Chapter 6 Family Violence Test Bank

CHAPTER SIX: FAMILY VIOLENCE

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Outside of the police and the military, American society’s most violent institution is
2. sports.
3. schools.
4. the family.
5. the economy.

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 118

2. Which of the following is an important reason why sociologists have a difficult time when studying family violence?

a) The family is the most cherished and intimate social institution in our lives.

b) Too few people today belong to formal families.

c) The great diversity of family life makes studying family violence too difficult.

d) The family is too private to study sociologically.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 118

3. When it comes to family violence, all of the following are false EXCEPT which one?

a) Family violence hits the poor only.

b) Family violence and love cannot happen together.

c) Alcohol and drugs are involved in almost all cases of family violence.

d) The majority of child abuse victims do not grow up to abuse their children.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 118-119

4. The extent of family violence varies from one report to another because researchers

a) are unskilled in research methods.

b) use poor research methods.

c) utilize different definitions of family violence.

d) are often victims of family violence.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 119-120

5. The real extent of family violence may be much higher than the reported figures because

a) people are generally reluctant to reveal their family problems to researchers.

b) the number of people experiencing abuse runs into the millions, despite the small percentages.

c) other types of violence such as financial exploitation, slapping and verbal abuse, widely occur.

d) All of the above are true.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 119-120

6. The most prevalent form of forced sex is

a) the rape of a woman by her husband.

b) the rape of a woman by a stranger.

c) rapes occurring in college fraternities.

d) rapes occurring along with a felony.

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 120-121

7. Which of the following factors is involved in most marital rapes?

a) money or the lack of it

b) drugs or alcohol

c) physical violence or threats of it

d) pornography

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 120-121

8. According to research, which of the following statements is true?

a) Most marital rape involves vaginal penetration.

b) Forced anal intercourse occurs more often than forced vaginal intercourse.

c) Most marital rape involves kinky sex acts such as bondage.

d) Marital rape never occurs after a woman has given birth to a child.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 121

9. Which of the following is not a cause of rape listed in the text?

a) the husband’s use of rape to control his wife

b) the husband’s belief that he is entitled to any kind of sex with his wife

c) the existence of patriarchy

d) improper behavior on the part of the victim

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 121-122

10. Which of the following statements about marital rape is true?

a) It is not a form of family violence.

b) It is considered a crime in most states.

c) It rarely causes harm to victims.

d) Many victims blame themselves for the rape.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 122

11. One serious consequence of marital rape is

a) self-blame and guilt by the victim.

b) the furthering of the norms of matriarchy.

c) the culture’s condemnation of marital rape.

d) the sensitive involvement of the police.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 122

12. According to a definition of spouse abuse that includes both violent and nonviolent acts,

a) about 10 percent of all married persons in the U.S. assault their spouses.

b) about one-third of all U.S. couples assault their spouses.

c) the problem of spouse abuse largely disappears.

d) husbands are much more likely to be seen as victims of spouse abuse.

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 122-123

13. After committing the violence, most abusive husbands

a) do not admit guilt.

b) freely admit guilt.

c) undergo counseling.

d) go to jail.

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 123

14. All of the following are ways that abusive husbands try to rationalize their violent acts, EXCEPT for

a) blaming the victim for provoking the offense.

b) minimizing the harm done to the victim.

c) attributing the violence to some problem beyond their control.

d) stating they do not remember carrying out the rape.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 123

15. Feelings of depression, anxiety, and helplessness such as those suffered by U.S. soldiers who served in Vietnam and victims of physical injury, are called

a) stress-induced mental illness.

b) posttraumatic stress disorder.

c) poststress syndrome.

d) stress depression.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 123

16. Which of the following is NOT a symptom of the battered woman syndrome?

a) loss of self-esteem

b) expecting the terror of violence

c) passively submitting to more violence

d) feeling trapped

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 124-125

17. Research has shown that majority of abused women

a) continue to put up with the abuse.

b) leave abusive relationships.

c) attack or murder their husbands.

d) join women’s centers and fight against more abuse.

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 123-124

18. Which of the following is a reason why most of the women who continue to live with abusive husbands do not leave?

a) They are pressured by religious and other groups to which they belong to stay.

b) They are waiting for the right moment to seek revenge against their husbands.

c) They fear their husbands will retaliate.

d) They fear leaving will harm their prospects for getting a good job.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 123-124

19. For feminists, a major cause of wife beating is

a) poor economic and social conditions.

b) the sexist, patriarchal nature of society.

c) some men’s lack of self-esteem.

d) men’s greater access to the means of violence such as guns.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 124

20. Men who have lost control of their lives due to poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, or alcoholism are

a) more likely to become abusive husbands.

b) less likely to become abusive husbands.

c) just as abusive as men who have control over their lives.

d) usually too depressed about life to act in a violent way.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 123-124

21. Incest

a) is not considered self-serving if the child gives consent.

b) was permitted in many societies throughout history.

c) was assumed to be rare until 1974, when it became part of mandatory child abuse reporting laws.

d) is usually committed against boys.

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 124-125

22. All of the following are true about incest, EXCEPT that

a) stepfathers are much more likely than biological fathers to commit incest.

b) incestuous fathers are more isolated from others outside of the home.

c) there is no significant difference in incest rates among social classes or racial and ethnic groups.

d) young victims of incest usually forget about the past and lead normal sexual lives as adults.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 125-126

23. About __________ children are severely physically abused every year.

a) 100,000

b) 500,000

c) 3 million

d) 5 million

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 125

24. Which of the following types of children would be at the highest risk for child abuse?

a) a teenage child

b) a very young child

c) a child in an upper-income family

d) an adult child

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 125-126

25. According to research, children who have been abused

a) are unlikely to suffer continual problems later in life.

b) may or may not suffer continual problems, based on the individual.

c) are likely to suffer severe problems later in life.

d) seem predestined to become child abusers themselves.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 126-127

26. All of the following are reasons why large numbers of children are abused in American society, EXCEPT for

a) past experiences of being abused as a child.

b) the widespread acceptance of spouse abuse.

c) many parents’ lack of education and parenting skills.

d) the social acceptance of physical punishment to discipline children.

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 126-127

27. Many child abusers see abusive behavior as good and proper because they

a) have watched much violence on TV.

b) are among many who accept the rightness of physical punishment.

c) are victims of child abuse themselves.

d) are totally out of control.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 126-127

28. Problematic interaction between a parent and child is one cause of child abuse. All of the following are problems of interaction, except for

a) lack of parenting skills.

b) lack of knowledge of normal childhood behavior.

c) social approval of physical punishment.

d) unrealistic expectations for a child.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 126-127

29. Older people are more likely to be abused if they live

a) in group homes.

b) alone.

c) with relatives.

d) in nursing homes.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 129

30. Which of the following statements about those who abuse the elderly is NOT true?

a) The abusers have severe personal problems such as drug addiction or alcoholism.

b) They are beset with money problems.

c) They are largely male.

d) They are stressed by the need to care for both children and an elderly parent.

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 129-130

31. The many women who are squeezed between raising children of their own and taking care of parents are called

a) the sandwiched generation.

b) generation X.

c) the stressed generation.

d) the mommy/daughter track.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 129-130

32. According to a famous study of a sample of the elderly in Boston, __________ of elder persons are more likely to become elder abusers.

a) daughters

b) spouses

c) institutional caregivers

d) social workers

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 129-130

33. All of the following are true about female genital mutilation, EXCEPT that it is

a) often called female circumcision.

b) usually done by ritual leaders, or respected women in the community.

c) relatively accepted today in most Western cultures.

d) often accepted by the victims of the mutilation.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 127-128

34. Which of the following is NOT one of the factors that supports female genital mutilation in many African cultures?

a) the meaning of womanhood in many cultures that practice female genital mutilation

b) the overwhelming presence of patriarchy and the need to oppress women

c) the social and psychological benefits the practice provides the participant

d) the high social value of virginity and marriageability that are supported by genital mutilation

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 127-128

35. All of the following are part of the social profile of family abusers, EXCEPT that they are

a) younger husbands and parents.

b) members of the middle class.

c) men rather than women.

d) persons with stressful home lives.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 130-131

36. John experienced family violence as he was growing up. According to social learning theory, he is

a) more likely not to get married and have children.

b) more likely to experience stressful family relationships.

c) less likely to engage in family violence.

d) more likely to engage in family violence.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 132

37. According to the exchange theory of family violence, which of the following would be the reward of violence?

a) enjoyment of power and control over the victim

b) intense guilt over the hurting of a family member

c) fear of getting arrested

d) enjoyment of higher status and respect in the eyes of the larger community

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 134

38. All of the following are ways U.S. society has attempted to protect women from marital rape and abuse, EXCEPT for

a) the passage of new laws.

b) establishing counseling programs for abusers.

c) severely punishing men who sexually or physically abuse their wives.

d) the creation of a network of women’s shelters and safe houses.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 134-135

39. Which of the following are criticisms of protective services efforts for children?

a) They fail to provide enough staff and resources to investigate all complaints of child abuse.

b) They sometimes haul innocent parents to court.

c) They leave a child with an abusive parent.

d) All of the above answers are criticisms.

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 134-135

40. The two types of services that seem most useful to abused elders are medical services and

a) extra funds for food and shelter.

b) social services.

c) legal services.

d) marital counseling.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 136-137

Answer : c) legal services.

41. Critics of mandatory reporting laws for elder abuse say

1. these laws demean elders by treating them like children.
2. these laws are not worded strongly enough
3. these laws should not be enacted at a national level.
4. these laws make it easy for family members to get away with abusing elders.

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 136

42. The criminal justice system

a) does nothing to protect women.

b) does not punish elder abusers.

c) requires some abusers to go to counseling.

d) only incarcerates male abusers.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 135

43. In general, when abuse is committed against children in the U.S.

a) all family members are viewed as suspects.

b) the abuse is more likely to take place in adoptive families.

c) abusive grandparents fall under the laws of elder abuse.

d) abusive strangers are punished more severely than family members who abuse.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 114

44. Female genital mutilation mostly takes place in

a) Russia.

b) Africa.

c) China.

d) Brazil.

Difficulty: 1

Page-Reference: 127-129

45. Parent-child interaction becomes problematic when

a) grandparents become involved in caring for the child.

b) a parent has psychological problems that make child care demanding.

c) families reside in the suburbs.

d) children move out and go to college.

Difficulty: 1

Page-Reference: 128

46. In the U.S., ______parents physically discipline their children.

a) about one-fourth of all

b) nearly all

c) approximately half of all

d) very few

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 119

True/False Questions

1. One myth about family violence is that violence and love cannot happen together.

True

False

Difficulty: 1

Page-Reference: 118-119

2. There is a relationship between family violence and poverty.

True

False

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 118

3. Drugs and alcohol are the major causes of most family violence.

True

False

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 119

4. Though the percentage of family members who are victims of violence is high, the actual number of victims is quite small.

True

False

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 119-120

5. Since their marriages began, more than 10 percent of wives have been raped by their husbands.

True

False

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 120

6. Because men own their wives, they cannot actually be found guilty of raping them.

True

False

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 120-121

7. Most husbands feel genuine remorse after they have battered their wives.

True

False

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 123

8. Many battered wives leave their husbands.

True

False

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 119

9. Women who are economically dependent on their abusive husbands are more likely to leave.

True

False

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 123-124

10. Victims of incest suffer a strong sense of shame and guilt, anxiety and depression, and social isolation.

True

False

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 125-126

11. Fathers are much more likely than stepfathers to sexually abuse their children.

True

False

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 125-126

12. In the family, physical abuse of children is far more common than sexual abuse.

True

False

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 131-132

13. The acceptance of the popular view of physical punishment as proper for disciplining children is one cause of child abuse.

True

False

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 126-127

14. The definition of child abuse varies according to cultures.

True

False

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 131-132

15. The interaction between a parent and child rarely has a real impact on child abuse.

True

False

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 127-128

16. Most older persons who suffer abuse live alone.

True

False

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 128

17. When caregivers have problems with money or stress they are more likely to become elder abusers.

True

False

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 129-130

18. One benefit of the ritual of female circumcision is that it helps the woman fit into her society and become respected among her peers and the entire community of women.

True

False

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 127-128

19. Compared with nonabusers, family abusers are more likely to be under age 30 and to be lower-class.

True

False

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 130-131

20. Most family abusers are well integrated into the community and commit their abuse in secret.

True

False

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 131

21. According to the stress theory of family violence, almost all families that experience intense stress will experience violence.

True

False

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 133-134

22. Virtually all states have laws against marital rape, and the laws are strictly enforced.

True

False

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 133-134

23. U.S. society’s major method of protecting children from abuse is a mandatory reporting law to government agencies that investigate complaints and help children.

True

False

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 134-135

24. Drugs and alcohol are always contributing factors to family violence.

True

False

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 119

25. Battered wives who are financially independent have a greater propensity to leave their abusive husbands, compared to those who are financially dependent.

True

False

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 123-124

26. Stepfathers are more likely to sexually abuse their children.

True

False

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 124-125

27. Financial problems and stress are precursors to elder abuse.

True

False

Difficulty: 3

Page Reference: 129-130

28. Poverty is a contributing factor to family violence.

True

False

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 118-119

29. Unemployment is a contributing factor to child abuse.

True

False

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 128

30. Husbands can be found guilty of raping their wives in court.

True

False

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 120-122

Fill-In Questions

1. That alcohol and drugs are involved in most acts of violence in the family is one of the __________ about family violence.

Difficulty: 1

Page-Reference: 118-119

2. Men who batter their wives often attempt to rationalize their violent act by blaming the __________.

Difficulty: 1

Page-Reference: 123

3. The popular view that __________ is a proper way of disciplining children is one cause of child abuse.

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 126

4. According to a famous research project from Boston, most elder abusers turn out to be __________ of abusers.

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 129-130

5. __________ is a kind of government agency found in all states that has the responsibility to receive and investigate reports of child abuse.

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 134-135

6. Women who are economically __________ tend to stay with their abusive partners.

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 123-124

7. Women who are economically __________ have a higher propensity to leave their abusive partners.

Difficulty: 1

Page Reference: 123-124

Essay Questions

1. State and analyze some of the causes of family violence. What special features of family life seem to cause violence? Why?

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 118-136

2. Choose marital rape or child sexual abuse, and discuss the risk factors associated with the kind of abuse you chose. That is, what factors seem to promote that type of sexual abuse?

Difficulty: 3

Page Reference: 120-127

3. Discuss the problem of elder abuse. What are some of the causes and consequences of this type of family violence? How will the dramatic increase in the number of elderly people in the future shape the problem of elder abuse?

Difficulty: 3

Page Reference: 128-130

4. Analyze some of the factors in traditional African cultures that give support to female genital mutilation. What are some reasons for the widespread existence of this practice?

Difficulty: 2

Page Reference: 127-128

5. Use concepts from the chapter to propose ways of reforming protective services for children. How could sociological concepts of deviance help government agencies better understand the causes of child abuse and develop more effective ways of preventing it?

Difficulty: 3

Page Reference: 133-135

6. Why is family violence more prevalent among people of the lower income strata? Discuss the variables that contribute to family violence among people of this income group.

Difficulty: 3

Page Reference: 117-130