CSS Sociology MCQs

This comprehensive set of MCQs on Sociology is designed to cover all essential topics required for a thorough understanding of social structures, human behavior, and societal development. Focused on key subjects such as social theories, cultural dynamics, social institutions, gender studies, and contemporary social issues, these MCQs are crafted to help candidates build a strong foundation in the competencies needed for success in competitive examinations like CSS and other government recruitment processes.

Who should practice Sociology MCQs?

Students preparing for CSS exams who aim to enhance their performance in the sociology-related sections of the examination.
Aspiring sociologists, social workers, or researchers looking to test their knowledge of social theories, institutions, and social change.
Job seekers targeting positions in government sectors, NGOs, research organizations, or social services, requiring a solid understanding of sociological concepts and practices.
Individuals preparing for professional certification exams in sociology, social work, or related fields, ensuring they are well-equipped to tackle similar questions.
Anyone interested in improving their understanding of human society, social relationships, and social behavior.
Candidates focused on developing a strategic approach to tackling diverse question types commonly found in competitive exams related to sociology.

1. What is the primary characteristic of culture?

A) Inherited genetically
B) Learned and shared
C) Static and unchanging
D) Based solely on religion

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2. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of culture?

A) Culture is variable
B) Culture is transmitted
C) Culture is universal across societies
D) Culture is dynamic and adaptive

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3. Which of the following is an example of non-material culture?

A) A car
B) A building
C) Beliefs and values
D) Clothing

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4. Which of the following is NOT a function of culture?

A) Transfer of knowledge
B) Define situations
C) Determine genetic traits
D) Moulds personality

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5. What does ‘cultural relativism’ emphasize?

A) Judging other cultures by one’s own cultural standards
B) Understanding a culture on its own terms
C) The superiority of one culture over others
D) The idea that all cultures are the same

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6. Which of the following is an example of a sub-culture?

A) National culture
B) Religious group
C) A specific social class
D) Popular media

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7. What is ethnocentrism?

A) The belief that one’s culture is inferior to others
B) The practice of living among different cultures
C) The belief that one’s culture is superior to others
D) The acceptance of all cultures as equally valuable

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8. Which of the following best describes cultural lag?

A) When cultural traits change slowly
B) When material culture changes faster than non-material culture
C) The rapid adoption of new cultural practices
D) A state where all cultures develop at the same pace

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9. What is the main difference between high culture and popular culture?

A) High culture is more accessible to the masses
B) High culture is more refined and traditionally associated with the elite
C) Popular culture is associated with older generations
D) High culture is limited to rural areas

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10. What is the process of assimilation?

A) The maintenance of distinct cultural traits within a larger society
B) The process through which a minority group adopts the customs of the dominant culture
C) The rejection of cultural diversity
D) The integration of multiple cultures into one

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11. What does the term ‘acculturation’ refer to?

A) The merging of two distinct cultures into one
B) The adaptation of cultural traits through direct contact with another culture
C) The process of cultural isolation
D) The preservation of traditional cultural norms

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12. Which sociological theory emphasizes the role of social contracts in forming society?

A) Organismic Theory
B) Social Contact Theory
C) Functionalism
D) Conflict Theory

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13. According to the organismic theory, society is similar to:

A) A machine
B) A living organism
C) A marketplace
D) A legal system

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14. What is the relationship between individual and society in sociology?

A) Society is completely shaped by the individual
B) Society and individual influence each other
C) Individuals are born with societal roles
D) The individual has no role in shaping society

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15. Which of the following is a characteristic of a community?

A) Lack of social structure
B) Emotional and social connection among members
C) Economic independence
D) Only rural-based

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16. Which of the following is true about a hunting and gathering society?

A) It is the most complex form of society
B) It relies heavily on agriculture for survival
C) It is based on hunting, fishing, and gathering wild foods
D) It involves mass production and industrialization

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17. What is social mobility?

A) The ability of individuals or groups to move up or down the social ladder
B) The movement of people from rural to urban areas
C) The uniformity of class structures in society
D) The physical movement of people within society

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18. What is the concept of ‘culture of poverty’?

A) Poverty is the result of an individual’s lack of effort
B) Poverty is a permanent state that shapes behavior and attitudes
C) Poverty is caused by economic downturns
D) Poverty is the result of colonial exploitation

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19. Which of the following is a form of social control?

A) Disorganization
B) Law enforcement
C) Anomie
D) Conflict

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20. Which of the following is an example of informal social control?

A) The police arresting a criminal
B) A mother disciplining her child
C) A court issuing a verdict
D) A teacher assigning a detention

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21. What does the term ‘anomie’ refer to in sociology?

A) A feeling of belonging and connection
B) A state of normlessness and breakdown of social norms
C) The pursuit of individual goals over societal norms
D) The process of social integration

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22. What is alienation according to sociologists?

A) A state of personal fulfillment and success
B) A sense of isolation and disconnection from society
C) The process of adopting cultural norms
D) The integration of different cultural practices

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23. Which of the following is a major inhibitor to social change in Pakistan?

A) Technological advancements
B) Political stability
C) Traditional values and customs
D) Increased education

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24. Which of the following is an example of social change caused by industrialization?

A) Decline of rural traditions
B) Increased reliance on agriculture
C) Emergence of a feudal system
D) Decrease in urbanization

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25. How does urbanization affect social change in society?

A) It reduces the rate of technological advancements
B) It leads to the development of rural communities
C) It encourages the growth of cities and changes social dynamics
D) It has no effect on societal changes

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26. What is public opinion?

A) The collective attitudes of the population on a specific issue
B) The opinions held by a specific political party
C) A private belief held by individuals
D) A government’s policy towards a particular issue

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27. Who is an opinion leader?

A) A person who imposes their opinion on others
B) A person whose opinions have a significant influence on others
C) A person who remains neutral in all discussions
D) A government official who makes decisions

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28. What is the main feature of a rural community?

A) Large-scale industries
B) Dense population
C) Close-knit social ties
D) High levels of education

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29. What does urbanism refer to?

A) The unique lifestyle and values of rural areas
B) The social and cultural patterns associated with urban living
C) The rejection of city life in favor of rural living
D) The decline of city-based economies

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30. Which of the following is a characteristic of modern cities in Pakistan?

A) Highly homogenous population
B) Low levels of industrialization
C) Rapid urbanization and migration
D) Complete absence of poverty

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31. What is a primary function of family as a social institution?

A) Distribution of wealth
B) Control of government policies
C) Socialization and reproduction of children
D) Control of labor markets

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32. Which of the following is a primary function of religion in society?

A) To create economic opportunities
B) To provide moral guidance and social cohesion
C) To dominate political power
D) To manage education

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33. What is the role of education as a social institution?

A) To provide technical and vocational skills
B) To promote individualism
C) To socialize individuals into societal values and norms
D) To regulate religious beliefs

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34. Which of the following is a characteristic of an industrial society?

A) Reliance on hunting and gathering
B) A focus on manual labor and craftsmanship
C) The growth of factories and mass production
D) A decline in technological advancements

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35. Which of the following is NOT a social problem in Pakistan?

A) High population growth
B) Drug addiction
C) Low literacy rates
D) Political stability

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36. What is the issue of bonded labor in Pakistan?

A) A form of voluntary labor for wages
B) A form of forced labor where people work to repay debts
C) A practice related to factory work
D) An issue only found in urban areas

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37. What is a common issue affecting women in Pakistan?

A) High levels of formal employment
B) Gender-based violence and discrimination
C) Equal access to education
D) Equal representation in politics

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38. What is the primary focus of sociological theory?

A) To provide practical solutions to social issues
B) To offer explanations and insights into social behavior and structures
C) To prescribe policies for governance
D) To define personal behavior

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39. What is the main focus of Structural Functionalism?

A) The conflicts between different social classes
B) The roles and functions of various elements in society
C) The individual actions and choices of people
D) The influence of culture on individuals

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40. What does Conflict Theory emphasize?

A) The harmony and stability of society
B) The role of social institutions in maintaining order
C) The power dynamics and struggles between different social groups
D) The individual’s role in social change

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41. Who is known for developing the concept of the “sociological imagination”?

A) Max Weber
B) Karl Marx
C) C. Wright Mills
D) Auguste Comte

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42. Which of the following is a primary tool used in sociological research?

A) Observational study
B) Political propaganda
C) Hypothetical reasoning
D) Religious rituals

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43. What is a case study in sociological research?

A) A survey distributed to a large sample of the population
B) An in-depth analysis of a single individual or group
C) A statistical analysis of a societal trend
D) A review of existing research findings

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44. What is a questionnaire used for in sociological research?

A) To control the variables in an experiment
B) To collect data through structured questions
C) To observe behavior without intervening
D) To analyze past sociological theories

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45. What is a survey method in sociology?

A) A qualitative analysis of a small sample
B) A method of data collection from a large number of respondents
C) A way to study individuals in natural settings
D) A controlled laboratory experiment

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46. What is the first step in the scientific method of sociological research?

A) Formulate a hypothesis
B) Analyze the data
C) Review existing literature
D) Conduct an experiment

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47. What is the goal of sociological research?

A) To support personal beliefs and opinions
B) To gather subjective experiences from individuals
C) To systematically study and understand society and social behavior
D) To develop new technologies

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48. Which of the following methods is typically used in observational research?

A) Controlled laboratory experiments
B) Surveys with structured questionnaires
C) Field observations without interfering in the setting
D) Review of historical records

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49. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of case study research?

A) In-depth exploration
B) Use of a small sample
C) Generalization of results
D) Focus on a specific individual or group

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50. Which of the following is a key feature of scientific sociological research?

A) It is based on personal opinions
B) It uses random methods of investigation
C) It follows systematic and empirical procedures
D) It focuses on unverifiable phenomena

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51. What is the primary function of social institutions?

A) To maintain social order and stability
B) To control the economy
C) To create divisions between social groups
D) To regulate natural resources

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52. According to Max Weber, which of the following is an essential element of social action?

A) Subjective meaning attached by individuals
B) Structural norms
C) Economic interests
D) Class struggle

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53. Which sociological perspective focuses on how individuals interact with each other through symbols and language?

A) Structural Functionalism
B) Conflict Theory
C) Symbolic Interactionism
D) Feminist Theory

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54. Who is known for his theory of Social Evolution, which included the idea that societies progress through stages of development?

A) Auguste Comte
B) Herbert Spencer
C) Karl Marx
D) Emile Durkheim

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55. What does the term ‘socialization’ refer to in sociology?

A) The process of social change in society
B) The process through which individuals learn and internalize the values and norms of their society
C) The formation of social classes
D) The rebellion against societal norms

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56. Which of the following best describes ‘secondary socialization’?

A) The initial socialization process in childhood
B) The socialization that occurs outside the home, including in schools and peer groups
C) The process of learning language and basic norms
D) The socialization process that occurs during marriage

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57. Which of the following best describes the role of sanctions in a society?

A) Sanctions are laws that regulate behavior
B) Sanctions are rewards or punishments used to encourage conformity to norms
C) Sanctions are formal rules of conduct
D) Sanctions are norms that are passed down through generations

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58. Which of the following is an example of a formal mechanism of social control?

A) A peer group enforcing dress code standards
B) A teacher assigning detention for misbehavior
C) A family disciplining a child
D) A community leader providing moral guidance

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59. In sociology, what does the term ‘role’ refer to?

A) A position in society
B) The expectations and behaviors associated with a particular social status
C) The responsibilities of a social institution
D) The status hierarchy within a community

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60. What is a primary characteristic of a postmodern society?

A) A focus on traditional cultural values
B) A reliance on agricultural production
C) An emphasis on technological innovation and information exchange
D) A stable and predictable social order

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61. What is the concept of ‘social solidarity’ according to Emile Durkheim?

A) The belief that social norms should be questioned
B) The sense of unity and shared values that hold a society together
C) The division of labor in industrial society
D) The formation of social classes

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62. What is the key difference between a Gemeinschaft and a Gesellschaft society, according to Ferdinand Tönnies?

A) Gemeinschaft is a community with close personal relationships, while Gesellschaft is a society with impersonal, formal relationships
B) Gemeinschaft is focused on the individual, while Gesellschaft focuses on collective goals
C) Gemeinschaft is a modern, industrial society, while Gesellschaft is a traditional society
D) There is no difference between Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft

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63. What is the central focus of Karl Marx’s Conflict Theory?

A) The importance of social cohesion
B) The struggle for resources and power between social groups
C) The moral values shared by society
D) The psychological development of individuals

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64. What is meant by ‘social stratification’?

A) The study of social change
B) The hierarchical arrangement of individuals in society based on wealth, status, or power
C) The process of cultural assimilation
D) The transformation of societal norms

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65. Which of the following is a key aspect of Symbolic Interactionism?

A) It focuses on the large-scale structures of society
B) It emphasizes the individual’s subjective experiences and the meanings they attach to social symbols
C) It seeks to explain the inequalities in power and resources
D) It views society as a set of systems that must function together

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66. Which sociologist is associated with the concept of the ‘iron cage’ of bureaucracy?

A) Max Weber
B) Karl Marx
C) Emile Durkheim
D) Auguste Comte

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67. According to Karl Marx, which of the following is a major driver of historical change?

A) Technological innovations
B) Ideologies and values
C) The struggle between different social classes
D) The role of religion

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68. Which of the following is a key characteristic of a caste system?

A) Social mobility is highly encouraged
B) Social groups are based on merit and achievement
C) Individuals are born into social groups with little or no opportunity to move between them
D) The system is based on wealth and education

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69. Which of the following best describes the term ‘status’ in sociology?

A) A person’s economic situation
B) A social position within a system of social hierarchies
C) A person’s individual personality traits
D) A person’s reputation in the community

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70. What is ‘social mobility’?

A) The ability to move between different geographical locations
B) The ability to move between different social statuses
C) The ability to change social norms
D) The movement of people from one culture to another

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71. What is the relationship between technology and social change?

A) Technology never influences social change
B) Technology leads to social change by altering how people interact, work, and live
C) Technology stabilizes social norms and prevents change
D) Technology and social change are unrelated concepts

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72. What is the primary purpose of a survey in sociological research?

A) To observe behavior in a natural setting
B) To collect quantitative data from a large group of people
C) To conduct in-depth interviews with a few individuals
D) To analyze historical social trends

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73. What is the primary characteristic of ‘modernization’ in sociological terms?

A) The increase in rural societies and agricultural practices
B) The shift toward industrialization, urbanization, and technological innovation
C) The rejection of technology and industrial practices
D) The preservation of traditional customs and norms

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74. Which of the following is a feature of a feudal society?

A) Reliance on factory work and mechanization
B) A clear division of labor based on birth and land ownership
C) High mobility between social classes
D) A focus on scientific innovation and technological progress

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75. What does ‘alienation’ refer to in a capitalist society, according to Karl Marx?

A) The sense of freedom and personal fulfillment
B) The feeling of separation from the product of one’s labor and from fellow workers
C) The increasing sense of unity and cooperation
D) The ability to control one’s own work and life

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76. What is the concept of ‘ideal type’ in Max Weber’s sociological theory?

A) A perfect society without inequality
B) A methodological tool for comparing actual social phenomena to theoretical models
C) The highest form of social action
D) A purely abstract concept with no real-world application

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77. What is meant by ‘socialization agents’?

A) People or groups that influence an individual’s social development
B) Laws and policies that govern societal behavior
C) Social movements that aim to bring about change
D) Religious leaders who guide moral values

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78. What is ‘secondary deviance’?

A) Deviance that occurs in the early stages of socialization
B) Deviance that is a result of societal reaction and labeling
C) Deviance that is considered normal in a particular society
D) Deviance that involves breaking laws

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79. What is the main focus of the scientific method in sociological research?

A) To provide personal opinions and subjective analysis
B) To systematically study social behavior using empirical evidence
C) To enforce social norms
D) To study biological factors influencing behavior

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80. What is the purpose of ‘participant observation’ in sociological research?

A) To gather data without interacting with the subjects
B) To observe and interact with people in their natural environment
C) To conduct experiments in a controlled environment
D) To analyze historical trends without fieldwork

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81. Which of the following is a key characteristic of a post-industrial society?

A) A shift from manufacturing to service and information-based industries
B) A reliance on agriculture as the primary economic activity
C) A focus on mechanical labor and manual production
D) A decline in the use of technology

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82. What does the term ‘cultural lag’ refer to?

A) The delay in technological advancements
B) The process by which cultural beliefs and practices adapt to new innovations
C) The decline of traditional values in modern society
D) The rapid pace of social change

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83. What is ‘multiculturalism’?

A) The belief in the superiority of one culture over others
B) The coexistence and celebration of multiple cultural traditions within a society
C) The rejection of all cultural differences
D) The imposition of a single culture on diverse societies

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84. Which of the following best describes the concept of ‘acculturation’?

A) The process of adapting to a completely new culture
B) The mutual exchange of cultural elements between two or more groups
C) The complete rejection of cultural differences
D) The isolation of one culture from others

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85. What does the term ‘assimilation’ refer to in the context of multiculturalism?

A) The complete preservation of one’s original cultural identity
B) The process by which minority groups adopt the customs and norms of the dominant culture
C) The active promotion of diversity in a society
D) The rejection of any external influences on culture

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86. What is the main focus of Emile Durkheim’s concept of ‘anomie’?

A) The breakdown of social norms and values, leading to a sense of normlessness
B) The integration of social roles within a society
C) The emotional bonds formed between individuals in a group
D) The positive consequences of industrialization on social cohesion

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87. What is meant by ‘social integration’ in sociology?

A) The process of isolating individuals from society
B) The process of bringing together different cultural or social groups into a cohesive society
C) The increasing fragmentation of society into distinct social classes
D) The movement of people from rural to urban areas

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88. What is the primary focus of feminist theory in sociology?

A) The study of economic inequality between men and women
B) The emphasis on understanding the role of gender in society and advocating for gender equality
C) The role of men in social and cultural change
D) The exploration of family structures

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89. According to Karl Marx, the ruling class in society is known as the:

A) Bourgeoisie
B) Proletariat
C) Aristocracy
D) Petit bourgeoisie

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90. What is the ‘organic solidarity’ concept proposed by Emile Durkheim?

A) A form of social cohesion based on the interdependence of specialized roles in a complex society
B) A social unity based on shared beliefs and practices
C) A state of conflict that results from a lack of shared norms
D) A system of social order based on religious values

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91. Which of the following sociological theories emphasizes the power struggles between different social groups?

A) Symbolic Interactionism
B) Functionalism
C) Conflict Theory
D) Social Exchange Theory

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92. What is the term ‘ethnocentrism’?

A) The belief that one’s own culture is superior to others
B) The practice of blending cultural elements from different groups
C) The understanding and appreciation of cultural differences
D) The adaptation of one culture into another without losing its identity

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93. What is meant by ‘social constructivism’?

A) The view that social reality is built through shared meanings and interactions
B) The belief that human behavior is solely determined by biological factors
C) The theory that society operates independently of individual actions
D) The process of constructing laws based on social norms

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94. What is the concept of ‘role conflict’?

A) When an individual faces conflicting expectations from different roles they occupy
B) When an individual rejects all societal roles
C) When societal roles are perfectly aligned with individual desires
D) When an individual has too many roles to play at once

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95. In sociology, what is a ‘norm’?

A) A law that governs social behavior
B) An expectation or rule for behavior that is considered acceptable in a society
C) A group of people who share a similar lifestyle
D) A formal written document outlining societal rules

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96. Which of the following is an example of a non-material culture?

A) Traditional clothing
B) Technology and gadgets
C) Beliefs and values
D) Architecture and buildings

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97. Which sociologist developed the theory of ‘verstehen’, which emphasizes understanding the meanings individuals attach to their actions?

A) Karl Marx
B) Auguste Comte
C) Max Weber
D) Herbert Spencer

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98. What is meant by ‘cultural relativism’?

A) The belief that all cultures should be judged by the same standard
B) The practice of viewing other cultures from the perspective of one’s own culture
C) The idea that a culture must be understood in its own terms without judgment
D) The imposition of one culture’s values on another culture

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99. Which of the following is an example of a ‘social institution’?

A) A family’s daily routine
B) A political party’s platform
C) An organized church or religious group
D) An individual’s personal beliefs

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100. What is the ‘scientific method’ in sociological research?

A) A method of studying sociology through casual observation
B) A systematic process used to collect and analyze data in order to understand social phenomena
C) A theory that proposes a fixed interpretation of social behavior
D) A non-empirical approach to studying society

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