Understanding Social Problems: 20 MCQs on Theories, Disorganization & Perspectives
Test your knowledge with 20 MCQs on social problems, including their significance, theoretical approaches, and perspectives. Ideal for students, researchers, and competitive exam aspirants!
1. Why is studying social problems significant?
A) It helps understand human biology
B) It provides insights into social structures and inequalities
C) It promotes economic growth
D) It eliminates social issues completely
Answer: B) It provides insights into social structures and inequalities
Explanation: The study of social problems helps in understanding societal inequalities, structures, and potential solutions to improve social conditions.
2. Which of the following is an example of a social problem?
A) Individual anxiety
B) Poverty and unemployment
C) Personal conflicts
D) Private business losses
Answer: B) Poverty and unemployment
Explanation: Social problems are issues that affect large segments of society, such as poverty, crime, and inequality.
3. The term "social disorganization" refers to:
A) The breakdown of social structures and norms
B) The rise of political institutions
C) A well-functioning society
D) The increase in population growth
Answer: A) The breakdown of social structures and norms
Explanation: Social disorganization occurs when traditional social institutions fail to maintain order, leading to instability and deviant behavior.
4. Which theoretical approach views social problems as arising from conflicts between different groups?
A) Functionalism
B) Conflict theory
C) Symbolic interactionism
D) Rational choice theory
Answer: B) Conflict theory
Explanation: Conflict theory, developed by Karl Marx, explains social problems as a result of struggles between different social classes and power groups.
5. The functionalist perspective sees social problems as:
A) A result of symbolic meanings
B) A disruption in the stability of society
C) An individual’s personal failure
D) A natural part of cultural evolution
Answer: B) A disruption in the stability of society
Explanation: Functionalists argue that social problems arise when social institutions fail to perform their intended functions effectively.
6. Who is considered the founder of the conflict theory?
A) Max Weber
B) Karl Marx
C) Émile Durkheim
D) Herbert Spencer
Answer: B) Karl Marx
Explanation: Karl Marx introduced conflict theory, which highlights economic inequality and class struggle as sources of social problems.
7. Symbolic interactionism focuses on:
A) Large-scale societal structures
B) The role of symbols and individual interactions in shaping social problems
C) The biological causes of social problems
D) The economic impact of social problems
Answer: B) The role of symbols and individual interactions in shaping social problems
Explanation: Symbolic interactionism examines how people create and interpret meanings through social interactions, influencing their perception of social problems.
8. Which of the following is an example of a social disorganization problem?
A) Increasing literacy rates
B) Urban crime and gang violence
C) Growth of technology
D) Scientific discoveries
Answer: B) Urban crime and gang violence
Explanation: Social disorganization leads to increased crime, delinquency, and weakened social institutions in communities.
9. According to Durkheim, anomie refers to:
A) A state of normlessness or breakdown of social norms
B) A sense of collective unity
C) A well-functioning society
D) An increase in political power
Answer: A) A state of normlessness or breakdown of social norms
Explanation: Émile Durkheim introduced the concept of anomie, describing a situation where societal norms break down, leading to instability.
10. What does the social constructionist approach to social problems emphasize?
A) Social problems are naturally occurring
B) Social problems are defined by societal reactions and interpretations
C) Social problems are only economic issues
D) All social problems are politically motivated
Answer: B) Social problems are defined by societal reactions and interpretations
Explanation: This approach argues that social problems are created and shaped by cultural definitions and public perceptions.
11. Merton’s Strain Theory explains deviance as:
A) A result of media influence
B) A breakdown of economic stability
C) A gap between cultural goals and the means to achieve them
D) A religious phenomenon
Answer: C) A gap between cultural goals and the means to achieve them
Explanation: Strain Theory suggests that when individuals cannot achieve society's goals through legitimate means, they may turn to deviance.
12. What is a macro-level approach to studying social problems?
A) Analyzing individual interactions
B) Examining large-scale societal patterns and institutions
C) Studying personal decision-making
D) Observing individual emotions
Answer: B) Examining large-scale societal patterns and institutions
Explanation: Macro-level approaches, like functionalism and conflict theory, study how broad social structures influence social problems.
13. The feminist perspective on social problems focuses on:
A) Economic growth
B) Gender inequality and discrimination
C) Religious practices
D) Political stability
Answer: B) Gender inequality and discrimination
Explanation: The feminist perspective examines how patriarchal systems contribute to social problems like gender inequality and workplace discrimination.
14. Which theoretical perspective focuses on how individuals experience and define social problems?
A) Functionalism
B) Symbolic interactionism
C) Conflict theory
D) Evolutionary theory
Answer: B) Symbolic interactionism
Explanation: This perspective emphasizes the role of social interactions and meanings in shaping our understanding of social problems.
15. How does globalization contribute to social problems?
A) It eliminates all cultural conflicts
B) It leads to economic inequality and cultural clashes
C) It strengthens traditional societies
D) It has no impact on social issues
Answer: B) It leads to economic inequality and cultural clashes
Explanation: Globalization creates economic opportunities but also exacerbates social inequalities and cultural tensions.
16. What is the sociological imagination?
A) A literary term
B) The ability to see the connection between personal experiences and larger social forces
C) A psychological concept
D) A mathematical model
Answer: B) The ability to see the connection between personal experiences and larger social forces
Explanation: Coined by C. Wright Mills, the sociological imagination helps individuals understand how personal troubles relate to wider societal issues.
17. Social mobility is most associated with which perspective?
A) Functionalist perspective
B) Symbolic interactionism
C) Feminist perspective
D) Postmodernism
Answer: A) Functionalist perspective
Explanation: Functionalists view social mobility as a way for individuals to improve their social status through education and work.
18. A major criticism of functionalist perspectives on social problems is that:
A) It focuses too much on inequality
B) It assumes all social problems serve a positive function
C) It ignores symbolic meanings
D) It focuses only on micro-level issues
Answer: B) It assumes all social problems serve a positive function
Explanation: Critics argue that functionalism downplays the negative consequences of social problems by assuming they contribute to social stability.
19. What is relative poverty?
A) Having no access to basic necessities
B) Comparing one's income to others in society
C) Living in absolute deprivation
D) Economic stability
Answer: B) Comparing one's income to others in society
Explanation: Relative poverty is based on social comparisons rather than an absolute lack of resources.
20. What role do media play in shaping perceptions of social problems?
A) They have no influence
B) They only provide objective facts
C) They shape public opinion and can amplify moral panics
D) They completely solve social problems
Answer: C) They shape public opinion and can amplify moral panics
Explanation: Media influence how society perceives and responds to social issues, sometimes leading to exaggerated fears or biases.
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