Study Guide for SOCY3153, Exam 1

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Sample short answer questions:

Answer each of the following questions in 30 words or less:

1. Give the dates and nationality of each of our 4 theorists.

2. According to Durkheim, what caused the increase in the division of labor?

3. How are Marx’s and Weber’s view of slavery different?

4. How do "social currents" differ from other "social facts?"

5. Marx and Smith share a common flaw in their reasoning. What is it?

6. What characteristic of social structure 'regulates' the market system, according to Smith?

7. Bill Clinton was a Rhodes scholar at Oxford University (in England). Many of his important advisors in his first term also went to Oxford. Does this Oxford group most closely resemble a "class," "status group," or "party," according to Weber's definitions? Why?

8. Give three examples of "forces of production."

9. How do our 4 theorists differ in the relative importance they give to ideal versus material factors?

10. A student says, "Although I'm bored, I go to every class because that's the right thing to do." Which of Weber's four types of motives does that fit?

11. Identify the social structure that is present and relevant:

The problems with Social Security and Medicare come mostly from the fact that the Baby Boomers are starting to retire.

12. Is mechanical or organic solidarity MOST likely to be present in a musical group? Why?

Source List of Essay Questions for Test 1

1. Compare and contrast how our four theorists conceived of social order.

2. Compare and contrast how our 4 theorists (Smith, Marx, Durkheim, and Weber) would respond to these questions: “Is society fundamentally different in the modern period compared to before? If so, have things gotten better?"

3. One of Durkheim's principal foils (whom he was writing against) was Adam Smith. Suppose Durkheim and Smith were having an intellectual argument over human nature and its importance. Imagine and write down how that conversation might go.

4. One of Weber's principal foils (whom he was writing against) was Karl Marx. Suppose Weber and Marx were having an intellectual argument over the nature of social stratification in the modern (industrial) period. Imagine and write down how that conversation might go.

5. Compare and contrast how our four theorists see conflict as a factor in social phenomena.