History of Sociology: Key Figures and Ideas

Question 1

Which sociological perspective focuses on the influence of larger social structures and institutions on individual behavior?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Feminist Theory

Question 2

According to Karl Marx's theory, which class controls the means of production and dominates other classes in a capitalist society?

Accepted Answer

Bourgeoisie

Answer

Proletariat

Answer

Peasantry

Answer

Aristocracy

Question 3

Who introduced the concept of 'anomie', a state of normlessness and social disorganization?

Accepted Answer

Émile Durkheim

Answer

Auguste Comte

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

George Herbert Mead

Question 4

What is the primary focus of symbolic interactionism in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Individual interpretations and meanings

Answer

Social structure and institutions

Answer

Class struggle and economic relations

Answer

Cultural norms and values

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of positivism in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on verstehen

Answer

Reliance on empirical data

Answer

Value-free research

Answer

Objectivity

Question 6

What is the main goal of cultural anthropology as a field of study?

Accepted Answer

To study human societies and cultures

Answer

To address social problems

Answer

To promote social change

Answer

To predict human behavior

Question 7

Who is commonly recognized as the 'father' of sociology, who emphasized the importance of scientific methods in studying society?

Accepted Answer

Auguste Comte

Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Émile Durkheim

Answer

Max Weber

Question 8

Which sociological perspective focuses on the influence of broader social structures and institutions on individual behavior and social outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Structural functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 9

According to Émile Durkheim, which characteristic is associated with mechanical solidarity, a form of social cohesion that emphasizes shared beliefs and values?

Accepted Answer

Low division of labor and collective consciousness

Answer

High division of labor and individualism

Answer

Emphasis on the individual over the group

Answer

Lack of shared values and norms

Question 10

Which concept refers to the subjective meanings and experiences that individuals attribute to their social interactions, symbols, and gestures?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interaction

Answer

Social structure

Answer

Social norms

Answer

Cultural capital

Question 11

Which of Max Weber's concepts emphasizes rationality, clear hierarchy, and impersonal rules in organizational structures?

Accepted Answer

Clear hierarchy, rationality, and impersonal rules

Answer

Informal relationships and lack of hierarchy

Answer

Emphasis on tradition and personal charisma

Answer

Domination based solely on coercion and force

Question 12

Which criticism of functionalist theory is not typically raised?

Accepted Answer

It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding social phenomena

Answer

It tends to overemphasize social harmony and consensus

Answer

It ignores or downplays the role of social change and conflict

Answer

It does not adequately address the influence of power and inequality

Question 13

What is the central focus of conflict theory, emphasizing the role of power struggles and inequalities in society?

Accepted Answer

The inequalities and power imbalances that exist in society

Answer

The role of social institutions in maintaining social order

Answer

The ways in which individuals create and negotiate social meanings

Answer

The relationship between culture and social behavior

Question 14

Which contribution of feminist theory to sociology is most significant?

Accepted Answer

Challenging traditional patriarchal views of society and gender roles

Answer

Emphasizing the importance of race and class as factors in social inequality

Answer

Developing new research methods based on personal narratives and experiences

Answer

Providing a framework for understanding social stratification

Question 15

The concept of 'habitus' is primarily associated with which sociological perspective?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Structural functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Ethnomethodology

Question 16

How do contemporary sociological theories, like conflict theory and symbolic interactionism, remain relevant in our understanding of social issues and the shaping of social policies?

Accepted Answer

Contemporary sociological theories continue to shape our understanding of social issues and influence the development of social policies.

Answer

Contemporary sociological theories are irrelevant to current social issues.

Answer

Contemporary sociological theories only influence social policies in developing countries.

Answer

Contemporary sociological theories provide a complete understanding of all social issues, making other perspectives unnecessary.

Question 17

Who is widely recognized as the 'Father of Sociology'?

Accepted Answer

Auguste Comte

Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Émile Durkheim

Answer

Max Weber

Question 18

Which sociological perspective emphasizes the importance of social structures and institutions in shaping human behavior and society?

Accepted Answer

Structural functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 19

Émile Durkheim's study of suicide significantly contributed to the field of sociology by demonstrating that:

Accepted Answer

Suicide is influenced by social factors and is not solely caused by individual mental health issues.

Answer

Suicide rates are higher in Protestant societies than in Catholic societies.

Answer

Suicide is primarily caused by economic deprivation.

Answer

Suicide rates are constant across different cultures and societies.

Question 20

A core concept in symbolic interactionism is the:

Accepted Answer

Social construction of reality

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Economic base

Answer

Social institutions

Question 21

Max Weber's concept of verstehen involves:

Accepted Answer

Interpreting the subjective meanings and experiences of individuals and groups.

Answer

Objectively studying social phenomena from a detached perspective.

Answer

Examining social structures and institutions in a comparative framework.

Answer

Analyzing the impact of culture on social behavior.

Question 22

Who is widely recognized as the 'Father of Sociology' and coined the term 'sociology'?

Accepted Answer

Auguste Comte

Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Émile Durkheim

Answer

Max Weber

Question 23

Which sociological perspective emphasizes that society is a complex system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain equilibrium and social order?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Feminist Theory

Question 24

According to Émile Durkheim, what is a primary function of religion in society?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining social cohesion and solidarity

Answer

Providing a sense of meaning and purpose

Answer

Promoting economic growth

Answer

Controlling political power

Question 25

Which sociologist introduced the concept of 'social class' and emphasized its role in shaping economic inequality?

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Émile Durkheim

Answer

W.E.B. Du Bois

Question 26

How did Max Weber's 'Protestant Ethic thesis' contribute to the understanding of the rise of capitalism?

Accepted Answer

It proposed that capitalism originated from religious beliefs that valued hard work and thrift

Answer

It argued that capitalism was solely a result of technological advancements

Answer

It maintained that capitalism inevitably leads to economic equality

Answer

It suggested that capitalism emerged due to political revolutions

Question 27

Which feminist theory highlights the interconnectedness of race, gender, and class in shaping women's experiences?

Accepted Answer

Intersectionality Theory

Answer

Liberal Feminism

Answer

Radical Feminism

Answer

Socialist Feminism

Question 28

How does symbolic interactionism differ from functionalism in its approach to understanding social phenomena?

Accepted Answer

It focuses on the micro-level interactions and meanings constructed by individuals

Answer

It emphasizes the large-scale social structures and their impact on individual behavior

Answer

It views society as a static entity

Answer

It relies solely on statistical analysis

Question 29

According to conflict theory, what is the primary driver of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Economic competition for scarce resources

Answer

Cultural differences

Answer

Political power imbalances

Answer

Geographical factors

Question 30

Which sociological research method involves direct observation and recording of social behavior in its natural setting?

Accepted Answer

Participant observation

Answer

Survey questionnaire

Answer

Experimental manipulation

Answer

Content analysis of written documents

Question 31

Max Weber's concept of 'Verstehen' has significantly impacted sociological research. Explain the core idea behind 'Verstehen' and describe how it has shaped the field.

Accepted Answer

It emphasizes understanding social phenomena through the lens of subjective meanings and experiences.

Answer

It advocates for a purely quantitative approach to sociological research.

Answer

It focuses solely on analyzing social structures and institutions.

Answer

It led directly to the development of participant observation as a research method.

Question 32

Which sociological perspective focuses on the role of power and conflict in shaping society?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Feminism

Question 33

According to Émile Durkheim's theory of anomie, what occurs when there is a disruption in social norms and values?

Accepted Answer

Higher levels of crime and deviance

Answer

Increased social order

Answer

Improved economic productivity

Answer

Greater political stability

Question 34

Which sociologist emphasized that society is composed of symbols that people use to communicate and understand their world?

Accepted Answer

George Herbert Mead

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Talcott Parsons

Answer

Robert Merton

Question 35

What is the primary focus of feminist sociology?

Accepted Answer

The role of women in society

Answer

The impact of socioeconomic status on educational attainment

Answer

The influence of religion on social institutions

Answer

The relationship between race and ethnicity on health outcomes

Question 36

Which sociological research method involves directly observing and recording behavior in natural settings?

Accepted Answer

Participant observation

Answer

Content analysis

Answer

Survey

Answer

Interview

Question 37

How did Karl Marx's theory of class conflict influence the development of sociology?

Accepted Answer

It highlighted the economic basis of social inequality

Answer

It emphasized the role of religion in social stability

Answer

It promoted the idea of social evolution

Answer

It downplayed the significance of individual agency

Question 38

How has globalization impacted the field of sociology?

Accepted Answer

Increased the need for cross-cultural and transnational research

Answer

Reduced the importance of qualitative research methods

Answer

Made it more difficult to draw generalizations from research findings

Answer

Decreased the relevance of sociological theories

Question 39

Who is widely recognized as the founder of sociology, coining the term and developing the discipline's foundational principles?

Accepted Answer

Auguste Comte

Answer

Émile Durkheim

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Karl Marx

Question 40

Émile Durkheim introduced the concept of 'social solidarity.' Which of the following best describes this concept?

Accepted Answer

The shared values, beliefs, and norms that unite members of a society

Answer

The division of labor and specialization of roles in a society

Answer

The conflict between different social classes for scarce resources

Answer

The influence of external factors, such as economic or political conditions, on social behavior

Question 41

According to Max Weber, what is the central aspect that distinguishes social action from other forms of human behavior?

Accepted Answer

Its subjective meaning and interpretation by the actor

Answer

Its inherent rationality and logical reasoning

Answer

Its conformity to societal norms and expectations

Answer

Its focus on achieving specific goals or outcomes

Question 42

Karl Marx's analysis of capitalism emphasized which fundamental aspect of society?

Accepted Answer

The conflict between social classes based on ownership of resources

Answer

The role of technology in shaping economic systems

Answer

The importance of individual autonomy and free markets

Answer

The influence of religious beliefs on economic development

Question 43

Max Weber proposed a significant theory linking the 'Protestant Ethic' to:

Accepted Answer

The rise of capitalism in Western societies

Answer

The decline of traditional religious beliefs

Answer

The emergence of modern political ideologies

Answer

The development of scientific and technological advancements

Question 44

Which sociological perspective highlights the significance of symbols, meanings, and interpretations in shaping social interactions and understandings?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Structural functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 45

Research methods that involve observing and recording social behavior directly in natural settings are known as:

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research methods

Answer

Quantitative research methods

Answer

Experimental research methods

Answer

Historical research methods

Question 46

The sociological perspective emphasizes the importance of examining:

Accepted Answer

The influence of social factors on individuals

Answer

Individual characteristics and behaviors

Answer

The impact of economic forces on society

Answer

The role of biological factors in social patterns

Question 47

Who is widely recognized as the 'father of sociology' and coined the term 'sociology'?

Accepted Answer

Auguste Comte

Answer

Emile Durkheim

Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Max Weber

Question 48

Which sociological perspective emphasizes the interrelationships between different parts of society and how they contribute to its overall stability?

Accepted Answer

Structural functionalism

Answer

Feminist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 49

Who developed the concept of the 'looking-glass self', which suggests that our self-concept is shaped by how we believe others perceive us?

Accepted Answer

Charles Horton Cooley

Answer

Erving Goffman

Answer

George Herbert Mead

Answer

Herbert Blumer

Question 50

Which sociologist is best known for his study of the Protestant Reformation and its impact on the development of capitalism?

Accepted Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Emile Durkheim

Answer

Karl Marx

Question 51

According to conflict theory, what is the fundamental source of social change and conflict?

Accepted Answer

Competition for scarce resources

Answer

The values and norms of the dominant culture

Answer

The stability and equilibrium of society

Answer

The interactions between individuals

Question 52

What is the term for the process by which individuals learn the values, norms, and beliefs of their social group?

Accepted Answer

Socialization

Answer

Assimilation

Answer

Internalization

Answer

Acculturation

Question 53

Which sociological perspective emphasizes the study of everyday interactions and the ways in which individuals construct meaning through communication?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Structural functionalism

Answer

Feminist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 54

Who is known for developing the concept of 'habitus', which refers to the socially acquired dispositions and practices that shape individuals' behavior?

Accepted Answer

Pierre Bourdieu

Answer

Anthony Giddens

Answer

Zygmunt Bauman

Answer

Jurgen Habermas

Question 55

What is a central theme in post-modern sociology?

Accepted Answer

The fragmentation and fluidity of modern society

Answer

The universal nature of human values

Answer

The inevitability of social progress

Answer

The importance of social institutions in maintaining order