Q.1 Who is considered the founding figure of functionalism in sociology?
Karl Marx
Max Weber
Émile Durkheim
Herbert Spencer
Explanation - Durkheim emphasized the importance of social facts and the role of institutions in maintaining social order, making him a foundational figure of functionalism.
Correct answer is: Émile Durkheim
Q.2 Functionalism views society as:
A battlefield of classes
An interconnected system of parts
A purely economic structure
A collection of isolated individuals
Explanation - Functionalism sees society as a system where institutions and norms work together to maintain stability and balance.
Correct answer is: An interconnected system of parts
Q.3 According to Durkheim, what binds individuals together in society?
Conflict
Shared values
Competition
Isolation
Explanation - Durkheim argued that shared norms and values form the collective conscience, which binds individuals into a cohesive society.
Correct answer is: Shared values
Q.4 Which concept did Durkheim introduce to explain the loss of norms in modern society?
Alienation
Anomie
Class conflict
Rationalization
Explanation - Anomie refers to a state of normlessness where individuals feel disconnected due to lack of regulation in modern society.
Correct answer is: Anomie
Q.5 Herbert Spencer compared society to:
A battlefield
A machine
An organism
A marketplace
Explanation - Spencer likened society to a living organism where different parts (institutions) function together for survival.
Correct answer is: An organism
Q.6 What does functionalism emphasize most?
Inequality
Conflict
Stability and consensus
Revolution
Explanation - Functionalism stresses social order and consensus as the basis for a stable society.
Correct answer is: Stability and consensus
Q.7 Which sociologist distinguished between manifest and latent functions?
Robert K. Merton
Karl Marx
Talcott Parsons
Herbert Spencer
Explanation - Merton introduced manifest (intended) and latent (unintended) functions to explain institutional outcomes.
Correct answer is: Robert K. Merton
Q.8 Manifest functions are best described as:
Hidden consequences
Intended and recognized outcomes
Unintended side effects
Dysfunctional results
Explanation - Manifest functions are deliberate and explicit outcomes of social institutions or practices.
Correct answer is: Intended and recognized outcomes
Q.9 Latent functions are:
Planned results
Unintended and hidden consequences
Direct benefits
Conflicts within systems
Explanation - Latent functions refer to indirect or unintended effects of social practices or institutions.
Correct answer is: Unintended and hidden consequences
Q.10 Who developed the AGIL schema within functionalism?
Robert Merton
Émile Durkheim
Talcott Parsons
Max Weber
Explanation - Parsons created the AGIL schema to describe the four functional imperatives every system must meet.
Correct answer is: Talcott Parsons
Q.11 In Parsons’ AGIL model, ‘A’ stands for:
Adaptation
Authority
Association
Accountability
Explanation - Adaptation refers to how a system adapts to its environment to survive.
Correct answer is: Adaptation
Q.12 In Parsons’ AGIL model, ‘G’ stands for:
Government
Goals
Growth
Globalization
Explanation - Goal attainment is the ability of a system to define and achieve its objectives.
Correct answer is: Goals
Q.13 In Parsons’ AGIL model, ‘I’ stands for:
Integration
Institution
Innovation
Interaction
Explanation - Integration refers to coordination and cohesion among different parts of society.
Correct answer is: Integration
Q.14 In Parsons’ AGIL model, ‘L’ stands for:
Learning
Latency
Legitimacy
Leadership
Explanation - Latency involves maintaining cultural patterns and values that sustain the system.
Correct answer is: Latency
Q.15 Which of the following is a criticism of functionalism?
It ignores conflict and power struggles
It emphasizes inequality
It rejects social order
It denies social institutions
Explanation - Critics argue functionalism overlooks social change and power imbalances, focusing too much on stability.
Correct answer is: It ignores conflict and power struggles
Q.16 Durkheim studied suicide to show the importance of:
Individual psychology
Social integration
Religious faith
Economic competition
Explanation - Durkheim demonstrated that suicide rates vary based on levels of social integration and regulation.
Correct answer is: Social integration
Q.17 Which functionalist idea compares society’s institutions to organs of a body?
Conflict theory
Organic analogy
Anomie theory
Rational choice theory
Explanation - The organic analogy compares society to a body where different institutions function like organs.
Correct answer is: Organic analogy
Q.18 What role do social institutions play in functionalism?
They perpetuate inequality
They create conflict
They maintain stability and meet societal needs
They serve only economic functions
Explanation - Institutions are seen as essential in fulfilling the functions that keep society stable and ordered.
Correct answer is: They maintain stability and meet societal needs
Q.19 What does functionalism say about social change?
It is revolutionary
It disrupts harmony
It is gradual and adaptive
It is unnecessary
Explanation - Functionalists see change as evolutionary, ensuring the system adapts without collapse.
Correct answer is: It is gradual and adaptive
Q.20 Which type of function describes the negative consequences of social patterns?
Manifest function
Latent function
Dysfunction
Integration
Explanation - Dysfunctions are harmful effects that disrupt the balance of society.
Correct answer is: Dysfunction
Q.21 Functionalism assumes society tends toward:
Instability
Chaos
Equilibrium
Conflict
Explanation - Functionalists believe social systems naturally move toward balance and stability.
Correct answer is: Equilibrium
Q.22 Which institution is seen by functionalists as responsible for transmitting shared values?
The family
The economy
The military
The market
Explanation - The family plays a key role in socializing members and transmitting cultural values.
Correct answer is: The family
Q.23 What is the functionalist view of religion?
It creates conflict
It divides society
It provides social cohesion and shared meaning
It is irrelevant
Explanation - Functionalists argue religion reinforces shared norms and binds people together.
Correct answer is: It provides social cohesion and shared meaning
Q.24 Merton’s concept of dysfunction challenges functionalism by showing:
Not all parts of society are beneficial
Social systems never fail
Conflict is irrelevant
Institutions are perfect
Explanation - Merton acknowledged that some institutions can have negative consequences for social stability.
Correct answer is: Not all parts of society are beneficial
Q.25 Which of the following best summarizes functionalism?
Society is a struggle for resources
Society is a stable system of interrelated parts
Society is based on power and coercion
Society is random and chaotic
Explanation - Functionalism focuses on the interdependence of social institutions and their role in maintaining stability.
Correct answer is: Society is a stable system of interrelated parts