Social Problems and Inequality

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Questions and Answers

What does Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) refer to?

Violence that is solely physical in nature

Physical harm caused by strangers

Violent acts occurring in child-parent relationships

Abuse occurring within a romantic relationship (correct)

Which theory posits that abusive behavior is learned through observation?

Social Learning Theory (correct)

Behaviorism Theory

Psychodynamic Theory

Cognitive Behavioral Theory

What is a characteristic of a totalitarian regime?

Limited media censorship

Comprehensive control over public and private life (correct)

Free elections with accountability

High political pluralism

What type of corruption involves favoritism towards relatives?

Nepotism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes coercive control?

Isolating and manipulating victims to maintain dominance Signup and view all the answers

What defines systemic corruption?

Corruption that is accepted as a normal part of society Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a democracy?

Centralized power Signup and view all the answers

What is the key aspect of hybrid regimes?

Fusion of democratic and authoritarian elements Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of grand corruption?

High-level corruption involving significant resources Signup and view all the answers

Who proposed the theory arguing that liberal democracy is the ultimate form of governance?

Francis Fukuyama Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the Objectivist Approach in social problems?

Measurable data and statistical evidence Signup and view all the answers

Which scholar emphasized that social problems are constructed through societal claims?

Malcolm Spector Signup and view all the answers

What type of poverty refers to a lack of resources for basic survival?

Absolute Poverty Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Social Stratification?

The hierarchical division of society into classes Signup and view all the answers

What do the Gini Coefficient and Lorenz Curve measure?

Income distribution and inequality Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the exclusion from economic, political, or social participation?

Social Exclusion Signup and view all the answers

Which approach examines how societal values and perceptions define social problems?

Social Constructionist Approach Signup and view all the answers

What is the Income Quintile Ratio used to compare?

Top and bottom income earners' earnings Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of watchdog journalism?

To expose corruption and ensure accountability Signup and view all the answers

Which concept identifies the significance of an issue, whom it affects, and potential solutions?

Problematisation Signup and view all the answers

In the context of domestic violence, which of the following types does NOT include physical harm?

Financial Abuse Signup and view all the answers

Which theory suggests that corruption is perpetuated by the belief that everyone else is corrupt?

Collective Action Theory Signup and view all the answers

Who is known for studying informal practices in post-Soviet Russia?

Alena Ledeneva Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a nation-state?

A political entity where national and political boundaries align Signup and view all the answers

What does the internal aspect of sovereignty refer to?

Authority over domestic affairs Signup and view all the answers

Which scholar is associated with the idea of nations as 'imagined communities'?

Benedict Anderson Signup and view all the answers

Which example highlights systemic corruption in Italian politics during the 1990s?

Tangentopoli Scandal Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of civil society organizations?

They operate independently from government control Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of grassroots movements?

Citizen-led initiatives for change Signup and view all the answers

What does freedom of speech allow individuals to do?

Criticize public policies without fear Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Claims-Makers: Individuals advocating for recognizing issues as social problems (activists, policymakers, media figures).
Objectivist Approach: Focuses on measurable data (e.g., crime statistics, homelessness rates) to define social problems.
Social Constructionist Approach: Examines how societal values and perceptions shape the definition of social problems.
Problematisation: Framing a social issue by identifying its significance, affected groups, and potential solutions.
Key Scholars: Malcolm Spector & John Kitsuse (social problems are constructed), Peter Townsend (studied social exclusion and poverty).
Examples: Smoking became a social problem after research demonstrated its health risks; climate change is now a social problem due to evidence-based claims.

Social Stratification: Societal division into hierarchical classes.
Absolute Poverty: Lacking essential resources for basic needs.
Relative Poverty: Having significantly less than the average standard of living.
Key Concepts: Social stratification, absolute poverty, relative poverty

3. Domestic Violence and Child Abuse

Types of Domestic Violence: Physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and coercive control.
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): Abuse within romantic relationships.
Coercive Control: Isolating and manipulating victims to maintain dominance.
Child Abuse: Physical, emotional, or sexual harm, including neglect.

4. Political Regimes

Democracy: Free elections, protection of civil liberties, and accountability.
Authoritarianism: Centralized power, limited political pluralism.
Totalitarianism: Total control over public and private life.
Hybrid Regimes: Combining democratic and authoritarian elements (e.g., elections alongside censorship).
Key Scholars: Juan José Linz (regime types), Francis Fukuyama ('End of History' theory), Steven Levitsky & Lucan Way (competitive authoritarianism).
Examples: Russia (electoral autocracy), UK (liberal democracy).

5. Corruption

Petty Corruption: Small-scale corruption involving lower-level officials.
Grand Corruption: Large-scale corruption involving high-level officials and resources.
Systemic Corruption: Corruption entrenched within institutions, normalized in society.
Kleptocracy: Leaders exploiting state resources for personal gain.
Nepotism: Favoring family members.
Cronyism: Favoring friends or associates.
Bribery: Offering or receiving something of value for influence.
Watchdog Journalism: Investigative journalism exposing corruption.
Key Theories: Principal-agent model (bureaucrats exploiting lack of oversight), collective action theory (reform hindered by perceived widespread corruption).
Key Scholars: Alena Ledeneva (informal practices), Marc Howard (corruption's impact).
Examples: Watergate Scandal, Tangentopoli Scandal.

6. National Identity and Sovereignty

Nation: Community defined by shared identity, language, or culture.
Nation-State: Political entity with aligned national and political boundaries.
Sovereignty: Internal authority over domestic affairs and external recognition by the international community.
Key Theories: Primordialism (nations are ancient and natural), constructionism (nations are modern constructs).
Key Scholars: Benedict Anderson ("imagined communities"), Ernest Gellner (nation-formation & industrialization), Roland Grigor Suny (Soviet policies).
Examples: Soviet Union's korenizatsiya, promoting local ethnic identities.

7. Civil Society, Freedoms, and Watchdog Journalism

Civil Society: Organizations independent of government control (e.g., unions, charities).
Grassroots Movements: Citizen-led initiatives for change.
Freedoms: Freedom of speech, association, assembly, and press.
Freedom of Speech: Right to express opinions without censorship.
Freedom of Association: Right to form groups and organizations.
Freedom of Assembly: Right to gather peacefully.
Freedom of the Press: Media's ability to report independently and hold leaders accountable.
Key Scholar: Marc Howard (civil society participation in post-communist societies).
Examples: Watergate Scandal, UK Parliamentary Expenses Scandal.

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Description

Explore the important concepts of social problems, stratification, and inequality in society. This quiz covers claims-making, social constructionism, and highlights key scholars in the field. Understand how societal values impact perceptions of issues like poverty and social justice.