MCQS:

1. Which of the following best defines culture?

a) A set of biological traits passed from one generation to another
b) The totality of learned, socially transmitted customs, knowledge, and behavior
c) A political system that governs human interactions
d) A form of government that enforces social norms
2. According to the functionalist perspective, how does culture
contribute to society?
a) It creates social instability and encourages deviance
b) It is a tool used by dominant groups to maintain power
c) It reinforces social norms, unity, and collective identity
d) It prevents individuals from expressing their unique identities
3. Which sociological perspective argues that culture is a tool for
maintaining power structures and reinforcing social inequalities?
a) Functionalist Perspective
b) Conflict Perspective
c) Feminist Perspective
d) Interactionist Perspective
4. Which of the following is an example of non-material culture?
a) Smartphones and computers
b) Democracy and religious beliefs
c) Clothing and jewelry
d) Musical instruments
5. Which of the following is NOT considered a key driver of cultural
globalization?
a) Mass media and the internet
b) International trade
c) Climate change
d) Tourism and migration
6. Which of the following is a key argument of the feminist perspective
on culture?
a) Culture is an instrument for reinforcing gender inequality
b) Culture functions to create stability in society
c) Culture is determined by economic forces alone
d) Culture is shaped entirely by social interactions
Which is NOT True Questions
7. Which of the following statements is NOT true about subcultures?
a) They exist within a larger society while maintaining unique customs and
norms
 b) They actively reject the dominant culture’s norms and values
c) They can be based on ethnicity, occupation, or generational trends
d) They develop distinct slang, clothing, and traditions
8. Which of the following statements about cultural globalization is NOT
true?
a) It leads to cultural exchange and economic growth
b) It may result in cultural homogenization and loss of traditional customs
c) It prevents the spread of language and fashion between nations
d) It is facilitated by multinational corporations and digital media
9. Which of the following is NOT an example of material culture?
a) Religious rituals
b) National flags
c) Digital devices
d) Architecture
10. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of countercultures?
a) They reject mainstream societal norms and values
b) They seek to bring about social and political change
c) They exist within dominant society without opposition
d) They may include radical political movements or alternative lifestyles
Select All That Apply Questions
11. Which of the following are examples of the conflict perspective on
culture? (Select all that apply)
☐ Media control influences public opinion to serve elite interests
☐ Education systems reinforce class inequalities
☐ Cultural institutions only serve to create stability and order
☐ Capitalist consumer culture promotes economic inequality
12. Which of the following are key functions of language in culture? (Select
all that apply)
☐ Communication and social interaction
☐ Cultural transmission from one generation to another
☐ Physical tool-making and industrial production
☐ Shaping perception and worldview
13. Which of the following are characteristics of countercultures? (Select
all that apply)
☐ Rejection of mainstream norms
☐ Advocacy for radical social change
☐ Passive acceptance of dominant culture
☐ Opposition to government policies or social structures
 14. Which of the following are major negative effects of cultural
globalization? (Select all that apply)
☐ Cultural homogenization
☐ Loss of indigenous languages
☐ Increased economic inequality
☐ Strengthened preservation of traditional customs
15. According to the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis, which of the following are
ways language influences thought? (Select all that apply)
☐ Different languages affect how speakers perceive colors
☐ Grammatical structures influence how people conceptualize time
☐ Language is purely a reflection of pre-existing thought patterns
☐ Gendered language can shape perceptions of objects and people
Application-Based MCQs
16. Which of the following best illustrates the Interactionist Perspective
on culture?
a) Governments use cultural narratives to maintain power
b) Cultural values shape economic systems
c) Social norms are created and modified through daily interactions
d) Culture is imposed through institutions such as schools and media
17. A society where members share norms, values, and beliefs that
promote group cohesion and stability reflects which sociological
perspective?
a) Conflict Perspective
b) Feminist Perspective
c) Functionalist Perspective
d) Postmodern Perspective
18. Which example best illustrates the impact of globalization on
language?
a) The extinction of indigenous languages due to dominance of major world
languages
b) The strict preservation of local dialects through government policies
c) The rejection of foreign words and phrases in daily communication
d) The creation of entirely new languages through cultural interaction
19. A sociologist studying how the use of emojis and internet slang
influences interpersonal communication is applying which
sociological perspective?
a) Functionalist Perspective
b) Conflict Perspective
 c) Feminist Perspective
d) Interactionist Perspective
20. Which of the following best explains cultural appropriation?
a) The respectful exchange of cultural elements between different societies
b) The adoption of cultural practices without understanding their significance
c) The preservation of indigenous traditions through globalization
d) The complete isolation of one culture from another
21. Which of the following is an example of cultural diffusion?
a) A country completely isolating itself from external influences
b) The spread of sushi from Japan to other parts of the world
c) A nation enforcing strict laws against foreign cultural practices
d) The rejection of global media by indigenous communities
22. Which of the following best describes ethnocentrism?
a) The belief that all cultures are equal and should be respected
b) The tendency to evaluate other cultures based on the standards of one’s own
culture
c) The promotion of cultural diversity within a single society
d) The complete rejection of one's own culture in favor of another
23. Which of the following is a distinguishing characteristic of a
subculture, but NOT of a counterculture?
a) Actively opposing dominant cultural norms
b) Existing within the broader mainstream society
c) Seeking radical social and political change
d) Rejecting traditional social institutions
24. According to the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis, language influences
thought by:
a) Having no effect on how individuals perceive reality
b) Simply reflecting pre-existing social structures
c) Shaping how individuals categorize and interpret their experiences
d) Remaining static and unchanging across cultures
25. Which of the following is NOT a function of cultural rituals and
ceremonies?
a) Reinforcing social unity and collective identity
b) Helping transmit cultural values across generations
c) Challenging all forms of established traditions
d) Serving as symbolic expressions of shared beliefs
26. Which of the following statements about nonverbal communication is
NOT true?
a) Nonverbal communication is universal and interpreted the same way in all
cultures
 b) Gestures, body language, and facial expressions can carry different meanings
in different cultures
c) Some cultures value direct eye contact while others may find it disrespectful
d) Personal space preferences vary across cultures
27. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of cultural relativism?
a) Understanding cultural practices within their own social context
b) Avoiding judgments based on one’s own cultural norms
c) Viewing one’s own culture as superior to others
d) Recognizing that cultural values and practices differ across societies
28. Which of the following are examples of material culture? (Select all
that apply)
☐ Religious statues
☐ Smartphones
☐ Oral traditions
☐ National flags
29. Which of the following factors contribute to language extinction?
(Select all that apply)
☐ Globalization and cultural homogenization
☐ Government policies favoring dominant languages
☐ Increased use of social media in multiple languages
☐ Decline in native speakers over generations
30. A global clothing company adapts its designs to local cultures by
incorporating traditional patterns and symbols. This is an example of:
a) Cultural appropriation
b) Cultural hybridization
c) Ethnocentrism
d) Linguistic relativity

Short Questions:
What is culture, and what are its two main components?
Culture refers to the totality of learned, socially transmitted customs, knowledge,
material objects, and behaviors. It consists of material culture (physical objects like
clothing and technology) and non-material culture (beliefs, values, and norms).
How does the functionalist perspective explain culture?
The functionalist perspective sees culture as a stabilizing force that maintains social
order. It argues that cultural norms, values, and traditions create social cohesion and
unity.
 What is the main argument of the conflict perspective on culture?
The conflict perspective argues that culture is a tool used by dominant groups to
maintain power and reinforce inequality. It highlights how cultural values and
institutions benefit the elite while oppressing marginalized groups.
How does the feminist perspective analyze culture?
The feminist perspective examines how culture perpetuates gender inequalities
through language, media representations, and social norms. It critiques traditional
narratives that place men in dominant roles and women in subordinate ones.
What role does language play in cultural transmission?
Language is essential for passing knowledge, traditions, and values from one
generation to another. It helps reinforce cultural identity and facilitates
communication within and across societies.
What is the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis?
The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis, also known as linguistic relativity, suggests that the
structure of a language influences how its speakers perceive and think about the
world.
How does nonverbal communication vary across cultures?
Nonverbal cues, such as gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact, can have
different meanings in different cultures. For example, a thumbs-up is positive in the
U.S. but offensive in some Middle Eastern countries.
What is cultural relativism?
Cultural relativism is the perspective that cultural practices and beliefs should be
understood within their own societal context rather than judged by external
standards.
What is ethnocentrism, and how can it impact cross-cultural
interactions?
Ethnocentrism is the belief that one’s own culture is superior to others. It can lead to
misunderstandings, stereotypes, and discrimination against people from different
cultural backgrounds.
What is the difference between a subculture and a counterculture?
A subculture exists within the dominant culture but has distinct customs and lifestyles,
while a counterculture actively rejects and opposes mainstream cultural norms and
values.
How do globalization and cultural diffusion influence cultural diversity?
Globalization and cultural diffusion spread cultural elements across societies, leading
to both cultural exchange and homogenization. This can enrich societies but may also
threaten local traditions and languages.
 What are some examples of material culture?
Material culture includes physical objects that represent a society’s technology and
lifestyle, such as clothing, architecture, vehicles, and digital devices.
How does consumer culture reflect conflict theory?
Conflict theorists argue that consumer culture promotes materialism and benefits
corporations while reinforcing economic inequality. Advertisements encourage
excessive consumption, often at the expense of lower-income groups.
What is linguistic diversity, and why is it declining?
Linguistic diversity refers to the variety of languages spoken worldwide. It is declining
due to globalization, dominant languages replacing indigenous ones, and younger
generations adopting widely spoken languages for economic reasons.
How does cultural appropriation differ from cultural appreciation?
Cultural appropriation occurs when elements of a marginalized culture are adopted
by a dominant group without understanding or respecting their significance. Cultural
appreciation, on the other hand, involves learning about and valuing cultural
traditions respectfully.
What are the major drivers of cultural globalization?
Mass media, multinational corporations, international trade, and migration are key
drivers of cultural globalization. These forces facilitate the spread of cultural practices,
products, and ideas across borders.
What is an example of a ritual that reinforces cultural norms?
National anthems, religious ceremonies, and traditional weddings are rituals that
reinforce cultural identity and shared values within a society.
How does digital communication impact culture?
Digital communication, such as social media and instant messaging, influences
language evolution, social interactions, and the spread of global trends, creating new
forms of cultural expression.
What is cultural homogenization, and what are its effects?
Cultural homogenization occurs when global influences lead to the loss of distinct local
cultures. This can result in the dominance of Western cultural elements while eroding
indigenous traditions.
How do cultural norms regulate social behavior?
Cultural norms provide guidelines for acceptable behavior within a society. They help
maintain order by shaping interactions, enforcing social expectations, and
discouraging deviance.
Essay Questions

1. How do different sociological perspectives (Functionalist, Conflict,

Feminist, and Interactionist) explain the role of culture in shaping society?
Provide examples to support your analysis.

Answer:
Culture is a fundamental aspect of society, influencing behavior, social structures, and
identity. Different sociological perspectives offer distinct interpretations of how culture
functions in shaping human interactions and societal institutions.

Functionalist Perspective: Culture as a Source of Stability

The functionalist perspective views culture as a mechanism that promotes social

cohesion and stability. According to this approach, shared norms, values, and traditions
reinforce collective identity and social order. Cultural institutions such as education,
religion, and the legal system serve the purpose of transmitting cultural values and
ensuring social harmony.

For example, national anthems and religious ceremonies instill a sense of belonging
among individuals. Educational systems teach discipline, cooperation, and respect for
authority, preparing individuals for their roles in society. From this perspective,
deviance from cultural norms is seen as disruptive, and institutions work to restore
balance when cultural norms are challenged.

Conflict Perspective: Culture as a Tool of Domination

The conflict perspective, influenced by Karl Marx, argues that culture is not just a
unifying force but also a means of maintaining social inequality. It suggests that
dominant groups use cultural values and ideologies to justify and perpetuate their power
over marginalized groups.

For instance, capitalist consumer culture promotes materialism, benefiting corporations

while increasing economic disparities. Media ownership by elites shapes public opinion
in ways that reinforce existing hierarchies. Educational disparities, where access to
prestigious institutions is limited to the wealthy, further illustrate how culture can
maintain class divisions.

Feminist Perspective: Culture and Gender Inequality

The feminist perspective critiques how culture reinforces gender disparities through
media, language, and institutional norms. It highlights how patriarchal values shape
societal expectations, often placing men in dominant roles while restricting
opportunities for women and gender minorities.

For example, gendered language perpetuates stereotypes, with phrases like "mankind"
reinforcing male-centered narratives. Media representations often depict women in
passive or sexualized roles, while men are portrayed as strong leaders. Cultural
expectations also discourage women from pursuing leadership roles in politics and
business, contributing to ongoing gender disparities.

Interactionist Perspective: Culture as a Product of Social Interactions

The interactionist perspective focuses on how culture is created and modified through
everyday social interactions. Instead of viewing culture as imposed by institutions, this
approach emphasizes individual agency and the role of symbols and language in shaping
cultural meanings.

For example, internet slang, emojis, and memes reflect how digital communication
continuously evolves culture. Greetings, body language, and dress codes also vary across
societies and are subject to change over time. Interactionists argue that culture is not
fixed but is constantly redefined through communication and daily interactions.

Conclusion

Each sociological perspective provides a unique lens to understand culture. The

functionalist view emphasizes stability, the conflict approach highlights power struggles,
the feminist perspective critiques gender-based inequalities, and the interactionist
approach focuses on social interactions. Together, these perspectives offer a
comprehensive analysis of how culture shapes society.

2. How does globalization impact cultural diversity? Discuss both the

positive and negative effects of cultural globalization with relevant
examples.

Answer:
Globalization has significantly influenced cultural diversity, leading to both cultural
enrichment and homogenization. As societies become more interconnected through
trade, technology, migration, and media, cultures influence and adapt to one another in
complex ways.

Positive Effects of Cultural Globalization

1. Cultural Exchange and Innovation

o Globalization facilitates the sharing of ideas, art, music, and cuisine across
cultures, enriching societies.
o For example, K-pop's international success has introduced Korean culture
to a global audience, while Western fashion trends have influenced local
clothing styles in Asia and Africa.
2. Technological and Scientific Advancements
o Global knowledge-sharing accelerates scientific progress and medical
discoveries.
 oCollaboration among researchers worldwide has led to innovations in
healthcare, space exploration, and artificial intelligence.
3. Economic and Educational Opportunities
o The expansion of international trade and digital communication has
increased access to diverse job markets and higher education.
o Online learning platforms allow students from developing countries to
access global academic resources.
4. Cultural Hybridization
o Cultural fusion creates new and unique cultural expressions, such as
hybrid food dishes (e.g., sushi burritos) and multilingual music genres.
o Bollywood films incorporating Western cinematographic techniques
exemplify cultural blending.

Negative Effects of Cultural Globalization

1. Cultural Homogenization
o The dominance of Western culture, particularly through media and
corporate brands, leads to the erosion of local traditions and identities.
o For example, the widespread presence of fast-food chains like McDonald's
and Starbucks often overshadows traditional cuisines.
2. Loss of Indigenous Languages
o Many indigenous languages are at risk of extinction due to the global
dominance of English, Spanish, and Chinese.
o The loss of linguistic diversity threatens cultural heritage and the
transmission of indigenous knowledge.
3. Cultural Appropriation
o Elements of marginalized cultures are often commodified by dominant
groups without respecting their significance.
o For instance, traditional Native American headdresses have been used in
fashion shows without acknowledgment of their cultural importance.
4. Economic and Social Inequality
o While globalization creates economic opportunities, it often benefits
wealthier nations and multinational corporations more than local artisans
and small businesses.
o Local markets struggle to compete with global brands, leading to job losses
and economic dependency.

Conclusion

Globalization plays a dual role in shaping cultural diversity. While it fosters cultural
exchange, innovation, and economic growth, it also threatens traditional practices,
linguistic diversity, and economic equality. The challenge lies in balancing cultural
integration with the preservation of local identities to ensure that globalization benefits
all societies.