ASSIGNMENT 01 2021

1.
Social institutions include the following:
a) The family
b) The economy
c) Schools
d) Roles

1. a, b, c and d
2. c and d
3. a, b and c
4. b, c and d

2. We can argue that the school:

a) Is a micro unit
b) Is where secondary socialization takes place
c) Has a formal curriculum
d) Plays the same role as the family

1. a
2. d
3. a and d
4. b and c

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3. Which of the following have contributed towards the development of new social
patterns in society?
a) The development of technology.
b) Traditional values.
c) The growth of mass media.
d) Making predictions.

1. a and b
2. c and d
3. a, b and c
4. a and c

4. Highly complex, industrialised societies tend to …

a) establish a system of universal, compulsory public education.
b) abolish the family.
c) ensure that role differentiation is achieved.
d) make education non- compulsory.

1. a, b and d
2. b and d
3. a and c
4. b, c and d

5. Norms can be defined as …

a) meritocracy.
b) informal rules that govern behaviour in society.
c) the timetable in schools.
d) morals.

1. b
2. c
3. a
4. d

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6. The family plays an important role in society because it …
a) is a macro institution.
b) provides society with new members.
c) plays an important socialization role.
d) is critical of tradition.

1. b and c
2. c and d
3. a and c
4. a

7. Functionalists believe that social class inequalities are …

a) the result of fluid class boundaries.
b) unfair.
c) necessary as they motivate people to take on important positions.
d) disrupt the smooth running of society.

1. a and d
2. c
3. b and d
4. b

8. Conflict Theory suggests that IQ (Intelligence Quotient) tests:

a) Favour the working class.
b) Favour the affluent classes.
c) Favour the intelligent.
d) Are culturally biased.

1. b and d
2. c
3. a and c
4. b, c and d

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9. Which of these is not an aspect of symbolic interactionist theory?

a) Everyday contact.
b) Social interaction.
c) Macro approach.
d) Constructed identity.

1. d
2. c
3. b
4. a

10. Agency is …
a) when the environment acts on a person.
b) not important.
c) when a person acts on his/her environment.
d) when people are passive.

1. a
2. a and b
3. c
4. d

11. From the perspective of symbolic interactionism, gender is constructed

and reproduced by:
a) Fixed differences between men and women
b) Ongoing social interaction
c) Male dominance
d) Social stability

1. c
2. b
3. d
4. a

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12. The ecology of a ‘healthy’ school should include:
a) Good leadership.
b) Intense community pressure.
c) A good microclimate.
d) Resources and well-maintained physical facilities.

1. b and c
2. a, b and c
3. b, c and d
4. a and d

13. A cosmopolitan view of citizenship and citizenship education seeks to prepare

South African learners to …
a) act locally but think globally.
b) become more like America.
c) ignore global issues.
d) focus on local problems.

1. c
2. a, c and d
3. b, c and d
4. a

14. Which of the following were not components of apartheid ‘citizenship’ in South
Africa?
a) The classification of South Africans into different race groups.
b) The denial of full civil, social or political rights for black people.
c) Equality for all citizens.
d) The establishment of the ‘homeland’ system.

1. a
2. c
3. d
4. b

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15. Citizenship education in the new South Africa (after apartheid) is best
described as …
a) promoting participatory democracy.
b) confined to matric students.
c) promoting the necessary skills for active citizenship.
d) a waste of time.

1. b and d
2. b, c and d
3. a and c
4. a, b and d

16. What is social stratification?

a) The way of life of a people.
b) A tradition.
c) When an individual in society only acquires a certain part of culture.
d) A process of categorising people according to their ranks within the family
and society.

1. a, b and c
2. b, c and d
3. d
4. b

17. Inequality refers to …

a) unequal access to resources such as money.
b) equal access to resources.
c) dress codes.
d) unequal power relations in e.g. politics, personal relationships.

1. a and c
2. b
3. a and b
4. a and d

18. The term ‘innate’ means …

a) socialisation.
b) family tradition.
c) from birth.
d) school tradition.
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1. a)
2. d)
3. b)
4. c)

19. Gender roles are …

a) socially constructed.
b) innate.
c) irrelevant in schools.
d) unchanging.

1. a and b
2. b and d
3. a
4. c

20. The social construction of race:

a) Encourages an understanding of race as biological.
b) Entails an understanding of race as being socially constructed
c Emphasises historical, cultural and economic factors as well as the physical characteristics of
people.
d) Encompasses the idea that people are assigned to different racial categories because of
opinion and social experience.

1. b, c and d
2. a, b and c
3. a and b
4. a and d

2019 AND 2020 ASSIGNMENTS

Chapter 1: Theories in Sociology of Education
1. Sociology is a study of .....

1. social systems that should be investigated as an interrelated whole

2. isolated, individual parts of society
3. multiculturalism
4. the hidden curriculum

2. Theorists argue that education is .....

 a) the act of imparting or acquiring knowledge and skills
b) a form of socialisation
c) a means of shaping learners’ characters
d) not static but dynamic

1. a), b) and c)
2. b), c) and d)
3. a), b), c) and d)
4. b) and c)

3. The sociology of education .....

1. examines the relationship between the school, politics, economics and

culture
2. is not really sociology
3. is critical of discipline in schools
4. ignores the role of teachers in schools

4. Which of the following are aspects that Ballantine and Hammock (2012)
consider should be part of education?

a) The ability to think creatively.

b) The cultivation of a global mind-set.
c) The provision of training in problem solving.
d) Respect for others.

15
 1. a), b), c) and d)
2. a) and c)
3. a) and d)
4. b), c) and d)

5. Which of the following have contributed towards the development of

new social patterns in society?

a) The development of technology.

b) Traditional values.
c) The growth of mass media.
d) Making predictions.

1. a) and b)
2. c) and d)
3. a), b) and c)
4. a) and c)

6. Functionalists suggest that schools have a latent function which is to ...

a) produce people who share the same economic and political practices.
b) produce institutions.
c) teach traditional school subjects.
d) produce people who share the cultural practices and norms of society.

1. a) and d)
2. b) and c)
3. a), b) and c)
4. b), c) and d)

7. Highly complex, industrialised societies tend to .....

a) establish a system of universal, compulsory public education

b) abolish the family
c) ensure that role differentiation is achieved
d) make education non- compulsory

1. a), b) and d)
2. b) and d)
3. a) and c)
4. b), c) and d)

8. The term ‘political socialisation’ refers to when a .....

a) person’s political loyalty is widened beyond the local group

b) person is taught about politics by the family
c) person’s political loyalty to widened to include the state
d) person is taught about politics at school

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1. a) and c)
2. a), b) and c)
3. b) and d)
4. c) and d)

9. Some functionalists argue that racial minorities in society must .....

a) reject dominant society

b) assimilate into the dominant culture of society
c) be equal
d) adjust to the dominant culture of the school

1. a) and b)
2. a), b) and c)
3. b), c) and d)
4. b) and d)
10. Functionalists believe that social class inequalities are .....

a) the result of fluid class boundaries

b) unfair
c) necessary as they motivate people to take on important positions
d) disrupt the smooth running of society

1. a) and d)
2. c)
3. b) and d)
4. b)

11. Conflict theorists argue that schools .....

a) are not a social benefit

b) provide opportunities to those who work hard
c) reward students
d) prepare people to become compliant workers in a capitalist economy

1. a), b) and c)
2. b) and c)
3. a) and d)
4. b), c) and d)

12. Conflict theory suggests that IQ (Intelligence Quotient) tests .....

a) favour the working class

b) favour the affluent classes
c) favour the intelligent
d) are culturally biased

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 1. b) and d)
2. c)
3. a) and c)
4. b), c) and d)

13. The term ‘gender differences’ in the context of conflict theory means
that men ....

a) and women are different

b) gain power over property and gain power over women
c) suppress women
d) often earn less than women in the workplace

1. a) and d)
2. a), b) and d)
3. b) and c)
4. b), c) and d)

14. According to conflict theorists, the racial order in society .....

a) is ‘natural’
b) has nothing to do with social class
c) will always remain the same
d) is inextricably tied to class stratification
1. a) and d)
2. c)
3. b) and d)
4. d)

15. Which of the following are components of the hidden curriculum

according to Bowles and Gintis?

a) A passive acceptance of hierarchy.

b) An opposition to the reward system in schools.
c) The fragmentation of school subjects.
d) A critical stance.

1. a), b) and c)
2. c) and d)
3. b), c) and d)
4. a) and c)

16. Explicit components of symbolic interactionism are ....

a) conflict
b) interpretation
c) action
d) constructivism

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1. a), c) and d)
2. b), c) and d)
3. a) and d)
4. a) and b)

17. Constructivists contend that knowledge can be labelled as the

following:

a) Is personally constructed.
b) Taught in an authoritarian way.
c) Socially mediated.
d) Conveyed only by teachers.

1. a) and c)
2. b) and c)
3. b) and d)
4. a) and d)

18. For a symbolic interactionist, gender is something which is .....

a) an attribute of different people

b) innate
c) up to the individual
d) constantly made up and reproduced through social interaction
1. a) and d)
2. c)
3. b) and d)
4. d)

19. The following are conditions that need to be met if racial prejudice is to
be reduced:

a) Social norms favouring equality must be agreed upon.

b) Contact must be between individuals of equal status.
c) Contact must be sustained.
d) Schools need to change their enrolment policies.

1. a), b) and c)
2. b), c) and d)
3. a), b) and d)
4. a) and d)

20. The symbolic interactionist approach to minority groups is that they .....

a) are assimilated into dominant society

b) have no historical background
c) form their identity because of socio-historical change
d) have no real identity

19
 1. a) and d)
2. c)
3. b) and d)
4. d)

21. Which of these is not an aspect of symbolic interactionist theory?

a) Everyday contact.
b) Social interaction.
c) Class struggle.
d) Constructed identity.
1. a) and d)
2. c)
3. b) and d)
4. d)

Chapter 2: Practices in Sociology of Education

22. Social institutions include the following:

a) the family
b) the economy
c) schools
d) differential role players

1. a), b), c) and d)

2. c) and d)
3. a), b) and c)
4. b), c) and d)

23. It can be argued that the school.....

a) is a micro unit
b) is where secondary socialization takes place
c) has a formal curriculum
d) plays the same role as the family

1. a)
2. d)
3. a) and d)
4. b) and c)

24. Social integration is best described as a process.....

a) which discourages diversity

b) where open-minded citizens are not respected
c) where there is inclusion, participation and social justice
d) which encourages inequality

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1. a), b) and c)
2. a), b) and d)
3. c) and d)
4. c)

25. The economic system is .....

a) a set of arrangements by which a society produces, distributes and

consumes goods
b) interlinked with society
c) owned and controlled by the workers in South Africa
d) crucial to the survival of modern society

1. c) and d)
2. a), b) and d)
3. b), c) and d)
4. b) and d)

26. The ecology of a ‘healthy’ school should include ....

a) good leadership
b) intense community pressure
c) a good microclimate
d) resources and well-maintained physical facilities

1. b) and c)
2. a), b) and c)
3. b), c) and d)
4. a) and d)

27. The term macrosystem within the context of the Bronfenbrenner’s

theory of ecological systems means .....

a) the overarching pattern of micro-, meso- and exosystems

characteristics of a given culture or subculture
b) the immediate environment
c) face -to -face settings
d) the relationship between the home and the school

1. a)
2. d)
3. a) and d)
4. b) and c)

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28. Symbolic interactionism focuses on interactions between the teacher
and the learner. What is the teacher expectancy effect?
a) When the teacher interprets symbols.
b) When the teacher’s expectation of a learner can lead to the learner’s
positive or negative performance.
c) When the teacher expects low grades.
d) When the teacher does not engage with the learner.

1. b)
2. c) and d)
3. a)
4. a) and d)

Chapter 3: Citizenship education

29. The idea of citizenship entails .....

a) a legal status (to be a citizen)

b) an emphasis on cosmopolitan ideals
c) citizenship as a practice (to act as a citizen)
d) an emphasis on formal schooling

1. a) and d)
2. b) and d)
3. a), b) and c)
4. a), b) and d)

30. A cosmopolitan view of citizenship and citizenship education seeks to

prepare South African learners to .....

a) act locally but think globally

b) become more like America
c) ignore global issues
d) focus on local problems

1. c)
2. a), c) and d)
3. b), c), and d)
4. a)

31. Which of the following were not components of Apartheid ‘citizenship’ in

South Africa:

a) The classification of South Africans into different race groups.

b) The denial of full civil, social or political rights for black people.
c) Equality for all citizens.
d) The establishment of the ‘homeland’ system.

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1. a)
2. c)
3. d)
4. b)

32. The Restoration and Extension of South African Citizenship Act (1993)
included the following:

a) South African citizenship for all.

b) Segregation.
c) Every South African citizen is entitled to enjoy all rights, privileges and
benefits of South African citizenship.
d) Every South African should be subject to the duties, obligations and
responsibilities of being a citizen.

1. b)
2. a) and c)
3. a), c) and d)
4, b) and d)

33. Citizenship education in the United Kingdom is best described as the

following:

a) Supporting ‘soft’ learning and being reliant on the formal school

curriculum.
b) A compulsory subject in the English National curriculum from 1999.
c) Including community involvement.
d) Including political literacy.

1. a) and d)
2. a), b) and c)
3. b), c) and d)
4. a), c) and d)

34. Citizenship education in post - apartheid South Africa is best described

as the following:

a) Promoting participatory democracy.

b) Confined to matric students.
c) Promoting the necessary skills for active citizenship.
d) A waste of time.

1. b) and d)
2. b), c) and d)
3. a) and c)
4. a), b) and d)

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Chapter 4: Diversity and culture in education

35. The study of ‘diversity’ includes the following:

a) Learning about group differences in society.

b) The development of group and individual identity.
c) The static character of society.
d) Addressing how different social factors influence social institutions.

1. a) and b)
2. a), b) and d)
3. c)
4. c) and d)

36. The term ‘identity’ within a sociology of education context means our
social identities are .....

a) entirely reliant upon our genes

b) guided by factors such as gender, race, class, religion and disability
c) shaped by input from our families, the media, peers and schools
d) given to us by midwives

1. a), b) and d)
2. a), b) and c)
3. a) and b)
4. b) and c)

37. According to conflict theorists a person’s (or a group’s) identity is

always formed within the context of… .

a) inequalities in society
b) different opportunities for different individuals and groups in society
c) how well a person/group is integrated into society
d) how individuals act and exercise free will within their immediate social
environments

1. c) and d)
2. a), c) and d)
3. b), c) and d)
4. a) and b)

38. Social stratification is .....

a) the way of life of a people

b) a tradition
c) when an individual in society only acquires a certain part of culture
d) a process of categorising people according to their ranks within the
family and society

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1. a), b) and c)
2. b), c) and d)
3. d)
4. b)

39. Gender is best described as the following:

a) The social process of developing masculine and feminine traits

b) Being male
c) Being female
d) The innate characteristics we have as men and women

1. a), b) and c)
2. b), c) and d)
3. a)
4. b)

40. The social construction of race ....

a) encourages an understanding of race as biological

b) entails an understanding of race as being socially constructed
c) emphasises historical, cultural and economic factors, as well as the physical
characteristics of people
d) encompasses the idea that people are assigned to different racial categories
because of opinion and social experience

1. b), c) and d)
2. a), b) and c)
3. a) and b)
4. a) and d)

Chapter 1: Theories in Sociology of Education

The discipline of Sociology of Education focuses on schools and .....

1. society
2. nature
3. children
4. globalisation
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2. At a macro level, Sociology of Education addresses ....

1. interactions between teachers and learners

2. how schools impact on the achievement of individual learners
3. how various social forces, such as economics and culture impact on
schools as organisations
4. the way learners are treated by the school principal

3. The theory of functionalism argues that ....

a) different parts of society (e.g. family, schools) should be viewed as

separate and independent entities from each other
b) different parts of society (e.g. schools, family) are interdependent on
each other
c) society should punish ‘bad’ citizens
d) the different parts of society can be compared to a family structure

1. c) and d)
2. a) and c)
3. b)
4. d)

4. Two of the major functionalist theorists are the following:

1. Bowles and Gintis.

2. Marx and Lenin.
3. Durkheim and Parsons.
4. Blackledge and Hunt.

5. The functionalist theorist, Robert Merton proposed that latent human

functions are the following:

a) Unintentional and not obvious.

b) Part of the school curriculum.
c) Intentional and obvious.
d) Practices that can be conveyed to future generations.

1. a) and b)
2. a)
3. c)
4. b) and d)

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6. Functionalists emphasise the following:

a) Social solidarity.
b) Shared public values.
c) Consensus (we agree upon values and work to achieve them).
d) A lack of social solidarity in society.

1. a) and b)
2. d)
3. a) and c)
4. a), b) and c)

7. A criticism of functionalism is the following:

a) It does not believe in social order.
b) It suggests that children should not be moulded into good citizens.
c) It is overly critical of modern capitalist society.
d) It does not question social inequalities and social class stratification.

1. a) and d)
2. d)
3. b) and c)
4. b)

8. Conflict theory maintains the following:

a) Inequality is inevitable in capitalist society.

b) Society is in a constant state of conflict and change.
c) There are no ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ in society: all are equal.
d) Some individuals and groups have more power than others in society.

1. a), c) and d)
2. c) and d)
3. a), b) and d)
4. a), b) and c)

9. Conflict Theory is associated with the following:

a) A microsociological perspective.
b) Conservatism.
c) A macrosociological perspective.
d) Both micro- and macro-sociological perspectives.

1. c)
2. d)
3. d) and b)
4. a)

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10. Conflict theory argues that ....

a) schools perpetuate inequalities in society

b) schools reproduce social class - working class learners end up in
working class jobs
c) the individual is to blame for her/his failure at school
d) the family is to blame for a learner’s failure

1. a) and b)
2. a), b), c) and d)
3. c)
4. c) and d)

11. C. Wright Mills argues that there is conflict between the power elite and
the non- elite because .....

a) of the unequal distribution of resources (money, property, schooling) in

society
b) society is naturally unequal
c) men cling to power
d) not everyone has a Protestant work ethic

1. b)
2. b) and d)
3. a)
4. c) and d)

12. Conflict theory can be criticised because .....

1. it is opposed to schooling
2. it is deterministic and does not acknowledge that people have agency
3. everything benefits the working class.
4. it is a macrosociological theory

13. Symbolic interactionism focuses on the following:

a) The bigger picture of society.

b) Pragmatism.
c) The self and society.
d) The smaller picture of society.

1. a) and d)
2. b)
3. c) and d)
4. a) and b)

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14. Blumer (a symbolic interactionist) proclaimed the following:

a) Humans act on things because of the meanings that these things have
for them.
b) Meanings develop out of social interaction.
c) Meanings are dependent on and change because of our interpretations
of social interactions.
d) Meanings are entirely based on our emotions.

1. d)
2. a), c), d)
3. b)
4. a), b) and c)

Chapter 2: Practices in Sociology of Education

15. What are the functions of schools in society?

a) Transmit culture.
b) Act as agents of socialisation.
c) Transmit norms and values (morals).
d) Teach learners to oppose their teachers.

1. a) and d)
2. a)
3. b)
4. a), b) and c)

16. The ecology of the school can be described as the following:

a) Geographical situation of the school.

b) Resources of the school.
c) School garden.
d) School ‘climate’ or environment.

1. c) and d)
2. a)
3. b)
4. d)

17. The settings of Bronfenbrenner’s microsystem include the following:

a) The macrosystem.
b) The family.
c) The school and peer group.
d) The passage of time.

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1. a)
2. a) and d)
3. b) and c)
4. d)
Role of the school in society
18. According to the functionalist theory, schools have the following
Important social functions:

a) That traditional school subjects are taught.

b) That schools play a vital role in the perpetuation and survival of society.
c) That schools teach social norms and values.
d) That schools encourage learners to do as they please.

1. b) and c)
2. a) and d)
3. d)
4. a), b) and c)

19. Functionalists see schools as socialising learners so that they can .....

a) form strong peer relationships

b) fulfil their biological roles
c) adapt to the economic, political and social institutions of society
d) become emotionally intelligent

1. a)
2. b)
3. c)
4. d)

20. Functionalists argue that societies require all their members should
Learn to perform different tasks, such as engineering, nursing, etc. This
is known as .....

a) cognitive orientation
b) role differentiation
c) cultural roles
d) individualism

1. b)
2. c)
3. d)
4. a)

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21. Dreeben’s norm of independence is based on one of the following
points:

a) Learners take responsibility for their own actions.

b) Learners learn to be competitive.
c) Not all learners have the same skills.
d) Learners are individuals.

1. b)
2. c)
3. d)
4. a)

22. Assimilation can be described as when a ....

a) group develops the same technical skills

b) usually subordinate group takes on the attitudes, speech patterns and
economic status of the dominant group
c) group accepts the processes of a democratic government
d) group becomes part of a rural community

1. a) and d)
2. d)
3. a) and c)
4. b)

23. Conflict theorists argue that schools classify learners based on their ....

a) merit
b) social class and ethnicity
c) understanding of politics
d) ability to adapt

1. b)
2. a)
3. c) and d)
4. a) and c)

24. Which one of the following points does not define hegemony?

a) Having authority over others.

b) When the dominant class succeeds in establishing its own mode of
thinking among members of the subordinate class.
c) False consciousness.
d) The expression of authority of the dominant class through institutions,
such as music, film and television.

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1. a) and b)
2. c)
3. a), b) and d)
4. a), b) and c)

25. The hidden curriculum is the following:

a) A broad category that includes all unrecognised and sometimes

unintended knowledge.
b) A compulsory subject in the school curriculum.
c) A missing link.
d) When, for example, gender and ethnic differences are transmitted in a
‘hidden’, informal way in the classroom.

1. a) and d)
2. b) and c)
3. b)
4. a) and b)

26. Symbolic interactionism emphasises the following:

a) That people have the ability to think.

b) That people learn the meaning of symbols without the help of others.
c) That people do not have the ability to interpret situations.
d) That thinking skills are shaped by social interactions.

1. a) and b)
2. d)
3. a) and d)
4. a)

27. Constructivist learning takes place in the classroom when learners .....

a) construct knowledge and meaning from their experiences

b) are entirely dependent on the teacher for knowledge
c) knowledge is personally constructed, but socially mediated
d) are studying on their own

1. d)
2. b)
3. a) and c)
4. b) and d)

35
28. Symbolic interactionism focuses on interactions between the teacher
and the learner. What is the teacher expectancy effect?

a) When the teacher interprets symbols.

b) When the teacher’s expectation of a learner can lead to the learner’s
positive or negative performance.
c) When the teacher expects low grades.
d) When the teacher does not engage with the learner.

1. b)
2. c) and d)
3. a)
4. a) and d)

Chapter 3: Citizenship education

29. The idea of citizenship entails .....

a) a legal status (to be a citizen)

b) an emphasis on cosmopolitan ideals
c) citizenship as a practice (to act as a citizen)
d) an emphasis on formal schooling

1. a) and d)
2. b) and d)
3. a), b) and c)
4. a), b) and d)

30. A cosmopolitan view of citizenship and citizenship education seeks to

prepare South African learners to .....

a) act locally but think globally

b) become more like America
c) ignore global issues
d) focus on local problems

1. c)
2. a), c) and d)
3. b), c), and d)
4. a)

31. Which of the following were not components of Apartheid ‘citizenship’ in

South Africa:

a) The classification of South Africans into different race groups.

b) The denial of full civil, social or political rights for black people.
c) Equality for all citizens.
d) The establishment of the ‘homeland’ system.
36
 SED2601/101/3/2020

1. a)
2. c)
3. d)
4. b)

32. The Restoration and Extension of South African Citizenship Act (1993)
included the following:

a) South African citizenship for all.

b) Segregation.
c) Every South African citizen is entitled to enjoy all rights, privileges and
benefits of South African citizenship.
d) Every South African should be subject to the duties, obligations and
responsibilities of being a citizen.

1. b)
2. a) and c)
3. a), c) and d)
4. b) and d)

33. Citizenship education in the United Kingdom is best described as the

following:

a) Supporting ‘soft’ learning and being reliant on the formal school

curriculum.
b) A compulsory subject in the English National curriculum from 1999.
c) Including community involvement.
d) Including political literacy.

1. a) and d)
2. a), b) and c)
3. b), c) and d)
4. a), c) and d)

34. Citizenship education in post - apartheid South Africa is best described

as the following:

a) Promoting participatory democracy.

b) Confined to matric students.
c) Promoting the necessary skills for active citizenship.
d) A waste of time.

1. b) and d)
2. b), c) and d)
3. a) and c)
4. a), b) and d)

37
Chapter 4: Diversity and culture in education

35. The study of ‘diversity’ includes the following:

a) Learning about group differences in society.

b) The development of group and individual identity.
c) The static character of society.
d) Addressing how different social factors influence social institutions.

1. a) and b)
2. a), b) and d)
3. c)
4. c) and d)

36. The term ‘identity’ within a sociology of education context means our
social identities are .....

a) entirely reliant upon our genes

b) guided by factors such as gender, race, class, religion and disability
c) shaped by input from our families, the media, peers and schools
d) given to us by midwives

1. a), b) and d)
2. a), b) and c)
3. a) and b)
4. b) and c)

37. According to conflict theorists a person’s (or a group’s identity) is

always formed within the context of the following:

a) Inequalities in society.
b) Different opportunities for different individuals and groups in society.
c) How well a person/group is integrated into society.
d) How individuals act and exercise free will within their immediate social
environments.

1. c) and d)
2. a), c) and d)
3. b), c) and d)
4. a) and b)

38. What is social stratification?

a) The way of life of a people.

b) A tradition.
c) When an individual in society only acquires a certain part of culture.
d) A process of categorising people according to their ranks within the
family and society.

38
 SED2601/101/3/2020

1. a), b) and c)
2. b), c) and d)
3. d)
4. b)

39. Gender is best described as the following:

1. The social process of developing masculine and feminine traits.

2. Being male.
3. Being female.
4. The innate characteristics we have as men and women.

40. The social construction of race consists of the following:

a) Encourages an understanding of race as biological.

b) Entails an understanding of race as being socially constructed.
c) Emphasises historical, cultural and economic factors as well as the physical
characteristics of people.
d) Encompasses the idea that people are assigned to different racial categories
because of opinion and social experience.

1. b), c) and d)
2. a), b) and c)
3. a) and b)
4. a) and d)

May/June 2020

SED2601

SOCIOLOGY OF EDUCATION

100 Marks
Duration: 2 Hours
In all instances choose the most correct option. For example: Q1- 1, Q2- 3 etc.
The following is an example of how to respond to multiple- choice questions:
1. Gender roles are:
1. socially constructed
2. innate
3. irrelevant in schools
4. unchanging

The correct answer for the example above is 1.

Answer ALL the following, compulsory questions:

1. The concept of Sociology can be defined as the study of ...

a) human behaviours.
b) social interactions between groups and organisations.
c) the mind.
d) the body.

1. a and d
2. a and b
3. c and d
4. b and d

2. Education has its origins in the word educere which means...

a) latent.
b) to bring out that which is within.
c) social order.
d) stasis.

1. a and b
2. c
3. c and d
4. b

3. The discipline of sociology of education focuses on schools and ...

 a) society.
b) nature.
c) children.
d) globalisation.

1. a and b
2. a and c
3. a
4. d

4. The theory of Functionalism argues that...

a) different parts of society (e.g. schools, family) should be viewed as separate
from each other.
b) different parts of society (e.g. schools, family) are related/linked to each other.
c) society should punish ‘bad’ citizens
d) different parts of society should be viewed as independent entities/parts

1) c and d
2) a and c
3) b
4) d

5. Two of the major Functionalist theorists are the following:

a) Bowles and Gintis.
b) Marx and Lenin.
c) Durkheim and Parsons.
d) Blumer and Kuhn.

1. a
2. b
3. c
4. d
6. In today’s world new social patterns should be developed to …
a) cultivate a global mind set.
b) form citizens who are aware of their social responsibilities.
c) provide problem- solving training.
d) create citizens who are not open to other cultures.

1. a and b
2. a, b and d
3. d
4. a, b and c

7. Talcon Parson’s AGIL model includes the following:

a) Adaptation.
b) Gender.
c) Integration.
d) Latency.

1. a, b, c and d
2. c and d
3. a, c and d
4. b and c

8. Social integration is best described as a process…

a) which discourages/is critical of diversity.
b) whereby open-minded citizens are not respected.
c) whereby there is unity and consensus.
d) which encourages inequalities in society.

1. a, b and c
2. a and d
3. d
4. c
9. The economic system is...
a) the set of arrangements by which a society produces distribute and
consumes goods.
b) interlinked with society.
c) owned and controlled by the workers in South Africa.
d) crucial to the survival of modern society.

1. c and d
2. a, b and d
3. b, c and d
4. b and d

10. The family plays an important role in society because it…

a) is a macro/big institution.
b) provides society with new members.
c) plays an important socialization role.
d) is critical of tradition.

1. b and c
2. c and d
3. a and c
4. a

11. Dreeben believes there are essential norms that learners should learn at school.
Two of these are the following:
a) Independence.
b) Liberalism.
c) Good intentions.
d) Universalism

1. a and d
2. c and b
3. d
4. c
12. The capitalist economic system is linked to
a) the free market.
b) the accrual of surplus value.
c) socialism.
d) the purchase of wage labour.

1. a, b and c
2. c and d
3. a, b and d
4. a and b

13. In Marxist theory the bourgeoisie…

a) are the capitalist class.
b) are the workers.
c) are impoverished.
d) own resources such as factories.

1. a and d
2. b and c
3. b and d
4. a and c

14. A meritocracy is…

a) a group of people whose progress is based on ability and talent.
b) a system of government.
c) people who own property and resources.
d) a group of people who are underprivileged.

1. c and d
2. c
3. b
4. a
15. Conflict theorists argue that…
a) society is dynamic.
b) there are tensions between interest groups.
c) people are inherently bad.
d) society is static/stays the same.

b
2. c
3. b and d
4. a and b

16. Schools, according to conflict theory...

a) are not a social benefit.
b) provide opportunities to those who work hard.
c) reward students.
d) prepare people to become compliant workers in a capitalist economy.

1. a, b and c
2. b and c
3. a and d
4. b. c and d

17. Conflict theory suggests that Intelligence Quotient (IQ) tests favour...
a) the working class.
b) the affluent/rich classes.
c) the intelligent.
d) all citizens.

1. b and d
2. b
3. a
4. b, c and d
18. Conflict theory can be criticised because it is...
a) opposed to schooling.
b) deterministic and does not acknowledge sufficiently that people can think
and act.
c) a microsociological theory.
d) a macrosociological theory.

1. a
2. c
3. d
4. b

19. Symbolic interactionism focuses on...

a) the bigger/macro picture of society.
b) pragmatism.
c) the self and society.
d) the smaller/micro picture of society.

1) a and d
2) b
3) c and d
4) a and b

20. Which of these is NOT an aspect of symbolic interactionist theory?

a) Everyday contact.
b) Social interaction.
c) Class struggle.
d) Socially constructed identity.

1. a and b
2. c
3. d
4. a and d
21. Symbols are...
a) irrelevant to society.
b) social objects that have meaning for individuals and are shared through
social interaction (such as a country’s flag)
c) reliant on individual interpretation.
d) not part of social communication and interaction.

1. a
2. b
3. c
4. d

22. Self- reflection is...

a) the ability to criticise other people’s actions.
b) the ability to dominate other people.
c) the ability of individuals to reflect on themselves and to change their self-
concept and practices.
d) looking in a mirror.

1. d
2. b
3. c
4. a and d

23. The functions of schools in society are to ...

a) transmit culture.
b) act as agents of socialization.
c) transmit norms and values (morals).
d) teach learners to oppose their teachers.

1. a and d
2. a
3. b
4. a, b and c
24. The microsystem is the pattern of activities found in ...
a) large crowds.
b) face-to-face settings.
c) specific time frames.
d) bodies of knowledge.

1. a
2. c
3. d
4. b

25. Socialisation is the...

a) process whereby children and adults learn from others.
b) ability to talk to anyone.
c) ability to become rich and successful in society.
d) process whereby you learn a second language.

1) a
2) b
3) c and d
4) c

26. The ecology of the school can be described as the...

a) geographical situation of the school.
b) resources of the school.
c) school garden.
d) school ‘climate’ or environment

1. c and d
2. a
3. b
4. d
27. Functionalists see schools as socialising learners so that they can ...
a) form strong peer relationships.
b) fulfil their biological roles.
c) adapt to the economic, political and social institutions of society.
d) become emotionally intelligent.

1) a
2) b
3) c
4) d

28. Functionalists argue that societies require all their members to learn to perform
different tasks, such as engineering, nursing and so on. This is known as...
a) cognitive orientation.
b) role differentiation.
c) cultural roles.
d) individualism.

1) b
2) c
3) d
4) a

29. According to conflict theorists schools promote conflict in society between...

a) the rich and poor.
b) the modernist and the traditionalist.
c) the individual and the community.
d) the powerful and the powerless.

1) a and d
2) b and c
3) d and b
4) c
30. Conflict theorists argue that schools classify learners based on their…
a) merit.
b) social class and ethnicity.
c) understanding of politics.
d) ability to adapt.

1) b
2) a
3) c and d
4) a and c

31. Symbolic interactionism focuses on interactions between the teacher and the
learner when the teacher ...
a) interprets symbols.
b) dislikes the learner.
c) expects low grades.
d) does not engage with the learner.

1) b
2) c and d
3) a
4) a and d

32. Constructivist learning takes place in the classroom when the ...
a) learners construct knowledge and meaning from their experiences.
b) learners are entirely dependent on the teacher for knowledge.
c) learner’s knowledge is personally constructed but socially mediated.
d) learners are studying on their own.

1) d
2) b
3) a and c
4) d and b
33. In ancient Athenian democracy, citizenship included…
a) active participation in public affairs.
b) women.
c) slaves.
d) obedience to a single powerful person.

1. c
2. a
3. b
4. d

34. In the United States of America (USA)…

a) each member state of the USA has its own education system and
curriculum.
b) there is only a private education system.
c) there is only one, national education system and curriculum for all.
d) there is no citizenship education.

1. c
2. d
3. b
4. a

35. Which of the following were not componennts of apartheid ‘citizenship’ in South
Africa:
a) The classification of South Africans into different race groups.
b) The denial of full civil, social or political rights for black people.
c) Equality for all citizens.
d) The establishment of the ‘homeland’ system

1. a
2. d
3. c
4. b
36. Citizenship education in the new South Africa (after 1994) is best described
as...
a) promoting participatory democracy.
b) only appropriate for matric learners.
c) promoting the necessary skills for active citizenship.
d) a waste of time.

1. b and d
2. b, c and d
3. a and c
4. a, b and d

37. Currently citizenship education in the United Kingdom focuses on...

a) social and moral responsibility.
b) only soft notions of the curriculum.
c) community involvement.
d) political literacy.

1. a and d
2. b and c
3. a, b and d
4. a, c and d

38. Currently in South Africa citizenship education prepares learners to…

a) take local and global responsibility.
b) participate as active citizens.
c) have knowledge of environmental justice.
d) be illiterate.

1. a and b
2. a, b and c
3. a, b and d
4. b and d
39. Social stratification is ...
a) about the individual.
b) a tradition.
c) natural.
d) a process of categorising people according to their ranks within the family
and society.

1. a, b and c
2. b, c and d
3. d
4. b

40. The study of diversity is about…

a) learning about group differences.
b) learning that everybody in society should be the same.
c) addressing the process of social change.
d) keeping society unchanged.

1. a and b
2. a and d
3. b and d
4. a, b and d

41. Identity is shaped by inputs from…

a) family.
b) peers.
c) media.
d) sports.

1) a, b and c
2) b, c and d
3) a, b, c and d
4) a and b
42. Conflict theories are concerned with…
a) the formation of group identity within the context of social inequalities.
b) how individuals internalize social values to ensure social consensus.
c) how identity is constantly socially constructed.
d) individual interpretations of society.

1. a
2. b and c
3. a and c
4. d

43. People become socialised by factors such as…

a) race.
b) intelligence.
c) nature.
d) gender.

1. a and c
2. b and c
3. a and d
4. b and d

44. Culture can be described as…

a) human-created strategies for adjusting to the environment.
b) political instability.
c) dress or bodily adornments.
d) biological.

1. a, b and c
2. a and c
3. c and d
4. a and d
45. Culture includes the following aspects:
a) Emotion
b) Lines of power in society
c) Motive
d) Symbols

1. a, b and c
2. c and d
3. a, b, c and d
4. a, b and d

46. A caste or closed system is where ranking is based on…

a) merit, talent and ability.
b) choice.
c) ascribed characteristics over which people have no control.
d) freedom of movement.

1. a and b
2. c
3. d
4. a and d

47. Achieved characteristics are attributes that…

a) people have at birth.
b) are inherit.
c) develop over time like height and weight.
d) are learnt through hard work, choice and perseverance.

1. a, b and c
2. b and c
3. c
4. d
48. According to sociologists gender is…
a) created by culture.
b) entirely/completely biological.
c) the distinctive qualities of men and women.
d) a social fact.

1. a, c and d
2. a and d
3, b and c
4, b

49. Gender fair teaching should be…

a) continuous.
b) critical of stereotyping learners.
c) abolished in classrooms.
d) active and affirmative.

1. a and b
2. b and d
3. a and c
4. a, b and d

50. The social construction of race refers to...

a) genes only.
b) historical characteristics.
c) economic factors.
d) minority groups.

1. a
2. d
3. a and b
4. b and c

TOTAL: 50 x 2 = 100
1 Page 11 Page 41 21 Page 102 31 Page 102 41 Page 79

2 Page 3 12 Page 22 Page 100 32 Page 46 42 Page 81

3 Page 13 Page 95 23 Page 33 Page 53 43 Page 79

4 Page 14 Page 98 24 Page 36 34 Page 63 44 Page82

5 Page 15 Page 25 Page 30 35 Page 45 Page82- 83

6 Page 16 Page 26 Page 38 36 Page 46 Page 85

7 Page 7 17 Page 27 Page 39 37 Page 62 47 Page84

8 Page 100 18 Page 28 Page 38 Page 48 Page86

9 Page 33 19 Page 29 Page 39 Page 49 Page 87

10 Page 20 Page 30 Page 40 Page 50 P

N:B SOME ANSWERS WERE FOUND ON PREVIOUS AND CURRENT ASSIGNMENTS