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Test Bank for Social Problems, 8th Edition

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    Test Bank For Soci al Problems Eighth Edition John J. Macionis , Kenyon College

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    iii Table of Contents 1 Sociology: Studying Social Problems 1 2 Economic Inequality 23 3 Racial and Ethnic Inequality 46 4 Gender Inequality 68 5 Sexuality and Inequality 90 6 Aging and Inequality 1 11 7 Crime, Violence, and Criminal Justice 1 3 2 8 Alcohol and Other Drugs 152 9 Physical and Mental Health 173 10 Social Media 195 11 Economy and Politics 216 12 Work and the Workplace 237 13 Family Life 258 14 Education 279 15 Urban Life 301 16 Population and Global Inequality 323 17 Technology and the Environment 344 18 War and Terrorism 366

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    Macionis, Soci al Problems , 8 e 1 Chapter 1: Sociology: Studying Social Problems In this revision of the test bank, I have updated the questions to reflect changes in Social Problems, 8 th edition. This chapter test bank provides f ifty multip le - choice questions an d five essay questions. The multiple - choice questions are coded for level of difficulty (easy, moderate, or difficult). The multiple - choice questions are also coded for the level of reasoning involved. The four levels of reasoning are Remember the Facts (r ecall ing factual material), Understand the Concepts (understanding key concepts), Apply What You Know (appl ying sociological knowledge to a situation), and Analyze the Issue (identifying the interrelationship among variables). Types of Questions Mult ipl e Choice Essay Total Qs Remember the Facts 16 (32%) 0 16 Understand the C oncepts 18 (36%) 0 18 Apply W hat Y ou K now 11 (22%) 2 (40%) 13 Analyze the I ssue 5 (10%) 3 (60%) 8 50 (100%) 5 (100%) 55 Multiple - Choice Quest ions 1. Which of the following terms refers to a point of view that shows us how society affects the experiences and choices of individuals? a. social patterns b. sociological imagination c. comparative perspective d. social problems approach Answer: b

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    Macionis, Soci al Problems , 8 e 2 C onsider This: Understa nding that issues affect not only us but also other people like us helps to put sociological problems into a broader perspective. L.O. 1.1 Explain the benefits of learning about sociology and using the sociological imagination. Learni ng Objective: 1.1 Expl ain the benefits of learning about sociology and using the sociological imagination. Topic: Seeing Patterns: The Sociological Imagination Difficulty Level: Easy Skill Level: Understand the Concepts 2. We tend to assume people are re sponsible for their ow n troubles because our way of life in the United States emphasizes __________. a. collective goals b. individualism c. tradition d. relying on luck Answer: b Consider This: Cultural patterns in the United States are diverse, but one widely shared value is the idea that for better or worse, people are responsible for their own lives. L.O. 1.1 Explain the benefits of learning about sociology and using the sociological imagination. Learning Objective: 1. 1 Explain the benefits of learning about sociology and u sing the sociological imagination. Topic: Seeing Patterns: The Sociological Imagination Difficulty Level: Moderate Skill Level: Analyze the Issue 3. Thinking sociologically about a problem such as unemployment, we understand that th is issue is __________ . a. the result of bad choices by individuals b. inevitable c. a personal problem d. a social issue involving the operation of society Answer: d Consider This: The first of the eight assertions of sociology is that social problems res ult from the ways in w hich society operates. L.O. 1.1 Explain the benefits of learning about sociology and using the sociological imagination. Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain the benefits of learning about sociology and using the sociological imagination. Topic: Seeing Patterns : The Sociological Imagination Difficulty Level: Moderate Skill Level: Apply What You Know

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    Macionis, Soci al Problems , 8 e 3 4. A social problem is defined as a condition that __________. a. harms everyone in a society b. harms only the poorest people in a society c. harms only the most powerful people in a society d. harms some or all members of a society and is usually controversial Answer: d Consider This: Social problems undermine people’s well - being but not everyone agrees about why or what should be done. Bec ause any issue affects various segments of our population differently, a particular social problem is rarely harmful to everyone. L.O. 1.2 Define the concept “social problem” and explain how societies come to define some issues — and not others — as social pro blems. Learning Object ive: 1.2 Define the concept “social problem” and explain how societies come to define some issues — and not others — as social problems. Topic: Social Problems: The Basics Difficulty Level: Easy Skill Level: Understand the Concepts 5. In 2017, a survey asked people what they considered to be serious social problems. All but one of the following appeared on the list of serious problems. Which one was not on the list? a. the economy b. terrorism c. unifying the country d. global warming An swer: d Consider This: After a year of Trump’s leadership and continued gridlock in Washington, D.C., poor leadership topped the list in 201 7 , but terrorism, health care, and immigration also concern many people. L.O. 1.2 Define the concept “social problem ” and explain how soci eties come to define some issues — and not others — as social problems. Learning Objective: 1.2 Define the concept “social problem” and explain how societies come to define some issues — and not others — as social problems. Topic: Social Prob lems: The Basics Diffi culty Level: Easy Skill Level: Remember the Facts 6. C. Wright Mills explained that by using the sociological perspective, people transform “personal troubles” into __________. a. social issues b. psychological concerns c. economic i ssues d. political con cerns Answer: a

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    Macionis, Soci al Problems , 8 e 4 Consider This: When people see their problems as personal, all they can do is try to deal with their troubles as one individual, preventing them from seeing the bigger picture of how society operates. Mills taught tha t a more accurate and more effective approach is to understand that it is society that shapes our lives. L.O. 1.2 Define the concept “social problem” and explain how societies come to define some issues — and not others — as social problems. Learning Objective : 1.2 Define the conce pt “social problem” and explain how societies come to define some issues — and not others — as social problems. Topic: Social Problems: The Basics Difficulty Level: Easy Skill Level: Understand the Concepts 7. The social - constructionist approach asserts that __________. a. society keeps facing the same problems year after year b. social problems are those that are the most harmful to any population c. problems arise as people define conditions as undesirable and in need of change d. the government decides wha t the serious problems are Answer: c Consider This: Social problems have a subjective foundation, reflecting people’s judgments about their world. People at different times define different issues as social problems. L.O. 1.2 Define the concept “social pr oblem” and explain how societies come to define some issues — and not others — as social problems. Learning Objective: 1.2 Define the concept “social problem” and explain how societies come to define some issues — and not others — as social p roblems. Topic: Social Problems: The Basics Difficulty Level: Easy Skill Level: Understand the Concepts 8. An example of a pattern that is very harmful but not generally defined as a social problem is __________. a. terrorism, which includes events that have resulted in thous ands of deaths b. school shootings, which have resulted in several dozen deaths c. the use of automobiles, which results in some 32,000 deaths each year d. homicide, which involves more than 16,000 deaths each year Answer: c Consider Th is: When we think of s omething as necessary to our way of life, it can be easy to overlook the problems associated with it. L.O. 1.2 Define the concept “social problem” and explain how societies come to define some issues — and not others — as social problems. Learning Objective: 1 .2 Define the concept “social problem” and explain how societies come to define some issues — and not others — as social problems. Topic: Social Problems: The Basics

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    Macionis, Soci al Problems , 8 e 5 Difficulty Level: Easy Skill Level: Remember the Facts 9. Although th ere is less gender ine quality today than there was a century ago, people today are more likely to view gender inequality as a social problem than people were likely to do so back then. This pattern reflects the fact that __________. a. what we subjectively perceive always refle cts what is objectively true b. we now expect men and women to be socially unequal c. we now expect men and women to be socially equal d. people simply don’t agree on what important social problems are Answer: c Consider This: Recogn izing that the subject ive and objective importance of social issues may be quite different opens the door for a deeper understanding of social change. When our cultural standards change, we perceive even small instances of inequality as a problem. L.O. 1.2 Define the concept “s ocial problem” and explain how societies come to define some issues — and not others — as social problems. Learning Objective: 1.2 Define the concept “social problem” and explain how societies come to define some issues — and not others — as social problems. Topic : Social Problems: The Basics Difficulty Level: Moderate Skill Level: Analyze the Issue 10. The process of convincing the public and important public officials that a particular issue should be defined as a social problem is a proc ess that sociologists call ___________. a. subjective assessment b. claims making c. objective assessment d. factual analysis Answer: b Consider This: When people reject the status quo, the first step is to create controversy, beginning the process of cha nge by convincing othe rs that the existing situation is not acceptable. People explain exactly what changes are needed and why they are needed. L.O. 1.2 Define the concept “social problem” and explain how societies come to define some issues — and not others — as social problems. L earning Objective: 1.2 Define the concept “social problem” and explain how societies come to define some issues — and not others — as social problems. Topic: Social Problems: The Basics Difficulty Level: Easy Skill Level: Understand the Concepts

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    Macionis, Soci al Problems , 8 e 6 11. Claims and counterclaims about what should and should not be defined as a social problem is a good way of describing __________. a. politics b. societal consensus c. coalescence d. philosophy Answer: a Consider This: Success in claims maki ng is often marked by the passing of a law. This act is a clear statement that some behavior is wrong, and it also enlists the power of government to oppose it. L.O. 1.2 Define the concept “social problem” and explain how societies come to define some issu es — and not others — as s ocial problems. Learning Objective: 1.2 Define the concept “social problem” and explain how societies come to define some issues — and not others — as social problems. Topic: Social Problems: The Basics Difficulty Level: Easy Skill Level : Understand the Conce pts 12. An organized effort to encourage or discourage social change is called a __________. a. social movement b. sociological theory c. social - constructionist approach d. subculture Answer: a Consider This: The process of claims m aking almost always in volves the deliberate efforts of many people working together in an organized effort that tries to shape the way people think about an issue in order to encourage or discourage social change. L.O. 1.2 Define the concept “social proble m” and explain how soc ieties come to define some issues — and not others — as social problems. Learning Objective: 1.2 Define the concept “social problem” and explain how societies come to define some issues — and not others — as social problems. Topic: Social Pr oblems: The Basics Di fficulty Level: Easy Skill Level: Understand the Concepts 13. In which stage of a social movement do the people involved come together to share their concerns and make claims about the need for change? a. coalescence b. formalization c. decline d. emergen ce Answer: d Consider This: Movements begin when a few people come together to share their concern about the status quo and begin to make claims about the need for change. L.O. 1.2 Define

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    Macionis, Soci al Problems , 8 e 7 the concept “social problem” and explain how societies come to defi ne some issues — and not others — as social problems. Learning Objective: 1.2 Define the concept “social problem” and explain how societies come to define some issues — and not others — as social problems. Topic: Social Problems: The Basics Difficulty Level: Easy Skill Level: Remember the Facts 14. Because social problems result from the ways in which society operates, __________. a. these problems cannot ever be solved b. people must solve their issues on their own c. solving social problem s requires change to s ociety itself d. all social problems can easily be solved Answer: c Consider This: A sociological perspective shows us that social problems are caused less by personal failings than by the operation of society itself. L.O. 1.1 Explai n the benefits of lear ning about sociology and using the sociological imagination. Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain the benefits of learning about sociology and using the sociological imagination. Topic: Seeing Patterns: The Sociological Imagination Difficu lty Level: Easy Skill Level: Apply What You Know 15. Because many social problems are related, __________. a. no social problem can be solved b. every social problem can be solved c. solving one social problem may create a new problem d. solving one socia l problem will solve a ll social problems Answer: c Consider This: Because social problems are rooted in the operation of society, many social problems are related to one another, so addressing one problem can affect others. L.O. 1.2 Define the concept “so cial problem” and expl ain how societies come to define some issues — and not others — as social problems. Learning Objective: 1.2 Define the concept “social problem” and explain how societies come to define some issues — and not others — as social problems. Topic: Social Problems: The Basics Difficulty Level: Easy Skill Level: Remember the Facts

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    Macionis, Soci al Problems , 8 e 8 16. Which of the following has played a part in more than 6 million accidents a year in the United States? a. school shootings b. poverty c. cell phone use while driving d . flu virus Answer: c Consider This: The number of annual deaths caused by this practice continues to rise. L.O. 1.2 Define the concept “social problem” and explain how societies come to define some issues — and not others — as social problems. Learning Objec tive: 1.2 Define the c oncept “social problem” and explain how societies come to define some issues — and not others — as social problems. Topic: Social Problems: The Basics Difficulty Level: Easy Skill Level: Remember the Facts 17. Adopting a global perspect ive shows us which of the following patterns? a. Women in poor nations typically have fewer children than women in the United States. b. People in poor nations have as much schooling as people in the United States. c. The problems we face in the United Sta tes are exactly the sa me in other countries. d. Poverty is even more serious in much of the world than it is in the United States. Answer: d Consider This: A global perspective shows that many dimensions of life — and many of life’s challenges — may be quite different elsewhere. M any troubling issues such as health, illiteracy, and poverty are much worse elsewhere in the world than in a rich nation such as the United States. L.O. 1.2 Define the concept “social problem” and explain how societies come to define some issues — and not ot hers — as social problems. Learning Objective: 1.2 Define the concept “social problem” and explain how societies come to define some issues — and not others — as social problems. Topic: Social Problems: The Basics Difficulty Level: Easy Sk ill Level: Remember th e Facts 18. Sociologists use which of the following concepts to refer to a statement of how and why specific facts are related? a. model b. correlation c. theory d. societal subsystem Answer: c Consider This: Sociologists weave vario us facts into meaning using a statement of how and why specific facts are related. L.O. 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems.

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    Macionis, Soci al Problems , 8 e 9 Learning Objective: 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems. Topic: Analyzing Socia l Problems: Sociologic al Theory Difficulty Level: Easy Skill Level: Understand the Concepts 19. Which of the following concepts refers to a basic image of society that guides theory and research? a. hypothesis b. theoretical approach c. correlation d. soc ietal subsystem Answe r: b Consider This: Building a theory depends on a basic image of society that guides research. Using a particular way of looking at the theory leads sociologists to ask certain questions. L.O. 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the stu dy of social problems. Learning Objective: 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems. Topic: Analyzing Social Problems: Sociological Theory Difficulty Level: Easy Skill Level: Understand the Concepts 20. Which theoretical approach sees society as a system o f many interrelated parts that operate together? a. structural - functional approach b. feminist approach c. social - conflict approach d. symbolic - interaction approach Answer: a Consider This: This approach might explore how the family is a system to ensure the care and raising of children, how schools provide young people with the skills they need for adult life, how the economy produces and distributes material goods, how the political system sets national goals and priorities, and how religion gives our li ves purpose and meaning. L.O. 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems. Learning Objective: 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems. Topic: Analyzing Social Problems: Sociological Theory Diff iculty Level: Easy Ski ll Level: Understand the Concepts 21. Major spheres of social life, or societal subsystems, are organized to meet a basic human need. Sociologists call these subsystems __________. a. theoretical paradigms b. functional prerequisite s c. social institutio ns d. subcultures

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    Macionis, Soci al Problems , 8 e 10 Answer: c Consider This: Examples include family and religion from the conservative perspective and the economy and politics from the liberal perspective. L.O. 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social pr oblems. Learning Objec tive: 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems. Topic: Analyzing Social Problems: Sociological Theory Difficulty Level: Easy Skill Level: Understand the Concepts 22. Which early English sociologist made the state ment that poverty and related problems were largely caused by some people lacking ability and personal discipline? a. Herbert Spencer b. Emile Durkheim c. Max Weber d. Karl Marx Answer: a Consider This: He used the term “social Darwinism” because he belie ved his ideas were bas ed on Darwin’s theory of evolution. L.O. 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems. Learning Objective: 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems. Topic: Analyzing Social Problems: Sociological Theory Difficulty Leve l: Easy Skill Level: Remember the Facts 23. Which theory would you be using if you studied how social problems arise when rapid change overwhelms society’s institutions? a. social - conflict theory b. social disorganization theory c. s ymbolic - interaction th eory d. social Darwinist theory Answer: b Consider This: The Chicago School linked problems in society to upheaval and change rather than to deficient people. L.O. 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems. Learni ng Objective: 1.3 Appl y sociological theory to the study of social problems. Topic: Analyzing Social Problems: Sociological Theory Difficulty Level: Moderate Skill Level: Apply What You Know 24. Which of the following concepts refers to the consequences o f a social pattern tha t are intended and widely recognized? a. manifest functions b. latent functions c. dysfunctions

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    Macionis, Soci al Problems , 8 e 11 d. eufunctions Answer: a Consider This: These consequences are easy to observe. Sports, for instance, can be seen to improve physical fit ness. L.O. 1.3 Apply s ociological theory to the study of social problems. Learning Objective: 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems. Topic: Analyzing Social Problems: Sociological Theory Difficulty Level: Easy Skill Level: Understan d the Concepts 25. Wh ich of the following concepts refers to the negative consequences of social patterns? a. manifest functions b. latent functions c. dysfunctions d. eufunctions Answer: c Consider This: These consequences are a sign that something is n ot working in the way that was intended. For instance, college athletes often have little time to study. L.O. 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems. Learning Objective: 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems. Topic: Analyzing Socia l Problems: Sociological Theory Difficulty Level: Easy Skill Level: Understand the Concepts 26. If you were studying how society is divided by gender inequality, which theoretical approach would you be using? a. the structural - functio nal approach b. the fe minist approach c. the symbolic - interaction approach d. the social Darwinist approach Answer: b Consider This: Also called the gender - conflict approach, it explains social problems in terms of men’s dominance over women. L.O. 1.3 App ly sociological theory to the study of social problems. Learning Objective: 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems. Topic: Analyzing Social Problems: Sociological Theory Difficulty Level: Moderate Skill Level: Apply What You Know 27 . Class - conflict theor y is an explanation of social problems guided by the thinking of __________. a. Herbert Spencer b. the Chicago School

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    Macionis, Soci al Problems , 8 e 12 c. Emile Durkheim d. Karl Marx Answer: d Consider This: This German - born thinker criticized society for concentratin g most of the new weal th from industrial factories in the hands of a few. L.O. 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems. Learning Objective: 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems. Topic: Analyzing Social Problem s: Sociological Theory Difficulty Level: Easy Skill Level: Remember the Facts 28. According to Marxist theory, social problems such as poverty result from __________. a. an evil human nature b. advanced technology c. the operation of a capitalist economy d. the high rate of im migration Answer: c Consider This: Marx criticized this system because while modern society has the productive capacity to end human suffering, its bounty is distributed to only a few. L.O. 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems. L earning Objective: 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems. Topic: Analyzing Social Problems: Sociological Theory Difficulty Level: Moderate Skill Level: Analyze the Issue 29. Marx predicted that, over time, ca pitalism would _______ ___. a. steadily raise living standards for everyone b. bring about its own destruction c. become less and less productive d. meet all human needs Answer: b Consider This: In the long term, Marx was certain that workers, holding litt le hope for the future , would join together, rise up, and end this oppressive system. L.O. 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems. Learning Objective: 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems. Topic: Analyzing So cial Problems: Sociolo gical Theory Difficulty Level: Moderate Skill Level: Analyze the Issue

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    Macionis, Soci al Problems , 8 e 13 30. Karl Marx referred to industrial workers as __________. a. the bourgeoisie b. proletarians c. the cause of most problems d. middle class Answer: b Consider Th is: This category is a lso sometimes called “blue collar” or “working class.” L.O. 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems. Learning Objective: 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems. Topic: Analyzing Social Prob lems: Sociological The ory Difficulty Level: Easy Skill Level: Remember the Facts 31. If you understand social problems as caused largely by racial and ethnic inequality, you are probably using which of the following theories ? a. social disorganization th eory b. class - conflict theory c. multicultural theory d. feminist theory Answer: c Consider This: Sociologists see conflict based not only on class but also on color and culture. Societies attach importance to skin color and cultural background, which lea ds to ranking people i n a hierarchy based on race and ethnicity. L.O. 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems. Learning Objective: 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems. Topic: Analyzing Social Problems: Sociol ogical Theory Difficul ty Level: Moderate Skill Level: Apply What You Know 32. People who actively seek social equality for women and men would closely identify with which of the following? a. feminism b. multiculturalism c. social pathology theory d. soci al disorganization the ory Answer: a Consider This: This approach has gained attention in recent months along with the increasing national focus on sexual harassment. L.O. 1.3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems. Learning Objective: 1 .3 Apply sociological theory to the study of social problems. Topic: Analyzing Social Problems: Sociological Theory Difficulty Level: Moderate Skill Level: Apply What You Know

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