24 Questions
According to the symbolic interactionist theory, what is necessary for a condition to be considered a social problem?
It must be recognized as a problem by those in power.
What is the main argument of the labeling theory?
A social condition is viewed as a problem if it is labeled as such.
Why are people who smoke marijuana viewed as more problematic than those who smoke cigarettes?
Due to the power of labeling by organizations such as the tobacco industry.
What is a consequence of criminalizing people with problematic behaviors?
They are pushed to the margins of society.
According to the symbolic interactionist theory, what is necessary for a condition to be deemed a social problem?
It must be recognized as a problem by those in power.
What is the main goal of the symbolic interactionist theory?
To understand how social problems are defined.
Why is it important to move away from criminalizing people with problematic behaviors?
Because it pushes them away to the margins of society.
What is necessary for long-lasting solutions to social problems?
A change in the way we view people and behaviors.
What is a consequence of the spread of social media according to the passage?
It has changed how we communicate and relate to each other.
What is a problem caused by social media according to the passage?
Norms brought about by the devices.
According to the conflict theory, what is the fundamental problem in society?
Unequal distribution of resources.
What is a solution according to the conflict theory?
Eliminate social inequality.
What is a consequence of economic inequality according to the passage?
Poverty and sometimes criminal activity.
What does the passage say is a result of the spread of social media?
Changes in how we communicate and relate to each other.
What is a focus of the conflict theory?
Economic inequality.
What is a result of the unequal distribution of resources according to the conflict theory?
Issues of poverty, racism, and sexism.
What is the main idea behind the social pathology theory?
Social problems are caused by a failure within institutions
What would be the most likely consequence if our educational systems are not doing their job?
Issues of poverty and unemployment
What is the role of institutions in society, according to the functionalist perspective?
To serve a specific purpose and contribute to the functioning of society
What is the main difference between the social pathology theory and the social disorganization theory?
The social pathology theory focuses on institutional failure, while the social disorganization theory focuses on rapid social change
Why is it important to ensure that institutions are working effectively?
So that society functions properly and social problems are minimized
What is the social disorganization theory?
A theory that social problems are caused by rapid social change
What would be the most likely consequence of rapid social change in society?
An increase in social problems
What is the main idea behind the functionalist perspective?
Society is made up of institutions that serve a specific purpose
Study Notes
Symbolic Interactionist Theory
- A condition must be defined or recognized as a social problem for it to be deemed a social problem.
- If a condition is not viewed as a problem by people in positions of power, it's not considered a problem.
- The labeling theory argues that a social condition or group is viewed as a problem if it is labeled as such.
- The power of labeling and the power of organizations influence what is viewed as a problem.
Labeling Theory
- A social condition is viewed as a problem if it is labeled as a problem and labeled by people in positions of power.
- The labeling theory suggests that we should move away from criminalizing people and instead encourage them to seek help.
- Criminalizing people can push them to the margins of society.
Social Media
- The spread of social media has changed how we communicate and has brought about new issues.
- Facebook has changed our relationship with each other, shifting from face-to-face conversations to messaging on phones.
- The rapid pace of social change can cause social issues, and we need to slow down or give people time to adapt to these changes.
Conflict Theory
- The conflict theory focuses on economic inequality as the fundamental problem in society.
- The unequal distribution of resources between the haves and have-nots leads to issues of poverty, racism, and sexism.
- The fundamental cause of social problems is the unequal distribution of resources.
- A solution is to eliminate social inequality and create a more economically equal society.
Functionalist Perspective
- There are two general theories that the functionalist perspective uses when talking about social issues or the cause of social problems.
- The social pathology theory says that social issues are caused by a sickness or a failure within institutions in society.
- A failure within an institution in society can lead to other problems within that society.
- The social disorganization theory says that social problems are caused by rapid social change in society.
- Rapid social change can lead to a lot of social problems.
This quiz covers the symbolic interactionist theory, which states that a social condition must be recognized as a problem to be considered a problem. It also touches on the labeling theory, which argues that a social condition or group is viewed as a problem based on societal perceptions.
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