Free Sociological Theory MCQs with Answers
291 Sociological Theory MCQs from Sociology, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.
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121. The model minority stereotype of Asian Americans contains an implicit critique of Blacks Hispanics and others for failing to succeed as well as the model minority has Which sociological perspective would view this as yet another instance of blaming the victim ?
- A. functionalist perspective
- B. conflict perspective
- C. interactionist perspective
- D. dramaturgical approach
Explanation: Conflict theory exposes how apparently positive stereotypes can compare groups and shift attention away from structural inequality, thereby blaming disadvantaged people for their position. Functionalism and interactionism can study stereotypes, but “blaming the victim” is especially linked to a power and inequality critique.
Correct answer: conflict perspective122. Which sociology perspective emphasizes that societies literally could not function if massive numbers of people defied standards of appropriate conduct ?
- A. functionalist perspective
- B. conflict perspective
- C. interactionist perspective
- D. labelling theory
Explanation: Functionalism views shared norms and conformity as conditions that maintain social order and allow institutions to operate. Conflict theory would instead ask whose standards are enforced and who benefits from them.
Correct answer: functionalist perspective123. Which sociological perspective emphasizes that school in the United States foster competition through built-in systems of reward and punishment ?
- A. functionalist perspective
- B. conflict perspective
- C. interactionist perspective
- D. psychological perspective
Explanation: Conflict theory interprets school rewards and punishments as mechanisms that organise competition and reproduce unequal opportunities, rather than as neutral processes. A functionalist account would stress socialisation and the contribution of schooling to social stability.
Correct answer: conflict perspective124. In studying the strategies that students employ to create appearances after grades have awarded sociologists Daniel Albas and Cheryl Albas drew upon the concept of impression managements developed by______________?
- A. George Herbert Mead
- B. Charles Horton Cooley
- C. Erving Goffman
- D. Jean Piaget
Explanation: Erving Goffman developed impression management, viewing social interaction as a performance in which people control the image they present to others. Albas and Albas applied this idea to how students manage appearances after receiving grades.
Correct answer: Erving Goffman125. Human behavior is guided by expectations held both by the individual and by other people is the basic notion of_____________?
- A. conflict theory
- B. Structural functionalism
- C. role theory
- D. None of these
Explanation: Role theory explains behaviour through the expectations attached to social positions, including expectations held by the person occupying a role and by others. Conflict theory and structural functionalism are broader theories of society rather than the specific concept described here.
Correct answer: role theory126. The human action and interaction are understandable only through the exchange of meaningful communication or symbols, this is the basic assumption of_______________?
- A. conflict theory
- B. Role theory
- C. Symbolic interactionism
- D. None of these
Explanation: Symbolic interactionism holds that people interpret and organise social life through shared symbols and meaningful communication. This emphasis on meanings exchanged in interaction distinguishes it from conflict theory and role theory.
Correct answer: Symbolic interactionism127. In modern societies members perform different tasks and are highly interdependent this kind of solidarity is called______________?
- A. Organic solidarity
- B. Mechanical solidarity
- C. Interdependence solidarity
- D. None of these
Explanation: Durkheim called the solidarity of modern societies organic because specialised individuals perform different tasks and depend on one another. Mechanical solidarity instead characterises simpler societies with greater similarity among members.
Correct answer: Organic solidarity128. Structural functionalism draws its inspiration primarily from the ideas of___________?
- A. Marx
- B. weber
- C. Durkheim
- D. All of these
Explanation: Structural functionalism treats society as an interrelated system whose institutions contribute to stability, an approach strongly rooted in Durkheim's analysis of social integration and social functions. Marx and Weber also influenced sociology, but they are not the primary source named here.
Correct answer: Durkheim129. Karl Marx is Best known for_______________?
- A. Conflict theory
- B. Social change
- C. Society and science
- D. None of these
Explanation: Marx is most closely associated with conflict theory, which explains society through unequal ownership, class divisions, and struggle over scarce resources. Although Marx also wrote extensively on social change, conflict theory is his principal sociological contribution.
Correct answer: Conflict theory130. According to Durkheim stronger social ties and religious affiliation______________?
- A. Increase the suicide rates
- B. Decrease them
- C. Have no effect upon them
- D. None of these
Explanation: Durkheim linked suicide risk to the level of social integration: strong relationships and religious affiliation provide belonging, support, and regulation, thereby reducing suicide rates. This is why he described egoistic suicide as arising from weak social integration.
Correct answer: Decrease them