What Is Sociology?
Q: What is sociology?
A: The study of human society and social behavior.
Q: Which perspective focuses on stability and how parts of society work together?
A: Functionalism.
Q: What is culture?
A: The shared beliefs, values, norms, symbols, and practices of a group.
Q: What is socialization?
A: The process by which people learn society’s norms, values, and roles.
Q: What is social stratification?
A: The structured ranking of groups in society.
Q: What term describes a way of looking at society that explains how it works?
A: Sociological perspective (or sociological theory).
Q: Which theory emphasizes inequality, power, and competition for resources?
A: Conflict theory.
Q: What is the difference between material and nonmaterial culture?
A: Material culture is physical objects; nonmaterial culture includes beliefs, values, and norms.
Q: What debate asks whether behavior is shaped more by biology or environment?
A: Nature vs. nurture.
Q: What is the difference between open and closed stratification systems?
A: Open allows movement; closed does not.
Q: Sociology focuses on groups, institutions, and patterns of behavior rather than just ________.
A: Individuals.
Q: Which perspective focuses on symbols, meanings, and everyday interactions?
A: Symbolic interactionism.
Q: What term refers to judging other cultures by the standards of your own?
A: Ethnocentrism.
Q: What is the most influential agent of socialization during early childhood?
A: Family.
Q: Which system is based on birth and cannot be changed?
A: Caste system.
Q: Name one way sociology can be applied to everyday life.
A: Understanding inequality, education, crime, family, work, etc. (any valid example)
Q: Which theorist is most closely associated with conflict theory and class struggle?
A: Karl Marx.
Q: What is a counterculture?
A: A group that rejects or opposes mainstream cultural norms.
Q: How do peer groups influence socialization differently than families?
A: Peers reinforce norms outside the family and encourage independence.
Q: What is social mobility?
A: Movement up or down the social hierarchy.
Q: Why is sociology considered a social science rather than a natural science?
A: It studies human behavior and social relationships using systematic methods.
Q: What concept describes workers feeling disconnected from their labor and its products?
A: Alienation.
Q: What is cultural lag?
A: When social norms or laws fail to keep up with technological or cultural changes.
Q: Name two institutions that act as agents of socialization.
A: Schools, workplaces, government, media (any two).
Q: Why is meritocracy considered an ideal rather than a reality?
A: Opportunities are not equal due to inequality in wealth, education, and power.