
D)  impersonality

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of social interaction?

Accepted Answer

A)  Felipe watches television and does needlepoint. 
B)  Sally and Veronica, a lesbian couple, argue about a new piece of gay rights legislation. 
C)  Mary wallpapers her bedroom walls. 
D)  Enrico surfs the internet, looking for shoes.

Question 16

In comparison to previous generations, which of the following is NOT true of members of Millennial?

Accepted Answer

A)  They are more confident and self-expressive. 
B)  They are more ethnically and racially tolerant. 
C)  They are more likely to struggle with creating a social networking profile. 
D)  They are more politically and socially progressive on issues such as immigration and homosexuality.

Question 17

Which theory of deviance suggests that members of a society may conform or deviate
 from the culturally prescribed goals and the means of attaining those goals?

Accepted Answer

A)  differential association 
B)  control theory 
C)  anomie theory 
D)  labelling theory

Question 18

What does control theory state?

Accepted Answer

A)  We are bonded to our family members, friends, and peers in a way that leads us to follow the mores and folkways of our society. 
B)  We are "convinced" to act in a law-abiding manner because of the "control" that law enforcement agencies have over our lives. 
C)  We act in a conforming manner because of self-control. 
D)  We are bonded to members of our subculture, and if they engage in deviant behaviour, we use them as role models and act in the same manner.

Question 19

The distinction between primary groups and secondary groups is not always clear, as  some groups may have some characteristics of each type.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 20

How are sanctions defined?

Accepted Answer

A)  Penalties and rewards for conduct concerning a social norm. 
B)  A loss of direction when the social control of individual behaviour has become ineffective. 
C)  Justifications for deviant behaviour. 
D)  Rules made by a government.

Exam 3: Social Structure, Interaction & Deviance

Discuss why the definitions of deviance and social stigma are dependent on cultural variations and socially accepted norms. Give examples of how people are stigmatized for behaviours they may no longer engage in.