Answers to Concept Checks

• 11.1
  1. Manifest functions are actions that are intended to help some part of a system. Latent functions are unintended, unstated, or unrecognized positive consequences of these actions on society.

  2. Theoretical Approach	Primary Thesis or Idea
     Functionalism	Each part of society serves a function; when these functions work together correctly, society overall can function normally
     Conflict theory	Power differentials are created when groups compete for economic, social, and political resources; these differentials contribute to the maintenance of social order
     Symbolic interactionism	Humans communicate through words, gestures, and other symbols to which we attach meaning
     Social constructionism	Individuals and groups make decisions to agree upon a given social reality
     Rational choice theory	Individuals will make decisions that maximize potential benefit and minimize potential harm
     Feminist theory	Explores the ways in which one gender can be subordinated, minimized, or devalued compared to the other

  3. Ethical Principle	Description
     Beneficence	Act in the patient’s best interest
     Nonmaleficence	Do no harm; avoid interventions where the potential for harm outweighs the potential for benefit
     Respect for autonomy	Respect patients’ decisions and choices about their own healthcare
     Justice	Treat similar patients with similar care; distribute healthcare resources fairly

• 11.2
  1. Material culture focuses on the artifacts associated with a group: the physical objects, such as artwork, emblems, clothing, jewelry, foods, buildings, and tools. Symbolic culture focuses on the ideas and principles that belong to a particular group.
  2. A value is what a person deems to be important; a belief is what a person deems to be true. While these terms are often used interchangeably in everyday life, they have specific definitions in the social sciences.
• 11.3
  1. Race is based on phenotypic differences between groups of people. Ethnicity is based on common language, religion, nationality, or other cultural factors.
  2. Symbolic ethnicity is recognition of an ethnic identity on special occasions or in specific circumstances, but not during everyday life.
  3. Fertility rate is the average number of children a woman has during her lifetime in a population. Birth rate is the number of births in a population per unit time, usually measured as births per 1000 people per year. Mortality rate is the number of deaths in a population per unit time, usually measured as deaths per 1000 people per year.
  4. During demographic transition, both the mortality and birth rate decrease.
  5. Proactive social movements are in favor of a specific social change. Reactive social movements run against a specific social change.