SOCI Midterm

The text offers several explanations for the "origins of sexual orientation." What are some of these in terms of biological considerations and social and cultural factors?

- Biological : - Genetic and biological roots of sexual orientation - Twins are more likely to have the same sexual orientation - Brain anatomy, studies find differences in the size and structure of the hypothalamus, which controls many bodily functions. - Hormonal balance in the womb. The level of prenatal androgen affects which sexual orientation develops. Social & Cultural : -Humans are born with a "blank slate" and are shaped by society and culture. - Children are shaped by their parents, teachers, peers, and other aspects while growing up. - Sociologist believe sexual orientation is learned from environmental factors, socialization, and culture.

What is the meaning of the term "hidden toll" in reference to African Americans? Provide examples.

-The long-term stress of living in a white-dominated society 'weathers' blacks, making them age faster than their white counterparts" -African Americans are much more likely than whites to be poor, to live in high-crime neighborhoods, and to live in crowded conditions, among many other problems.

Based in conflict theory, what are some of the structural explanations of problems in society that contribute to racial and ethnic inequality?

-This view attributes racial and ethnic inequality to structural problems, including institutional and individual discrimination, a lack of opportunity in education and other spheres of life, and the absence of jobs that pay an adequate wage.

Which of the following does the text state contributes to gender inequality in the workplace: Legislation allowing sex/gender discrimination Sex Segregation in the workplace Majority of jobs require strong physical strength Concerns about romantic relationships in the workplace

B/ Gender inequality is manifested through the gender gap in earnings and through sexual harassment. Women earn only about 80% of what men earn. Several roles including sex segregation in the workplace, women's caring roles, the devaluing of women's work, and outright sex discrimination by employers.

Fill in the blank: ________ ________ is the idea that women's and men's jobs may be of roughly equal value and thus deserve the same pay. What is an example of this?

Comparable worth/pay

TRUE OR FALSE. Structural explanation of poverty is that poverty is the result of poor people lacking motivation to work and hold beliefs and values that contribute to their poverty.

False

What is an argument in support of Affirmative action and what is an argument in opposition of affirmative action? Be specific.

Favoring individuals for employment/benefits that belong to groups that are discriminated against the argument for it demonstrates how POC and other discriminated groups have the system working against them so in order for them to have equal opportunity they need those extra steps, the opposition states that they don't need the help cause that conflicts with qualifications of those programs.

The text states that the US shows devastating consequences of poverty, which cost the country "an estimated $500 billion annually because of the problems that it leads to..." What are some of these problems are as listed in the text?

In fact, childhood poverty has beenestimated to cost the US economy an estimated $500 billion annually because of thproblems it leads to, including unemployment, low-paid employment, higher crimerates, and physical and mental health problems (Eckholm, 2007).Eckholm, E. (2007,January 25). Childhood poverty is found to portend high adult costs. New York Times,p. A19. If the US poverty rate were no higher than that of other democracies,billions of tax dollars and other resources would be saved.

What is the meaning of the term "model minority" and who does it refer to according to the text?

Is a demographic group who's members are perceived to achieve a higher degree of sociological success than the population avg. Ex: Asian people are smart

What does the text argue are some of the disadvantages for men in a patriarchal society?

Men face problems in a society that promotes male domination and traditional standards of masculinity such as assertiveness, competitiveness, and toughness. It is seen to underlie many problems such as emotional problems, which cause men to be reluctant to admit, seek help for, various personal problems. These problems can build up emotional disorders, learning disabilities, and attention deficit order. Men are also more likely to commit suicide and to drop out of high school.

What are some policy and other recommended measures from the text to reduce gender inequality?

Reduce socialization by parents and other adults of girls and boys into traditional gender roles. Confront gender stereotyping by the popular and news media. Increase public consciousness of the reasons for, extent of, and consequences of rape and sexual assault, sexual harassment, and pornography. Increase enforcement of existing laws against gender-based employment discrimination and against sexual harassment. Increase funding of rape-crisis centers and other services for girls and women who have been raped and/or sexually assaulted. Increase government funding of high-quality day-care options to enable parents, and especially mothers, to work outside the home if they so desire, and to do so without fear that their finances or their children's well-being will be compromised. Increase mentorship and other efforts to boost the number of women in traditionally male occupations and in positions of political leadership.

What is the difference in definition of the terms "sex" and "gender"?

Sex - biological Gender- social construct of what you feel you are.

What are amongst the most influential factors that influence our attitudes and behavior that predict heterosexism -Sex/Gender - Religion -If you have a gay family member -Military status -Economic Status -A & B

Sex/ gender Religion

Define social stratification as offered in the text.

Social ranking system to distinguish different groups

Fill in the blank: _____________ is the process whereby individuals learn the culture of their society. What are some of the groups or structures that contribute to this process for people?

Socialization Family, and friends.

Define the term, "heterosexism."

The analogous term for negative views about, and discriminatory practices toward, LGBT individuals and their sexual behavior.

The functionalist view argues that the existence of poverty provides positive functions or benefits in society? What are some of these functions and benefits?

The functionalist view further implies that if people are poor, it is because they do not have the ability to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for the important, high-paying jobs. These functions include the following: (1) poor people do the work that other people do not want to do; (2) the programs that help poor people provide a lot of jobs for the people employed by the programs; (3) the poor purchase goods, such as day-old bread and used clothing, that other people do not wish to purchase, and thus extend the economic value of these goods; and (4) the poor provide jobs for doctors, lawyers, teachers, and other professionals who may not be competent enough to be employed in positions catering to wealthier patients, clients, students, and so forth

What does the text use the "colors of poverty" as a term to describe?

The higher poverty rates of people of color are so striking and important that they have been termed the "colors of poverty", The colors of poverty: Why racial and ethnic disparities persist

TRUE OR FALSE. African Americans make up the largest percentage of Americans living in poverty.

The public's racial image of poor peopleis mistaken, as census data reveal that the most typical poor person is white (non-Latino). To be more precise, 42.4 percent of poor people are white (non-Latino), 28.7 percent are Latino, 23.1 percent are black, and 3.7 percent are Asian

How does the US calculate the poverty line or the measure of official poverty? Why is this problematic? What doesn't it take into consideration?

This way of calculating the official poverty line has not changed since 1963. It is thus out of date for many reasons. For example, many expenses, such as heat and electricity, child care, transportation, and health care, now occupy a greater percentage of the typical family's budget than was true in 1963. In addition, this official measure ignores a family's noncash income from benefits such as food stamps and tax credits. As a national measure, the poverty line also fails to take into account regional differences in the cost of living. All these problems make the official measurement of poverty highly suspect.

True or False: Homosexuality has existed since ancient times and in some societies has been rather common or at least fully accepted as a normal form of sexual expression.

True

What does the text describe as the "triple burden" that some women experience?

Women of color experience a triple burden based on their gender, race/ethnicity. Even though white women earn less money and are poorer than white men, women of color earn less money and are poorer than white women.

Which of the following sociological perspectives are supported by the following statement: Unless we offer people significant financial and other awards they will not purse highly skilled and important labor, requiring advanced knowledge and skills. -Feminist perspective -Functionalism -Symbolic Interactionism -Conflict theory

functionalism

What are examples of global gender inequality?

gender pay gaps inequally

The author argues that the common belief that unemployed poor people "really could work if they wanted to" is a myth? Why?

many Americans think the poor are lazy and lack the motivation to work and, as is often said, "really could work if they wanted to." However, government data on the poor show that most poor people are, in fact, either working, unemployed but looking for work, or unable to work because of their age or health