Test: Normative and Non-normative Behavior - 1 - MCAT MCQ

Xenocentrism refers to the belief or preference for the values, customs, or culture of another society or culture over one's own. In this scenario, Josephine's admiration and preference for French culture and considering it superior to American culture demonstrate xenocentrism. She values and appreciates the cultural practices of the French, particularly their emphasis on food and family meals, and perceives them as more desirable than her own American culture.

Informal norms refer to unwritten, unofficial rules or expectations that guide behavior in a social group or society. In this case, the norm of lining up to order a meal at a fast food restaurant is an example of an informal norm. Although there may not be a specific rule or guideline explicitly stated, customers understand and follow the norm of forming a queue or line to maintain order and fairness in the process of ordering food. The other options listed involve more formal norms or rules that are explicitly communicated through manuals, signs, or instructions.

Mores and folkways are both types of norms, which are rules or expectations that guide behavior in a society. The primary difference between mores and folkways lies in their degree of social significance. Mores are norms that are based in ethics and are considered to be of great moral significance within a society. They reflect fundamental values and principles, and deviating from mores is often met with strong social disapproval and may even be punishable by law.

On the other hand, folkways are norms that govern everyday social interactions and are based on customary practices and social conventions. They are less morally significant compared to mores and violations of folkways are typically met with less severe social consequences. Deviating from folkways may result in mild disapproval or social sanctions, but they are not usually punishable by law.

In summary, mores are rooted in ethical values and carry a higher degree of social significance, while folkways are based on social approval and regulate more routine and customary behaviors.

Counterculture refers to a subculture or group within a society that holds values, beliefs, and norms that are in direct opposition or contrast to the dominant culture or mainstream society. These groups often challenge and reject the established norms, values, and practices of the larger society.

In the case of the fictional motorcycle gang depicted in the television show "Sons of Anarchy," their adherence to their own specific rules and norms, which prioritize money, violence, and crime over the power of the law, represents a counterculture. They operate outside the boundaries of conventional societal norms and engage in activities that are considered deviant or criminal by the larger society.

While the gang's values and behaviors may have elements of popular culture (A) due to the television show's portrayal and popularity, it is more accurately described as a counterculture given its opposition to dominant norms and its distinct subcultural identity. Normative culture (B) refers to the cultural norms and values that are widely accepted and practiced within a society, which the motorcycle gang in question opposes. High culture (D) refers to cultural products and activities that are considered to be of superior intellectual or artistic value, which is not the focus of the gang's activities.

Diffusion refers to the spread or transmission of cultural elements from one society or group to another. In the given scenario, Brian's experience at the ashram in India exposes him to various aspects of Indian culture, such as food, art, customs, cooking techniques, yoga, and philosophical concepts like karma. By immersing himself in the Indian culture and adopting these practices, Brian is engaging in cultural diffusion.

Cultural imperialism (A) refers to the dominance or imposition of one culture over others, often through political or economic means. Globalization (B) refers to the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of societies worldwide, leading to the exchange of ideas, goods, and information. While Brian's experience may be influenced by globalization, the specific term that describes his engagement with Indian culture is diffusion.

Ethnocentrism (D) refers to the tendency to judge other cultures based on the standards and values of one's own culture. It is not applicable in this context as Brian's experience demonstrates an appreciation and adoption of aspects of Indian culture, rather than a judgment or comparison based on his own cultural perspective.

Social anomie refers to a state of normlessness or a breakdown of social norms and values in a society. It is typically characterized by certain features. Alienation from social groups (A) is one of these characteristics, where individuals may feel disconnected or isolated from social relationships and communities. Weakened social norms (B) are another characteristic, indicating that the usual rules and expectations that guide behavior become unclear or ineffective. Social uncertainty (C) is also a key characteristic of social anomie, where individuals may experience a lack of predictability or stability in social interactions and societal structures.

On the other hand, strengthened social norms (D) would be contradictory to the concept of social anomie. Social anomie suggests a state of normlessness or a weakening of social norms, not an enhancement or strengthening of them. Therefore, D is the correct answer as it does not align with the characteristics typically associated with social anomie.

The dependent variable is the variable that is measured or observed in a research study and is expected to change as a result of the independent variable(s). In this case, the independent variable is the truancy laws, which are being investigated to determine their influence on academic performance. The researchers are interested in how the implementation of these laws affects the academic performance of the adolescents from a high crime urban area. The measure of academic performance that they are specifically interested in is the grade point average (GPA). Therefore, the GPA would be the dependent variable in this research study.

An informal negative sanction refers to an unofficial form of punishment or disapproval for violating social norms or expectations. In this example, the individual's behavior of swearing loudly in a church goes against the expected norm of respectful behavior in a religious setting. The scowling reaction from others is a form of nonverbal disapproval, conveying the message that the individual's behavior is inappropriate or offensive. It is an informal negative sanction because it is not an official punishment imposed by an authority figure or institution but rather a social reaction from others.

Conflict theory emphasizes the role of social conflict and power differentials in shaping society. It suggests that social inequality, particularly the unequal distribution of resources and power, leads to conflict between different social groups. In the context of the bourgeoisie (owners of the means of production) and the proletariat (working class), conflict theory highlights the class struggle and the inherent inequality between these two groups. The bourgeoisie, who hold economic and social power, exploit the proletariat for their labor, leading to social tensions and deviance. Therefore, the inequality between the bourgeois and the proletariat is a key feature of conflict theory.

The described scenario fits the definition of a riot. A riot is a form of collective behavior characterized by a large group of people engaging in violent and destructive actions. Riots often occur in response to perceived grievances or injustices, and the actions of the crowd are typically unfocused, chaotic, and aimless. In this case, the crowd's destructive behavior, such as property destruction, theft, and arson, indicates a riotous situation. The collective anger and the sense of injustice contribute to the escalation of violence and chaos.