SOCI 287 Study Questions Athabasca
University Questions and Answers |
Latest Version | 2024/2025 | Already
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What are the primary focuses of sociology as a discipline?
✔✔ Sociology primarily focuses on understanding social behavior, social structures, and the
impact of social institutions on individuals and groups.
How does the concept of socialization influence individual identity?
✔✔ Socialization shapes individual identity by imparting values, norms, and behaviors that
individuals learn from their interactions with family, peers, and society.
What role does culture play in shaping social interactions?
✔✔ Culture provides the framework for social interactions by establishing shared beliefs,
customs, and practices that influence how individuals relate to one another.
How do sociologists differentiate between micro and macro-level analysis?
✔✔ Micro-level analysis examines individual or small group interactions, while macro-level
analysis focuses on larger social systems and structures, such as institutions and societies.
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,What is the significance of social institutions in maintaining societal order?
✔✔ Social institutions, such as family, education, and religion, provide stability and continuity,
helping to regulate behavior and facilitate social cohesion.
How does the concept of social stratification affect access to resources?
✔✔ Social stratification creates hierarchies that determine individuals’ access to resources,
opportunities, and privileges based on factors such as class, race, and gender.
What is the impact of globalization on local cultures?
✔✔ Globalization can lead to the homogenization of cultures, but it may also result in the
revitalization of local cultures as they adapt to new influences.
How does intersectionality contribute to understanding social inequality?
✔✔ Intersectionality examines how overlapping social identities, such as race, gender, and class,
create unique experiences of privilege and oppression, deepening our understanding of
inequality.
What are the implications of labeling theory in sociology?
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,✔✔ Labeling theory suggests that being labeled as deviant can lead to further deviant behavior,
as individuals internalize the labels and adjust their identities accordingly.
How do qualitative and quantitative research methods differ in sociology?
✔✔ Qualitative methods focus on understanding social phenomena through detailed narratives
and observations, while quantitative methods use statistical analysis to quantify behaviors and
patterns.
What role does social change play in shaping societal norms?
✔✔ Social change challenges existing norms and values, leading to the evolution of societal
expectations and behaviors over time.
How do social movements contribute to societal transformation?
✔✔ Social movements mobilize individuals around shared goals, raising awareness and
advocating for change, ultimately influencing policies and societal norms.
What is the importance of studying deviance in sociology?
✔✔ Studying deviance helps sociologists understand the boundaries of acceptable behavior, the
social responses to rule-breaking, and the dynamics of social control.
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, How do power dynamics influence social relationships?
✔✔ Power dynamics shape interactions by determining who holds authority, influences
decision-making, and maintains control over resources within social contexts.
What are the effects of urbanization on community structures?
✔✔ Urbanization transforms community structures by increasing diversity, altering social
interactions, and creating new forms of social organization.
How does the concept of “the self” differ in individualistic versus collectivist cultures?
✔✔ In individualistic cultures, the self is often viewed as independent and self-reliant, while in
collectivist cultures, the self is seen as interconnected with and defined by group relationships.
What are the key characteristics of postmodern society according to sociological theories?
✔✔ Key characteristics of postmodern society include a focus on diversity, fluidity of identities,
and the decline of grand narratives in understanding social reality.
How does social capital impact community engagement?
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