20 MCQs on Basic Sociological Concepts: Groups, Community, Association, Institution, Status, and Role with Explanations

Master the fundamental sociological concepts of group, community, association, institution, status, and role with these 20 MCQs. Each question is accompanied by detailed answers and explanations.

1. What is a "social group"?

a) A collection of individuals who live together
b) A set of people who interact and share common goals
c) People who share physical characteristics
d) A group formed for business purposes
Answer: b) A set of people who interact and share common goals
Explanation: A social group consists of individuals who interact regularly and share a sense of unity and common objectives.

2. Which of the following is an example of a primary group?

a) A sports team
b) A family
c) A political party
d) A school
Answer: b) A family
Explanation: A primary group, such as a family, is characterized by close, personal, and enduring relationships.

3. What is a "community"?

a) A large group of unrelated individuals
b) A group of people living in a shared geographical area with common interests
c) A temporary gathering of people
d) A professional association
Answer: b) A group of people living in a shared geographical area with common interests
Explanation: A community is defined by a shared location and common interests or goals among its members.

4. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a community?

a) Common interests
b) Geographical proximity
c) Lack of social interactions
d) Shared identity
Answer: c) Lack of social interactions
Explanation: Social interactions are essential in a community as they foster relationships and a sense of belonging.

5. What is the primary purpose of an "association"?

a) Maintaining informal relationships
b) Achieving specific goals or objectives
c) Living in close proximity
d) Adhering to cultural traditions
Answer: b) Achieving specific goals or objectives
Explanation: An association is a formal group organized to achieve specific, shared goals, such as a professional or civic organization.

6. Which of the following best describes an "institution"?

a) A temporary social group
b) An organized set of norms and values for meeting societal needs
c) A casual gathering of people
d) A group of people living in one area
Answer: b) An organized set of norms and values for meeting societal needs
Explanation: Institutions like family, education, and government are established structures that regulate societal behavior and fulfill essential functions.

7. Which concept refers to the behavior expected from an individual in a specific social position?

a) Role
b) Status
c) Institution
d) Community
Answer: a) Role
Explanation: A role is the set of behaviors and responsibilities associated with a specific social status.

8. What is "status" in sociology?

a) A person’s economic position
b) A social position held by an individual
c) The wealth a person accumulates
d) A professional achievement
Answer: b) A social position held by an individual
Explanation: Status refers to the recognized position an individual occupies in society, such as a parent, teacher, or student.

9. What is the difference between ascribed and achieved status?

a) Ascribed status is earned; achieved status is inherited.
b) Ascribed status is inherited; achieved status is earned.
c) Both are based on education.
d) Both are temporary roles.
Answer: b) Ascribed status is inherited; achieved status is earned.
Explanation: Ascribed status is assigned at birth (e.g., gender, ethnicity), while achieved status is gained through effort and accomplishment (e.g., job title).

10. Which of the following is an example of an ascribed status?

a) College graduate
b) Parent
c) Race
d) Team captain
Answer: c) Race
Explanation: Race is an example of ascribed status because it is assigned at birth and not chosen or earned.

11. What is a role conflict?

a) When one role dominates all others
b) When expectations from two or more roles clash
c) When a person cannot identify their role
d) When roles are not recognized by society
Answer: b) When expectations from two or more roles clash
Explanation: Role conflict occurs when an individual faces conflicting demands from different roles, such as being a parent and an employee.

12. What type of group is formed for a specific purpose and has formal structures?

a) Primary group
b) Secondary group
c) Community
d) Institution
Answer: b) Secondary group
Explanation: Secondary groups are formed for a specific purpose, such as work or education, and are characterized by formal interactions.

13. Which is NOT a feature of a primary group?

a) Intimacy
b) Face-to-face interaction
c) Goal orientation
d) Emotional support
Answer: c) Goal orientation
Explanation: Primary groups prioritize close, personal relationships rather than achieving specific goals.

14. Which of the following is an example of an institution?

a) A book club
b) A school
c) A friend group
d) A concert
Answer: b) A school
Explanation: A school is an institution that fulfills the societal function of education and operates based on established norms.

15. What term refers to a system of roles and statuses organized to fulfill societal needs?

a) Association
b) Institution
c) Group
d) Community
Answer: b) Institution
Explanation: Institutions are structured systems of roles and norms designed to fulfill essential societal functions, like education or healthcare.

16. What is "role strain"?

a) Difficulty in managing expectations of multiple roles
b) Struggle within a single role’s expectations
c) Abandoning one’s social role
d) Refusing to accept societal norms
Answer: b) Struggle within a single role’s expectations
Explanation: Role strain occurs when the demands of a single role become overwhelming or conflicting.

17. Which of the following is NOT an example of a secondary group?

a) A professional association
b) A political party
c) A friendship circle
d) A university class
Answer: c) A friendship circle
Explanation: Friendship circles are primary groups characterized by close, informal relationships, unlike secondary groups.

18. What type of group is based on shared identity and emotional bonds?

a) Primary group
b) Secondary group
c) Institution
d) Association
Answer: a) Primary group
Explanation: Primary groups, such as families or close friends, are based on emotional connections and shared identity.

19. What is a characteristic of an association?

a) Informal relationships
b) Long-term emotional bonds
c) Clearly defined goals and rules
d) Geographical proximity
Answer: c) Clearly defined goals and rules
Explanation: Associations are formal organizations with specific objectives, like professional organizations or trade unions.

20. Which of the following roles is an example of an achieved status?

a) Daughter
b) Athlete
c) Ethnic group member
d) Elderly person
Answer: b) Athlete

Explanation: An athlete represents an achieved status as it is based on individual effort and performance.