1. The film includes strong depictions of manifest and latent funct...

1. The film includes strong depictions of manifest and latent functions of human behavior as described by Robert Merton. These functions are components of which Sociological perspective?
a. Conflict theory
b. Functional theory
c. Symbolic interaction theory

2. If you are utilizing a perspective based on social change that is gradual, and often built on slow, evolutionary processes, you would be using:
a. Conflict theory
b. Functional theory
c. Symbolic interaction theory

3. If you are utilizing a perspective based on acknowledging the importance of perceived perfection of both persons and things you would be using which Sociological perspective?
a. Conflict theory
b. Functionalist theory
c. Symbolic theory

4. A sociologist relying on conflict theory to analyze the social structure of “Gattaca” would state it is essential in examining the film carefully to develop a clear understanding of the economic processes that are part of its structure, as well as an understanding of its power structures and the importance of the social inequality that is depicted.
a. True
b. False

5. The film emphasizes the use of science as a means for creating and controlling social structure. This is called social engineering, which is the use of formal processes and control systems to produce a particular social structure. The social engineering depicted in the film, as well as the attempts at genetic engineering that are currently taking place, might be viewed as being very functional in their nature and social purpose. Which Sociologist is most closely tied to the sociological theory of Functionalism that might be used to explain and understand the need for these engineering efforts?
a. Charles Horton Cooley
b. Emile Durkheim
c. Max Weber
d. C. Wright Mills

6. Social engineering would be described as a __________________ function of human social behavior.
a. Manifest
b. Negative
c. Latent

7. While from your perspective much of the social structure depicted in “Gattaca” may seem to be unfair, it appears to be, from a sociological perspective, functional in nature.
a. True
b. False

8. A sociologist relying on conflict theory to analyze Gattaca would point to the use of power and coercion to maintain the social order in Gattaca as evidence that no value is placed on the individual and that there is an ongoing struggle and competition for access to the society’s most valuable resources.
a. True
b. False

9. Functionalism envisions social structure being built around society’s institutions being dependent upon each other and working more, or at times less, harmoniously with each other. Within the film, Gattaca can be identified as a huge social institution around which other institutions work in a generally harmonious and supportive manner.
a. True
b. False

10. The film “Gattaca” is filled with images of human perfection, although sometimes these images prove to be false images. Whether the images of perfection are real, or are only imagined, which sociological theory would argue that they are still extremely important and powerful variables that are utilized in directing the development and maintenance of social structure.
a. Conflict theory
b. Functional theory
c. Symbolic interaction theory

11. Which sociologist is most closely associated with the theory of symbolic interactionism, and the importance of symbols as forces that drive social structure?
a. Karl Marx
b. George Herbert Mead
c. Robert Merton

12. To understand and answer this question you will need to do a little internet research (utilize a search engine like Google and you will discover there are many web sites devoted to “Gattaca”). Based on what you are able to learn, you can connect the film’s title (hint: The film’s title is derived from genetic code) to a symbolic message that is sociologically important. Which sociological perspective provides the best means of understanding the selection of the title?
a. Functional theory
b. Conflict theory
c. Symbolic interaction theory

13. It is relatively easy to come to the conclusion that the film’s representation of the sociological purpose of authority and power, i.e. law enforcement, is that it serves primarily to maintain the social order, and the social stratification that exists. By maintaining the established social order the position of dominance of a particular social group is perpetuated. Which theoretical perspective most actively describes the use of power to maintain social control?
a. Functional theory
b. Conflict theory
c. Symbolic interaction theory

14. The film’s view of the value of human beings and individual human nature as components of the social structure is that individual humans and their personal needs are subordinated to society. This is because individual humans and their needs are only small, subordinate components of the greater social structure. Upon which perspective is this statement based?
a. Symbolic interaction theory
b. Functional theory
c. Conflict theory

15. The film’s message is that social engineering is important. But, the message is also that social engineering is subject to failure.
a. True
b. False

16. It is clear that most people living in the social world depicted in Gattaca are in agreement as to which values and systems are most important to their society. This consensus is evidence of a _____________________ social order
a. Sociologically functional
b. Managed
c. Dysfunctional

17. There is absolutely no evidence that biological engineering of the type depicted in Gattaca would ever be attempted in contemporary society.
a. True
b. False

18. From a functionalist perspective, the film provides absolute confirmation that if an individual defies the common values of the society, there will be chaos and social collapse.
a. True
b. False

19. As it depicts the efforts of law enforcement officials to catch a murderer, the film reveals that at times law enforcement officials may be more concerned with protecting and preserving the system built on social stratification than with actually catching criminals.
a. True
b. False

20. If you are utilizing a perspective based on economic processes to analyze the social structure that has been created in “Gattaca,” and that is depicted in the film, you would be using:
a. Conflict theory
b. Functional theory
c. Symbolic interaction theory