Define the term bureaucracy and illustrate it with an example.
What will be an ideal response?
Ans: Varies. Bureaucracies are formal organizations characterized by written rules, hierarchical authority, and a paid staff, intended to promote organizational efficiency.
KEY: Learning Objective: 1.3: Trace the historical development of sociological thought.
REF: Cognitive Domain: Application
Answer Location: Max Weber
Difficulty Level: Medium
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The question "What does it mean to live in a society organized around surveillance but where personal privacy is protected by the constitution?" captures the dynamics of
a. conformity b. obedience to authority c. structural strain d. rebellion
Marissa lives with her boyfriend and their two young children. Marissa's parents express their disappointment that Marissa and her boyfriend are not married. Her parents are using the definition of the family to judge her living arrangements
a. modernized b. matrilocal c. natural d. ideal
In their criticisms of sociology, critical theorists argue _____.
a. the scientific method is not an end in itself and even ends up oppressing individuals in contemporary society b. knowledge uncovered with science cannot be inherently objective and neutral c. economic determinism is overly mechanistic d. art and expression were increasingly rationalized, bureaucratized, and subject to the control of elites e. society and social thinking is highly irrational and even amoral
Population counts of the homeless population in the United States indicate the homeless population is increasing.
Indicate whether the statement is true or false.