EWS2601 Engaging with Society Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is identity?

Identity refers to the understanding of oneself, shaped by personal experiences, social interactions, and cultural contexts.

Which of the following are categories of identity?

Personal identity

Social identity

Cultural identity

All of the above (correct)

What is xenophobia?

Xenophobia is an irrational fear or hatred of people from other countries or cultures.

What are the determinants of social class?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What does the social relations of production refer to?

It refers to the relationships and dynamics involved in producing goods and services in society. Signup and view all the answers

Which surveys helped analyze poverty and inequality in South Africa?

Both B and C Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of globalization on poverty in South Africa?

Globalization can exacerbate poverty by increasing competition and shifting employment patterns, often affecting the most vulnerable populations. Signup and view all the answers

Why do we have rules in society?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is a tangible marker of identity?

Tangible markers of identity include physical symbols, such as clothing, languages spoken, or national flags. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary dimension of globalization that pertains to human interaction?

The rising level of connectedness beyond immediate presence Signup and view all the answers

How has technology influenced social interactions in modern society?

It allows for coordination and communication on a global scale Signup and view all the answers

What significant change does Giddens highlight when comparing modern society with hunting and gathering societies?

The extent of social relationships based on face-to-face interaction Signup and view all the answers

Which means of communication has played a crucial role in transcending face-to-face limitations?

The postal service Signup and view all the answers

What example does the content provide to illustrate a hunting and gathering society?

The bushmen of the Kalahari Signup and view all the answers

How does face-to-face interaction rank among various forms of social interaction in modern society?

It has become just one of many ways of interacting Signup and view all the answers

What facilitates communication over greater distances as societies evolve?

Technologies like writing and postal services Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of social relationships in hunting and gathering societies?

Interaction takes place when in the same location Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the nature of identity as discussed?

Identity combines various interactive factors that define individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'ascribed identity'?

An identity assigned at birth or involuntarily acquired. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of a cosmopolitan environment on identities?

Relaxation of rigid identities Signup and view all the answers

How do identity categories interact in an individual's life?

They are combined in a complex and situational manner. Signup and view all the answers

How can globalization be perceived by those in the Middle East according to the content?

As a unidirectional imposition of Western values Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates the contradiction inherent in the concept of identity?

Individuals can possess multiple identities simultaneously. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of identity, what is the significance of language?

Language impacts social group memberships and identity expression. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'fundamentalism' imply in the context of identity?

An assertion of the superiority of one's own values Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential danger of fundamentalist attitudes in a heterogeneous society?

Increased likelihood of violence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following identities cannot coexist for an individual at the same time?

Identifying as both a 'man' and a 'woman.' Signup and view all the answers

What role does class play in the construction of identity?

Class influences social interactions and the perception of identity. Signup and view all the answers

In what manner did previously colonizing countries often interact with formerly colonized nations?

By imposing economic and cultural prescriptive measures Signup and view all the answers

Why is identity considered a complex concept?

It consists of factors that are often contradictory and situational. Signup and view all the answers

What does Giddens identify as a characteristic of both fundamentalists and former colonizers?

A refusal to engage in dialogue Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can strengthen the fundamentalist reaction in various societies?

A perceived threat of American imperialism Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of the media being international in scope?

Increased homogenization of cultural identities Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of an 'us and them' approach in terms of identity?

It creates fear and hatred towards foreign individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements aligns with the characteristics of primordial identities?

They claim historical grievances based on ancient events. Signup and view all the answers

Xenophobia is primarily characterized by what underlying sentiment?

Fear and hatred of foreigners. Signup and view all the answers

What critical perspective have social scientists developed regarding the origin of ethnic identities?

They are often social constructs rather than fixed realities. Signup and view all the answers

Why are undialogical identities considered problematic in a globalized world?

They refuse to acknowledge the perspectives of others. Signup and view all the answers

What often drives people to create undialogical ethnic identities?

A need to assert perceived historical truths. Signup and view all the answers

What societal issue highlighted the concept of xenophobia in South Africa in 2007?

Violent attacks on foreigners. Signup and view all the answers

How do identities that present themselves as primordial typically function?

They claim a longstanding historical distinction. Signup and view all the answers

What purpose did tooth modification serve in some central African cultures?

As part of puberty rites and aesthetic reasons Signup and view all the answers

Which groups were likely to be identified with the tooth modification practices in Mozambique?

Makua, Maravi, and Yao Signup and view all the answers

What event is linked to the victims of tooth modification in the wreck of the Pacquet Real?

A ship transporting slaves from Mozambique Signup and view all the answers

Why was the practice of tooth modification significant for archaeologists studying certain groups in Africa?

It helped narrow down ethnic identities in archaeological findings Signup and view all the answers

What does Ta Moko symbolize in Maori culture?

Traditional tattooing and group identity Signup and view all the answers

What is a major concern regarding cultural body-modification practices like Ta Moko?

The potential appropriation of sacred symbols by outsiders Signup and view all the answers

What historical context underlies the practice of tattooing among the Maori?

It signified new group membership for the adopted individuals Signup and view all the answers

How does the tooth modification practice differ regionally within Africa?

It is uniquely found in certain regions but not in South Africa Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Engaging with Society: Meeting the Challenges of a Changing World

EWS2601 is a study course offered by the University of South Africa, focusing on societal engagement with contemporary challenges.
Course materials span various themes, including identity, wealth, status, and crime.

Theme 1: “US AND THEM”: Identity and Difference

Explores the concept of identity and its building blocks, differentiating between ascribed and achieved identities.
Identity categories discussed include ethnicity, nationality, and gender, highlighting their role in social dynamics.
Examines the significance of identity markers such as national symbols and tangible markers.
Case studies, like the retraditionalisation of Maputaland, illustrate how identities evolve and face challenges.
Xenophobia is defined and analyzed in terms of its causes and implications for society, particularly in the context of identity and conflict.

Theme 2: Wealth and Status

Discusses social class defined by income and occupation, affecting individuals' social mobility and status.
Analysis of economic dimensions, including the role of wealth accumulation and income disparity in class structures.
Explores the concept of social closure and the dynamics of class reproduction over generations.
Investigates poverty and inequality both in South Africa and globally, referencing national statistics like those from StatsSA.
Highlights the shifting distribution of life chances influenced by apartheid, globalization, and financialization.

Theme 3: Society and the Challenge of Criminality

Defines crime and punishment, exploring societal rules and their purposes.
Discusses the factors that determine criminal behavior and the enforcement of laws.
Examines the evolving nature of crime and its implications for societal structure and norms.
Analyzes societal responses to crime, including restorative and punitive justice approaches.

Conclusion

Emphasizes the interconnectedness of identity, wealth, status, and crime in understanding contemporary social challenges.
Highlights the importance of critical thinking about societal issues and the role of academic discourse in addressing these challenges.

Globalisation significantly impacts daily life and social relationships, leading to increased connectedness beyond face-to-face interactions.
Giddens highlights the shift from hunting and gathering societies, with limited interaction, to modern societies with advanced communication technologies.
Historical examples, such as the Bushmen of the Kalahari, illustrate early human interaction limited to direct presence within groups.
Advancements in technology, such as writing and postal services, allowed for communication across greater distances, improving social coordination globally.
Instantaneous communication methods like the internet and satellite television facilitate contact, transcending geographical barriers.

Identity Formation

Identity is multifaceted, influenced by various categories, including gender, race, ethnicity, class, language, occupation, and age.
Identities are considered interactive; they are shaped by the specific combination of factors rather than isolated traits.
Acknowledgment of shared human identities (e.g., being part of gender or national groups) coexists with individual uniqueness.

Nature of Identity

The term "identity" embodies both sameness and individuality, complicating its definition.
Shared identities exist (e.g., as South Africans or speakers of specific languages) alongside distinctive identities that may create conflict.
Media, including international television, play a significant role in exposing individuals to diverse identities, potentially fostering dialogue or reinforcing traditional identifiers.

Responses to Globalisation

Globalisation has provoked defensive reactions, such as the rise of fundamentalist identities that assert superiority and resist alternate values.
Giddens warns that this fundamentalist stance, which dismisses dialogue, can lead to violence and suppression of differing identities.
Historical interactions, especially in contexts of colonisation, often mirror an "undialogical" attitude where dominant groups impose values without engagement.

Cultural Identity and Tensions

The challenge of negotiating cultural differences in a globalised world is underscored by the phenomena of xenophobia, emphasizing an "us versus them" mentality.
Ethnic and racial identities frequently adopt primordial narratives to exclude others, often inaccurately tracing origins back through history.
Recent research reveals that many perceived long-standing traditions are actually modern constructs.

Body-Modification Practices

Body-modification practices, viewed as cultural property, raise questions about ownership and appropriation of symbols.
Ta Moko, the traditional Maori tattooing art, exemplifies cultural identity closely linked to specific groups, illustrating its unique significance in New Zealand.
Historical accounts note the tattooing of captives or adopted individuals in Maori society to signify new group membership.

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Description

This quiz is designed for students enrolled in EWS2601 at the University of South Africa. It focuses on understanding the societal challenges and dynamics in a changing world. Test your knowledge and comprehension of the course material and prepare for your assessments effectively.