Social Problems final exam
Which statement is TRUE of young men in the United States?
They are more likely to die violently than young men in other nations.
Crime is one disadvantage of looser social control. What is an advantage of larger, less controlled communities?
Communities will require more resources to function as a society.
Hank is a handsome, young white man and a bit of a con artist. He is well-educated and has great people skills. He knows that if he gets caught committing a corporate crime, he is likely to get fired and face a minor penalty if he finds himself in court. What bias would MOST likely work in Hank's favor if he ever finds himself standing in front of a judge?
Corporations are prosecuted less because they have limited access to legal services.
For developing nations, urbanizing and bringing in industry can mean more jobs, better resources, and an economic boost. In spite of these gains, there is often an increase in crime as urban neighborhoods expand and poor people move into the area for jobs. Why is crime a likely effect of this kind of sudden growth?
Crime is often highest in the densely populated poor areas industrialization creates.
Which BEST explains why medical malpractice risk leads to more tests and procedures?
Doctors might need to prove in court that they considered all options.
The diet in North America uses more resources than diets in other parts of the world. What would be the simplest way to reduce the amount of resources used to feed Americans?
Dramatically reduce meat consumption.
Yosef knows that there are some environmental issues. He recycles and tries to remember to turn out the lights when he leaves the room. But he does not think that what he does will make that much of a difference since he is only one person. A lot of environmental practices take extra effort that do not seem worth his time. What would be the BEST way to explain the problem to Yosef?
Environmentalism is a group effort where every individual needs to contribute.
There are many reasons why the problems created by slums are so difficult to solve. Even if every person currently living in slums were to be given adequate housing, the problem would not be entirely solved. Which response BEST explains why this is the case?
Issues of rural poverty often drive more poor people to these cities.
Theories of war only apply to international war, not civil wars.
False
If birth control were provided and women in the developing world were able to limit the number of children they have, what would the benefits be?
Fewer children generally mean a better quality of life for families.
One of the goals of the Affordable Care Act was to make preventative care more affordable. What are the long-terms implications of access to preventative care?
It can greatly reduce expenses by catching problems early.
While the Affordable Care Act has made health insurance, and therefore health care, more accessible, it has not eliminated issues like medical debt or equal access to health care. Which BEST explains why this is the case?
It did not address many of the structural issues in the system.
What makes the state of American health care a social problem?
It impacts many people and has many negative consequences.
The Middle East has among the highest concentration of land mines. What conclusion can you draw based on this information?
It is a region that has suffered through years of war.
Under what circumstances would people have to sell their organs to survive be considered a social problem?
If it is common and creates a significant problem.
When considering which nations have the best climates for business, the United States consistently has a lower rating than many European nations because of its policies around data privacy and other online activities. Why would this difference in standards impact a company's ability to do business?
It means that the United States is likely more vulnerable to cyberterrorism.
A government raises taxes due to a long and costly war, which it won. The citizens who benefitted from the war are unhappy about the new taxes and stage several protests, many of which are violent and vandalize property. The government then sends troops to guard ships in ports since imported goods have become a very contentious topic. Masked men sneak onto a ship and destroy $750,000 worth of goods in protest. In this case, which is a description of the Boston Tea Party, the masked men are not considered terrorists; they are several of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Which BEST explains why their violence and destruction were considered heroic?
It served the larger cause of American independence, which is a positive.
Jamir is mayor of a small community with conservative values that takes moral crimes very seriously. A group wants to build a small casino in his community, and Jamir is trying to decide if this is something that will benefit his community. How might creating legal gambling help deter crime?
It would eliminate criminal structures that support illegal gambling.
There are many reasons to address social issues, like poverty and over population. Some experts argue that addressing social issues would be one of the more effective ways to prevent wars. Which BEST explains the rationale behind this argument?
It would make people less likely to fight over resources.
Larisa is mayor of her city, which has a serious problem with crime. Many people think that increasing the police force is the best way to address this. However, Larisa wants to work to attract successful companies to her city instead. Why is this a strategy to reduce crime?
Jobs help more people reach basic social goals without becoming criminals.
Which BEST explains why nearly 80 percent of those impacted by land mines are civilians?
Land mines are often left in common, public areas.
Why do people often throw out items that could be repaired and replace them?
Part of consumer culture is the idea that newer is better.
In many cultures, families favor sons because they can carry on the family name. This has led to sex-selective abortion and more men than women. What new problem will these results create?
Many men will not be able to marry and carry on the name.
While the United States does not technically have slums, it does have issues with inadequate housing. Which BEST describes the way in which inadequate housing mirrors slums?
Many people who are poor live in unsafe buildings without adequate services.
Improving technology has made abortion for gender selection possible. Before the sonogram, parents did not know the gender of the baby before it was born. What does this example illustrate about bioethical issues?
Medical developments can create new ethical problems.
Some states are passing laws that allow those with terminal illnesses to end their lives with medical assistance on their own terms rather than having to suffer through the end of a fatal disease. This practice is still controversial. Which would be the BEST argument for those who oppose this practice?
Medicine is always advancing and new treatments might bring new possibilities.
Imagine that a natural disaster causes those in rural areas to have to suddenly leave their homes and move to already crowded slums near urban centers. Why will this lead to the spread of disease?
New arrivals will strain the already inadequate sanitation and unclean water supply.
If a terrorist would use chemical weapons, would they need to use a fatal amount to be effective?
No, non-lethal attacks can effectively disrupt society.
There are many countries, particularly wealthier nations, where population growth is slowing. Will this eradicate issues with global population growth?
No. There are more places with growing populations than declining ones.
Why is the fact that terrorists can potentially access nuclear weapons such a serious threat?
Nuclear weapons are unprecedented in their destructive power and long-term effects.
Given that Cuba has 81.9 doctors for every 10,000 people, which of these statements is likely TRUE?
People in Cuba probably have a pretty high life expectancy.
Many sex workers advocate for the decriminalization of prostitution because they believe it would make their job safer. What is the logic behind this argument?
Sex workers are often afraid to report abuse or robbery because their work is illegal.
The media has a lot of power over social problems. Juanita has just been hired at a news station and wants to change this. She brings a proposal to her boss to show more stories about minority-owned businesses and community engagement. Her boss says those stories will not help the station remain competitive with other local channels. Which BEST explains the logic behind this response?
Stories about crime consistently attract audiences and generate revenue for news outlets.
Many of us can recognize an act of terrorism when we see it. In reality, terrorism is hard to define. Which BEST explains why this is the case?
Terrorists are often seen as heroes among the people who support them.
Which culture is more likely to have a cornucopia view of nature—a highly developed nation like the United States or a slum in Mumbai?
The United States because it uses a large percentage of the world's resources.
Overpopulation is a global issue. Yet, like most global issues, the developing world is going to feel the devasting effects first and most intensely. Which statement BEST explains why this is the case?
The effects are already being felt there and will continue to get worse.
If the economic theories of war are is applied within a country, which describes a likely scenario?
The have-nots get frustrated and begin to riot.
One of the reasons that terrorism is so effective is that it can make everyday objects or common public gatherings dangerous. Which BEST explains why this makes terrorism a difficult social problem to solve?
The tools of terrorism are very accessible to those who want to do harm.
Improvements in farming methods have greatly improved the crop production due to greater use of pesticides and fertilizers. Which BEST explains why this is not entirely good news?
The use of pesticides and fertilizers creates a high environmental cost.
Which BEST explains why those in rural communities face significant disadvantages when accessing health care, even if they live in a wealthy country?
There are typically fewer medical professionals and facilities in rural areas.
Marni believes domestic violence is an issue, but she is not sure why it is a social problem. While it is devastating for those involved, it does not really impact others. Which response explains the social cost of domestic violence?
There is a social cost for assisting victims and prosecuting perpetrators.
Why are property, prostitution, and drug crimes more common in poorer nations?
These are the crimes that generate income.
Currently, many of the most intense conflicts are in the developing world. More prosperous nations should be concerned about these conflicts even if they are not directly involved. Which statement BEST explains why this is the case?
These conflicts can have global implications, like terrorism.
Generally, casualties increase when military technology gets more sophisticated. How do IEDs challenge this idea?
They are very destructive while cheap and easy to make.
Consider the case of environmental terrorists. They feel that there is no greater purpose than protecting the earth, which we all need to survive. They are correct about this point since maintaining natural resources is the only way for the human species, not to mention all other living creatures, to survive. If their goal is rational, why are they considered terrorists?
They choose violence and destruction when other methods are available.
Oregon's Death with Dignity laws state that doctors can prescribe a lethal dose of medication to those who are over 18, capable of expressing their wishes, have a fatal illness, and have an estimated six months or less to live. Which BEST describes the ethical concerns that these requirements are designed to meet?
They ensure the policy applies only to those who can make decisions for themselves.
Which BEST explains why the government in Cuba would choose to pay the salaries of those infected with AIDS while they are quarantined?
This makes treatment very accessible.
Which BEST explains part of the reason why the rates of HIV and AIDS are not falling in the United States despite advances in treatment and greater awareness?
Those without medical care and the undiagnosed are likely spreading the disease.
Environmental racism causes many problems of pollution to have a larger impact on poorer communities than wealthy ones.
True
Even when it strikes locally, terrorism is generally a global problem.
True
Keeping up with infrastructure, like water treatment plants, is essential to managing population growth.
True
Most street crimes are committed by those who have committed similar crimes in the past.
True
While there are many differences among cultures, it is universally true that education for women leads to lower birth rates. Which is the BEST conclusion to draw from this information?
Women want opportunities and choices beyond motherhood.
Some people in poor nations feel that they have no choice but to sell their organs. Without this sacrifice, they would not have the means to survive. Many doctors are uncomfortable with this practice and the desperation that enables it. What is this an example of?
an ethical dilemma
In the 1950s, car manufacturers started changing their cars every year so that people could tell which was the latest model. It also gave people a reason to buy a new car when theirs was still working. What is this an example of?
consumerism
Online superstore Amazon is under investigation by the European Union. It is suspected of violating the terms that allow for fair competition among merchants. If found guilty, the penalty could be as much as $23 billion. What kind of crime will Amazon be committing?
corporate crime
Eva began shoplifting when she was 14. At first, she did it for the thrill. It soon became a habit, and now she takes things regularly. She has been caught a few times, but that has not stopped her. Which term BEST describes her?
habitual offender
The fact that people in wealthy countries undergo medical procedures to improve their appearance while those in poorer countries voluntarily sell organs is an example of which situation?
inequity in wealth and access to care
Nita comes home and finds that her apartment has been broken into. Her laptop is gone, as is the jewelry she had in her dresser drawer. What crime was committed?
larceny
While walking home from work late at night, Armando is stopped by an individual demanding his wallet. Armando initially resists, but the individual breaks a nearby bottle and holds it up to Armando's neck, cutting him a little. Armando then hands over his wallet. When his assailant is caught, what crimes should they be charged with?
robbery and aggravated assault
