How does the exchange theory help us understand how people choose a college? Compare this to how rational choice theory would explain the same thing.

What will be an ideal response?


Exchange theory focuses on exchange, rewards, and costs while rational choice focuses on intentionality to achieve goals. So, this answer will vary but should include for exchange theory the idea that people continue in courses of action when the rewards outweigh the costs and discontinue when the costs are greater than the rewards. When searching for a college program, a person might make the choice based on the program with the lowest tuition or the best scholarship, or they might choose to live closest to home so that costs are lowered by living with family. Rational choice theory, on the other hand, would see the desire to graduate from college as a goal someone has, and that people act intentionally to achieve their goals. So, looking for a college would be based on the means most likely to best satisfy their needs and wants, such as having the best program in one's field to allow them to reach their career goals. However, they must believe they can get "access to scarce resources"-in this case, be accepted into the program. They would also have to meet "the requirements of social structures"-in this case, to be able to take on the role of full-time student.

Sociology

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In the movie Eat, Pray, Love, actress Julia Roberts plays the role of Liz Gilbert. When Liz was going through her divorce, she met a man who practiced Eastern philosophy and religion and had a guru. When Liz decided to take time off to "find herself," one of the countries to which she traveled was India. Liz decided to stay in an ashram and hoped to meet the guru in order to obtain spiritual guidance. While there, Liz was expected to adhere to the strict rules that were in place. She lived in very simple conditions, was expected to eat the food that was served, was to attend prayer services, and was assigned to clean the toilets. She was expected to perform this task without complaining. What was Liz experiencing while staying in the ashram?

A. secularization B. resocialization C. a total institution D. a religious experience

Sociology

A theory that explains how schooling helps prepare young people for the work they will do as adults represents the

a. structural-functional approach. b. social-conflict approach. c. symbolic-interaction approach. d. sociobiology approach.

Sociology

In general, Snowbelt cities are larger in physical size than Sunbelt cities

Indicate whether the statement is true or false.

Sociology

Which of the following is most accurate about the middle class in the U.S.?

A. Most people identify as middle class. B. Most four-year colleges lack middle-class cultures. C. The middle class in the U.S. is growing. D. Middle-class wages and salaries have increased throughout the years.

Sociology