Ch3 Émile Durkheim Complete Test Bank

Chapter 3: Émile Durkheim

Test Bank

Multiple-Choice Questions:

Title:(03-1Vpp.2)

a. society is an unreality; only individuals are real

b. society does not really exist; only a generic label is used

c. society is an objective reality that is irreducible to the individuals that compose it

d. society only exists within the confines of the mind

Title:(03-2Vpp.4)

2. Durkheim defines social facts as:

a. social phenomenon that is true and universally valid

b. rituals and symbols that provide for social solidarity within a community

c. the scientific knowledge base on which social and economic planning are formulated

d. conditions and circumstances external to the individual that, nevertheless, determine one’s course of action

Title:(03-3Cpp.5)

3. Durkheim was most influenced by Herbert Spencer’s theory on:

a. the division of religion

b. the origins of suicide

c. the evolution of societies

d. the rules of sociological method

Title:(03-4Fpp.7)

4. According to the authors, Durkheim’s basic theoretical orientation could be considered:

a. nonrational, individual

b. nonrational, collective

c. rational, individual

d. rational, collective

Title:(03-5Vpp.7)

5. Durkheim defines the collective conscience as

a. the system of rituals and symbols that distinguish all that is sacred in a society

b. an essential element in mechanical solidarity which allows the society’s member to engage in common, shared practices

c. totality of beliefs and sentiments common to average citizens of the same society

d. the realization that society is the source of spiritual power

Title:(03-6Fpp.9)

6. Durkheim’s core concept “division of labor” would be found in which of the following quadrants for action and order?

a. nonrational, individual

b. nonrational, collective

c. rational, individual

d. rational, collective

Title:(03-7Fpp.8)

7. This type of solidarity is characteristic of small, traditional societies.

a. organic solidarity

b. rural solidarity

c. cult solidarity

d. mechanical solidarity

Title:(03-8Fpp.9)

8. In The Division of Labor in Society, Durkheim used the term “organic solidarity” to refer to:

a. solidarity based on workers’ control over the means of production

b. solidarity based on interdependence

c. solidarity based on likeness

d. solidarity based on place

Title:(03-9Vpp.28)

9. The social condition resulting from a lack of moral regulation is called

a. Anomie

b. Alienation

c. Egoism

d. Profane

Title:(03-10Cpp.11)

10. Durkheim describes the forced division of labor as

a. a primary aspect of small, tribal societies held together through organic solidarity

b. an over-specialization of tasks leading to the isolation of individuals and to the disintegration of society

c. an inherent feature of capitalism

d. a profane existence

Title:(03-11Cpp.12)

11. Durkheim argues that in organic solidarity the basis of morality is found in our shared differences. He refers to this as

a. the forced division of labor

b.the cult of personality

c. egoism

d. collective effervescence

Title:(03-12Cpp.17)

12. In The Rules of Sociological Method, Durkheim makes the following points, except?

a. sociology is a distinct field of study

b. natural science methods can be applied to social science

c. the social field is distinct from the psychological realm

d. social science has a lot to learn about scientific methods

Title:(03-13Vpp.22)

13. According to Durkheim, there will always be “crime” because:

a. there will always be individuals who cannot control themselves

b. human beings are inherently evil

c. crime is necessary for affirming “right” and “wrong”

d. crime comes second-nature to humans

Title:(03-14Cpp.17)

14. Which one of the following is not true of Durkheim’s work Suicide?

a. it demonstrated individual pathologies are rooted in social conditions

b. it showed an increase in social integration within modern societies

c. proved sociologists can scientifically study social behavior

d. showed suicide to have social rather than individual roots

Title:(03-15Vpp.25)

15. According to Durkheim, “egoistic” suicide is caused by:

a. too much social regulation

b. too much social integration

c. the lack of integration of an individual into social group/s

d. social chaos or normlessness

Title:(03-16Fpp.26)

16. According to Durkheim’s work in Suicide, which of the following groups had the highest rate of suicide?

a. Jews

b. Protestants

c. Catholics

d. Lutherans

Title:(03-17Vpp.26)

17. The Kamikaze who flew to their deaths in WWII exemplify which type of suicide:

a. altruistic

b. egoistic

c. anomic

d. fatalistic

Title:(03-18Vpp.40)

18. Durkheim defined “religion” as:

a. the adoration of a God or Gods by an individual or a group

b. myths about the origins of the world, as practiced by an individual or a group

c. worship of a social group by individuals

d. an organization or institution developed to honor or praise a God or Gods

Title:(03-19Cpp.41)

19. Which of the following is not considered a ritual?

a. standing for the National Anthem

b. an Egyptian ankh

c. Thanksgiving dinner

d. communion

Title:(03-20Fpp.41)

20. The communal function of religion is carried out through the dual processes of ritualization and

a. routinization

b. symbolization

c. profanation

d. anomie

Title:(03-21Vpp.40)

21. Which of the following would be considered a communal ritual act?

a. reading a book in the library

b. checking your bank statement online

c. doing “the wave” at a sporting event

d. meditating alone

Title:(03-22Vpp.40)

22. Durkheim called a symbol that is not emotionally charged:

a. sacred

b. profane

c. ritualistic

d. anomic

Title:(03-23Vpp.41)

23. Which of the following statements regarding Durkheim’s concepts of sacred and profane is true?

a. objects can be intrinsically sacred

b. profane refers to something “above and beyond” the everyday

c. the same act can be either sacred or profane based upon context

d. life is an ordered experience except for times of sacred and profane

Title:(03-24Vpp.41)

24. For Durkheim, the division between the sacred and profane establishes

a. the fundamental conceptual division on which all knowledge is based

b. the group experience of collective effervescence

c. the basis for type of social solidarity

d. all of the above

Title:(03-25Vpp.42)

25. Durkheim defines _________ as obedience based on an energy that conquers our will

without regard for consequences

a. the sacred and profane

b. traditional authority

c. social facts

d. moral authority

True/False Questions:

Title:(03-26Cpp.9)

26.Durkheim argued society was a supraindividual force which exists independently of the actors who compose it.

a.True

b.False

Title:(03-27Cpp.4)

27.Durkheim embraced Comte’s “Law of Three Stages” when developing his concept of society and solidarity.

a.True

b.False

Title:(03-28Fpp.9)

28.Durkheim disagreed with Marx by arguing economic specialization was not necessarily “bad” for either the individual or society as a whole.

a.True

b.False

Title:(03-29Vpp.12)

29.Organic solidarity automatically emerges once a society has evolved to “modern” status according to Durkheim.

a.True

b.False

Title:(03-30Cpp.7)

30.People living within small traditional societies tend to feel a “oneness” or collective conscience.

a.True

b.False

Title:(03-31Fpp.52)

31.The cult of personality is what begins to destroy modern societies according to Durkheim.

a.True

b.False

Title:(03-32Vpp.40)

32.For Durkheim, society without crime is possible but we have yet to achieve the required religiosity.

a.True

b.False

Title:(03-33Vpp.41)

33.According to Durkheim, crime will always be present within societies except for a hypothetical “society of saints.”

a.True

b.False

Title:(03-34Vpp.25)

34.Anomie is the sole source of suicide in modern societies.

a.True

b.False

Title:(03-35Fpp.26)

35.Durkheim drew upon religious affiliation for comparative purposes in his classic study of suicide.

a.True

b.False

Title:(03-36Vpp.37)

36.When an individual gives her life for a social group, we call it egoistic suicide.

a.True

b.False

Title:(03-37Cpp.52)

37.For Durkheim, as long as there are societies, there will be religion.

a.True

b.False

Title:(03-38Vpp.4)

38.Symbols are practices that unite a social group based on a common experience and focus.

a.True

b.False

Title:(03-39Vpp.41)

39.An object can be intrinsically sacred or profane.

a.True

b.False

Title:(03-40Fpp.42)

40.In “Preliminary Questions” in The Elementary Forms of Religious Life, Durkheim shows that religion and magic are the same because both form lasting bonds between practitioner and follower.

a.True

b.False

Short Answer Questions:

Type: E

Title:(03-41Cpp.4)

41.Discuss how Herbert Spencer and Auguste Comte influenced Durkheim’s work.

Varies. Should speak to scientific investigation when covering Comte. Should speak to societal groupings when covering Spencer.

Type: E

Title:(03-42Cpp.5)

42.Briefly define Durkheim’s core concepts as specified by the authors.

Varies. Social Facts, Collective Conscience should be presented and discussed. Durkheim as Nonrational.

Type: E

Title:(03-43Cpp.11)

43.Outline the two forms of solidarity discussed by Durkheim. Explain how each type of solidarity affect and reflect on society. Consider the types of societies in your response.

Varies. Define Mechanical and Organic solidarity and provides examples of each. Must discuss how each functions and the effects on individuals and societies living in each. Must provide examples of each type.

Type: E

Title:(03-44Cpp.12)

44. What is the relationship between the forms of solidarity and the division of labor? On what is each type of solidarity based?

Must discuss how each solidarity type informs the division of labor or visa versa. Should present examples of how each solidarity type functions to portray what each is based on.

Type: E

Title:(03-45Fpp.17)

45.In detail, explain what concept the following quote introduces within The Rules of Sociological Method: “thus, since there cannot be a society in which the individuals do not differ more or less from the collective type…”

Concept of crime should be discussed in great detail.

Type: E

Title:(03-46Cpp.6)

46.What role do symbols and rituals play in maintaining social solidarity? Be descriptive by providing examples from the reading. Your response may include contemporary life examples.

Solidarity based on reciprocal relations/ships through understood symbols and repeated rituals should be focus of response.

Type: E

Title:(03-47Cpp.41)

47.Durkheim argues that the world is divided into two distinct spheres: the sacred and the profane. Provide an outline of these spheres as they apply to contemporary life.

Lists the various types of items and actions that fit within each sphere.

Type: E

Title:(03-48Cpp.17)

48.What social processes create the social and the profane, according to Durkheim? Consider how such processes are moral, and thus religious or spiritual in nature.

Lists the various types of items and actions that fit within each sphere and who benefits from these types existing and their perpetual existence.

Type: E

Title:(03-49Cpp.25)

49.According to Durkheim what does egotistic suicide result from? Explain what groups Durkheim studied and what he found.

Provides examples from the readings of the societies/groups studied and the various causes of this type of suicide.

Essay Questions:

Type: E

Title:(03-50Fpp.23)

50.Compare and contrast Durkheim’s basic theoretical orientation to that of Karl Marx.

Type: E

Title:(03-51Cpp.9)

51.Compare Durkheim’s discussion of the division of labor with that of Marx. Discuss how mechanical and organic solidarity are connected to this concept. Also, explain any errors or assumptions you feel (if any) Durkheim makes in his conception of division of labor.

Type: E

Title:(03-52Vpp.4)

52.Explain Durkheim’s term “social facts” using specifically his discussion of crime from The Rules of Sociological Method. Be sure to specify how “coercive power” plays into this discussion.

Type: E

Title:(03-53Fpp.27)

53.Discuss the various forms of suicide defined by Durkheim. Explain why Durkheim’s work Suicide is significant for the discipline of sociology.

Type: E

Title:(03-54Cpp.42)

54.Explain in detail the connection between social life and religion as outlined by Durkheim.