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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11. The distribution of power in society is a concern for_____________?
- A. microsociology
- B. interactionism
- C. macrosociology
- D. ethnomethodology
Explanation: The distribution of power concerns macrosociology because it examines large-scale structures such as states, classes and institutions. Microsociology and ethnomethodology focus mainly on face-to-face interaction and everyday meaning-making.
Correct answer: macrosociology12. Weber (1919) said that the states monopoly of the use of force was legitimated by______________?
- A. charismatic authority
- B. rational -legal authority
- C. traditional authority
- D. value-rational authority
Explanation: Weber linked the modern state's legitimate monopoly of force with rational-legal authority, where obedience is given to formally established laws and offices. Charismatic and traditional authority depend instead on personal devotion or custom.
Correct answer: rational -legal authority13. Tonnies divided the social structure into Gemeinschaft and Gesellschafts The tighter and cohesive social entity was the salient feature of___________?
- A. Gemeinschaft
- B. Gesellschafts
- C. Both of them
- D. None of these
Explanation: Gemeinschaft describes close, intimate, traditional relationships based on kinship and community, whereas Gesellschaft refers to impersonal, contractual relationships in modern society. The emphasis on tight cohesion therefore identifies Gemeinschaft.
Correct answer: Gemeinschaft14. Louis Wirth argued that a relatively large and permanent settlement leads to distinctive patterns of behavior which he called_______________?
- A. squatting
- B. linear development
- C. urbanism
- D. gentrification
Explanation: Louis Wirth used urbanism to describe the distinctive social relationships and behaviour produced by a large, dense and permanent settlement. Gentrification and squatting are particular urban processes, not the general urban way of life.
Correct answer: urbanism15. Who first introduced the notion of anomie into sociology ?
- A. comte
- B. Marx
- C. Weber
- D. Durkheim
Explanation: Émile Durkheim introduced anomie into sociology to describe a condition of normlessness or weakened social regulation, especially during periods of rapid social change. Although the term had earlier roots in other writing, Durkheim gave it its central sociological meaning.
Correct answer: Durkheim16. Which of the following in NOT associated with functionalism ?
- A. Talcott Parsons
- B. Ralf Dahrendorf
- C. Emile Durkheim
- D. Robert Merton
Explanation: Parsons, Durkheim, and Merton are major functionalist thinkers. Ralf Dahrendorf is associated mainly with conflict theory, especially his analysis of authority and class conflict.
Correct answer: Ralf Dahrendorf17. The feeling of aimlessness or despair often associated with unsettling conditions is_______________?
- A. alienation
- B. amorality
- C. anomie
- D. ascription
Explanation: Anomie describes normlessness, producing feelings of aimlessness and despair when social rules or expectations become unstable. Alienation instead refers mainly to separation from one’s work, products, or social life.
Correct answer: anomie18. The theory of relative deprivation is an example of what ______________?
- A. macro sociological theory
- B. feminist sociological theory
- C. micro sociological theory
- D. middle-range sociological theory
Explanation: Relative deprivation explains how people assess their situation by comparing themselves with others, making it a focused middle-range theory rather than a theory of the whole social structure. Its emphasis is narrower than macro theory and broader than a single individual case.
Correct answer: middle-range sociological theory19. What does the functionalist perspective see as crucial for the maintenance of social order ?
- A. strong class-based identities
- B. multiculturalism
- C. moral consensus
- D. a strong stateTry Prep Courses
Explanation: Functionalism sees social order as resting on shared values and norms, which it calls moral consensus. Strong class identities and conflict are more closely associated with conflict perspectives.
Correct answer: moral consensus20. Which of the following is not part of karl Marx,s theory of capitalism ?
- A. capitalist production exploits the working class
- B. class conflict is inevitable in capitalist societies
- C. industrial workers are the revolutionary class
- D. class struggle only occurs under capitalism
Explanation: Marx viewed class struggle as a recurring feature of human history, not something limited only to capitalism. He did argue that capitalism exploits workers and creates conditions for proletarian revolution.
Correct answer: class struggle only occurs under capitalism