SOC 210  Midterm

Answer the following question using complete sentences. You may use your textbook or other resources available in this course, but not any other sources. All answers should be in your own words. Do not use quotes. Citations are not necessary.

Sociology is the scientific study of society. Why do sociologists try to follow scientific principles?  Describe at least one strategy sociologists use to maintain objectivity.

What is the value of qualitative data?  Why do sociologists think qualitative data is necessary, in addition to gathering quantitative data?

How might a researching using the functionalist theory view the cultural practice of having meals with family gatherings?  What would they notice, or focus on if they were researching this?

How does ethnocentrism impede our understanding of other cultures?  What kind of attitudes should objective observers take instead?

Why were early sociologists concerned about society during industrialization? Describe at least one viewpoint of an early sociologists during this time, and identify their main concern.

Sociologists identify specific agents of socialization and how they influence the development of the self.  Besides the family, which other agent of socialization do you think is the most influential in your culture and why? What values, beliefs, or behaviors are taught within this agent?

Bureaucracies are an integral part of American society, but sociologists are concerned that they may not be equipped to address 21st century problems or meet modern social standards. How might bureaucracies formal structure inhibit them from functioning effectively or equitably?

Describe how a conflict theorist might view deviance as it relates to crime. What is a question that a researcher using this perspective may ask about crime and deviance?

Describe an example of how our social class can shape our culture and reality.

Give one modern day example (in the last 40 years) of institutionalized racism and describe the disadvantages it created for the minority group.

Describe two contributing factors to the Gender Pay Gap in US society. 

Sociologists view gender roles and identities as established through our social processes. Describe one example of this process in American society that forms our concept and practice of gender as a social role.

Describe one way that people who identify as a part of the LGBTQ community experience disadvantages in American society.