STPGT-Sociology_Herbert Spencer: Organicism

Model MCQ's Herbert Spencer

Herbert Spencer: Organicism

1. According to Herbert Spencer, society is comparable to which of the following?

(A) A machine

(B) A biological organism

(C) A political state

(D) An economic system

(B) A biological organism

Explanation: Spencer hypothesized that society functions like a biological organism with interdependent parts working together.

2. What does Spencer describe as the process of evolution?

(A) From complex to simple

(B) From definite to indefinite

(C) From simple, incoherent homogeneity to complex, coherent heterogeneity

(D) From dispersed to concentrated consciousness

(C) From simple, incoherent homogeneity to complex, coherent heterogeneity

Explanation: Spencer defined evolution as a change from a relatively simple, incoherent state to a complex, well-structured one.

3. Which of the following is NOT a similarity Spencer highlights between society and an organism?

(A) Both grow in size

(B) Both have consciousness concentrated in one part

(C) Both increase in complexity

(D) Both have interdependent parts

(B) Both have consciousness concentrated in one part

Explanation: Unlike organisms, where consciousness is concentrated, in society it is diffused.

4. In Spencer’s analogy, what do the parts of society correspond to in an organism?

(A) Organs with specific functions

(B) Cells with random roles

(C) External form and limbs

(D) Inorganic matter

(A) Organs with specific functions

Explanation: Spencer argued that social institutions function like differentiated organs, each with specialized tasks.

5. Which concept did Spencer popularize that applies biological evolution to social development?

(A) Social contract

(B) Survival of the fittest

(C) Division of labour

(D) Social revolution

(B) Survival of the fittest

Explanation: Spencer introduced "survival of the fittest," applying evolutionary ideas to society.

6. How does Spencer describe the life of society compared to the life of its individual parts?

(A) Lifespan is shorter than parts

(B) Both have equal lifespan

(C) Society’s life is far larger than its parts

(D) Society has no lifespan

(C) Society’s life is far larger than its parts

Explanation: Society as a whole has a much longer life span than any single individual or part.

7. Why does Spencer’s organic analogy ultimately fail according to his own conclusion?

(A) Society is a concrete integrated whole like an organism

(B) Parts of society are fixed and closely bound like organs

(C) Society parts are dispersed and the whole exists for the individual, unlike organisms

(D) Society has an external form like organisms

(C) Society parts are dispersed and the whole exists for the individual, unlike organisms

Explanation: Spencer noted that society differs from organisms because its parts are separated and the whole exists for individual benefit.

8. Which of the following is a key difference between society and an organism in Spencer’s theory?

(A) Society grows in size

(B) Society has visible external form like an organism

(C) Social structures are fixed and unchanging

(D) Society’s sub-structures are dispersed and variable

(D) Society’s sub-structures are dispersed and variable

Explanation: Unlike the fixed parts of an organism, society’s substructures are dispersed and continually changing.

9. Spencer wrote extensively on the slow and gradual development of society, known as:

(A) Social contract theory

(B) Social revolution

(C) Social evolution

(D) Social conflict theory

(C) Social evolution

Explanation: Spencer focused on social evolution, the gradual progress of society over time.

10. In Spencer’s view, who or what benefits from the existence of society?

(A) The whole, over the individual

(B) The individual, over the whole

(C) Only the ruling class

(D) The family unit only

(B) The individual, over the whole

Explanation: Society exists for the benefit of individuals, unlike organisms where parts exist for the whole.

11. What does Herbert Spencer mean by society being a "super-organic entity"?

(A) It is smaller than an organism

(B) It is purely biological

(C) Society exists above and beyond individuals, as an organized system

(D) Society is an individual only

(C) Society exists above and beyond individuals, as an organized system

Explanation: Spencer described society as more than the sum of individuals, an organized system existing above the biological level.

12. Which social institution does Spencer compare to the brain in an organism?

(A) Economy

(B) Family

(C) Government

(D) Education

(C) Government

Explanation: He likened government to the brain because it directs and coordinates societal functions.

13. In Spencer's analogy, what social institution is similar to the circulatory system?

(A) Religion

(B) Economy

(C) Education

(D) Military

(B) Economy

Explanation: The economy distributes resources like the circulatory system distributes blood.

14. Which feature of society signifies its growth and increasing complexity over time in Spencer’s theory?

(A) Specialization of roles and institutions

(B) Fixed social roles

(C) Lack of differentiation

(D) Decline in population

(A) Specialization of roles and institutions

Explanation: Societies evolve from simple to complex with specialized roles much like biological differentiation.

15. According to Spencer, what is crucial for maintaining stability and harmony in society?

(A) Conflict and competition

(B) Norms, laws, and regulatory mechanisms

(C) Isolation of groups

(D) Absence of social roles

(B) Norms, laws, and regulatory mechanisms

Explanation: Laws and norms function to regulate society and maintain social order, similar to homeostasis.

16. Which concept best captures Spencer’s view of evolutionary progress in societies?

(A) Social Darwinism

(B) Social conflict theory

(C) Social contract

(D) Structural functionalism

(A) Social Darwinism

Explanation: Spencer applied evolutionary principles to society and coined the phrase "survival of the fittest".

17. What distinguishes a militant society from an industrial society in Spencer's classification?

(A) Industrial society is authoritarian, militant is decentralized

(B) Militant society is centralized and compulsory cooperation, industrial is decentralized and voluntary

(C) Both are identical

(D) Militant society is based on free markets

(B) Militant society is centralized and compulsory cooperation, industrial is decentralized and voluntary

Explanation: Militant societies are centralized and authoritarian, industrial ones emphasize individualism and voluntary cooperation.

18. Which of the following is NOT a criticism of Spencer’s organic analogy?

(A) Oversimplifies social conflicts and power dynamics

(B) Assumes all parts of society have common goals

(C) Accurately depicts societal change and tension

(D) Overemphasizes social stability

(C) Accurately depicts societal change and tension

Explanation: Critics argue Spencer’s analogy underplays conflict and social change, rather than accurately depicting them.

19. In Spencer’s view, what role does the family play in society, similar to an organ system?

(A) Brain

(B) Circulatory

(C) Reproductive

(D) Nervous

(C) Reproductive

Explanation: The family ensures societal continuity by nurturing the next generation, like reproductive organs.

20. What happens when one part of society fails according to Spencer’s organic analogy?

(A) Society becomes stronger

(B) The entire social system can be disrupted

(C) No effect on society

(D) Only that part suffers

(B) The entire social system can be disrupted

Explanation: Like illness in one organ affects the whole body, disruption in one social part affects the whole society.

21. In Spencer’s organic analogy, which social institution mirrors the nervous system?

(A) Family

(B) Government

(C) Education

(D) Economy

(C) Education

Explanation: Education transmits knowledge and values much like the nervous system transmits signals, coordinating societal functions.

22. Spencer regarded society as a “super-organic entity” because:

(A) Society is a biological organism

(B) Society consists solely of individuals

(C) Society exists above and beyond the level of individual organisms, as an organized whole

(D) Society has a fixed physical form

(C) Society exists above and beyond the level of individual organisms, as an organized whole

Explanation: Society, for Spencer, transcends the sum of individuals, forming an organized entity on its own.

23. According to Spencer, what leads to society’s increasing complexity?

(A) Population stagnation

(B) Specialization and division of labour

(C) Lack of cooperation

(D) Isolation of groups

(B) Specialization and division of labour

Explanation: Complexity increases as society grows and labour becomes specialized among institutions and individuals.

24. Which of the following best illustrates Spencer’s view of societal homeostasis?

(A) Social conflict among classes

(B) Regulatory mechanisms like laws and norms maintaining social order

(C) Random changes in society

(D) Anarchy and disorder

(B) Regulatory mechanisms like laws and norms maintaining social order

Explanation: Spencer likened social norms and laws to biological homeostasis that maintains balance in society.

25. What was Spencer's view on the role of consciousness in society compared to organisms?

(A) Consciousness is centralized in society

(B) Consciousness is diffused in society among individuals

(C) Society does not have consciousness

(D) Consciousness is irrelevant to social structure

(B) Consciousness is diffused in society among individuals

Explanation: Unlike organisms where consciousness is localized, in society it is spread among individuals.

26. Which evolutionary process did Spencer apply to societies?

(A) Uniformity

(B) Regression

(C) Survival of the fittest

(D) Random mutation

(C) Survival of the fittest

Explanation: Spencer adopted "survival of the fittest" to explain social evolution, where stronger social structures prevail.

27. What type of society, in Spencer’s classification, is characterized by compulsory cooperation and rigid hierarchy?

(A) Industrial

(B) Egalitarian

(C) Militant

(D) Democratic

(C) Militant

Explanation: Militant societies are centralized, authoritarian, and emphasize compulsory cooperation.

28. Which of the following is NOT a criticism of Spencer’s organic analogy?

(A) Society is too complex to be compared to an organism

(B) It oversimplifies social interactions and ignores power dynamics

(C) It underestimates social conflict and power struggles

(D) It assumes societies naturally progress toward higher levels of complexity

(A) Society is too complex to be compared to an organism

Explanation: Critics argue that Spencer’s organic analogy oversimplifies society by portraying it as harmonious and stable.

29. In Spencer’s organic analogy, what happens when society increases in size?

(A) The structure becomes simpler

(B) The differentiation of functions increases

(C) Social roles merge together

(D) Society becomes less organized

(B) The differentiation of functions increases

Explanation: As society grows, functions become more specialized and complex, similar to biological differentiation.

30. How does Spencer differentiate between society and organism regarding part dependence?

(A) Organs exist independently of organisms

(B) Parts of society are more independent than organs of an organism

(C) Society does not have parts

(D) Society’s parts and organism's parts are equally dependent

(B) Parts of society are more independent than organs of an organism

Explanation: Social parts like family or schools are relatively independent, unlike tightly bound organs.

31. Which social institution did Spencer compare to the circulatory system of an organism?

(A) Government

(B) Family

(C) Economy

(D) Education

(C) Economy

Explanation: Spencer compared the economy to the circulatory system because it distributes resources throughout society.

32. According to Spencer, growth in society is accompanied by:

(A) Increasing simplification of structure

(B) Increasing complexity of structure

(C) Decrease in population

(D) Fewer social institutions

(B) Increasing complexity of structure

Explanation: Societies grow not only in size but also in structural complexity, leading to specialized roles.

33. How does Spencer's theory explain the specialization of roles in society?

(A) Society becomes less diverse over time

(B) Different social institutions perform specific functions like organs

(C) All individuals perform all functions equally

(D) There is no role specialization

(B) Different social institutions perform specific functions like organs

Explanation: Like organs with different tasks, social institutions have specialized functions in complex societies.

34. Which of the following best describes Spencer’s view of social stability?

(A) Social stability is unimportant

(B) Social institutions must function harmoniously for stability

(C) Conflict is the core of social stability

(D) Instability is natural and desired

(B) Social institutions must function harmoniously for stability

Explanation: Stability arises when social institutions cooperate effectively, like organs working together.

35. What does Spencer suggest about social parts compared to organism parts?

(A) Social parts are tightly bound and fixed

(B) Social parts are dispersed and relatively independent

(C) Social parts have no function

(D) Social parts are identical to biological organs

(B) Social parts are dispersed and relatively independent

Explanation: Unlike organs, social parts such as families and institutions are more autonomous and dispersed.

36. In Spencer’s analogy, what role does the family institution play?

(A) Regulatory system

(B) Nervous system

(C) Reproductive system

(D) Circulatory system

(C) Reproductive system

Explanation: The family nurtures and socializes new members, ensuring continuity similarly to reproduction.

37. What did Spencer identify as a major difference between consciousness in organisms and societies?

(A) Consciousness is concentrated in society

(B) Consciousness is diffused in society and concentrated in organisms

(C) Organisms have no consciousness

(D) Societies do not have consciousness

(B) Consciousness is diffused in society and concentrated in organisms

Explanation: Organisms have consciousness focused in certain parts (e.g., brain), whereas society’s consciousness is spread among individuals.

38. According to Spencer, what happens when one social institution fails?

(A) Society always collapses

(B) It can disrupt the functioning of society as a whole

(C) There are no effects

(D) The institution is irrelevant

(B) It can disrupt the functioning of society as a whole

Explanation: Just as failure in an organ affects an organism, failure in institutions can affect overall society.

39. Spencer’s organic analogy is best described as:

(A) A literal biological explanation of society

(B) A metaphorical comparison to illustrate social structure and function

(C) A critique of social inequality

(D) A call for social revolution

(B) A metaphorical comparison to illustrate social structure and function

Explanation: Spencer used analogy metaphorically to explain the interconnectedness and function of social parts.

40. Which principle is central to Spencer’s theory of social evolution?

(A) Class struggle

(B) Revolution leads change

(C) Survival of the fittest

(D) Social contract

(C) Survival of the fittest

Explanation: Spencer emphasized natural selection principles like survival of the fittest shaping social progress.

41. What did Spencer mean by society being a “super-organic entity”?

(A) Society is a collection of individuals only

(B) Society is more than the sum of its individual members

(C) Society is the same as a biological organism

(D) Society is a physical body with visible form

(B) Society is more than the sum of its individual members

Explanation: Spencer emphasized that society transcends just a collection of individuals and forms an organized system beyond the organism level.

42. Which biological system is the government compared to in Spencer’s analogy?

(A) Circulatory system

(B) Reproductive system

(C) Brain or nervous system

(D) Digestive system

(C) Brain or nervous system

Explanation: The government functions like the brain, directing and coordinating society’s operations.

43. According to Spencer, what role does the economy play in society?

(A) It is the family structure

(B) It acts as the circulatory system distributing resources

(C) It acts as the nervous system

(D) It facilitates reproduction

(B) It acts as the circulatory system distributing resources

Explanation: The economy distributes resources through society, like blood circulation in an organism.

44. Spencer’s analogy suggests that social institutions are:

(A) Independent and unrelated entities

(B) Specialized parts functioning cohesively, similar to organs

(C) Disorganized and chaotic groups

(D) Temporary alliances

(B) Specialized parts functioning cohesively, similar to organs

Explanation: Social institutions have specialized functions that contribute to overall social stability.

45. What did Spencer identify as a major difference between society and an organism regarding consciousness?

(A) Consciousness in society is concentrated in one part

(B) Consciousness is absent in organisms

(C) Consciousness in society is diffused among individuals

(D) Consciousness is irrelevant to social function

(C) Consciousness in society is diffused among individuals

Explanation: Society’s consciousness is spread across individuals, unlike the concentrated consciousness in organisms.

46. Which analogy did Spencer use to explain the role of the family in society?

(A) As the circulatory system

(B) As the reproductive system

(C) As the nervous system

(D) As the muscular system

(B) As the reproductive system

Explanation: The family ensures the continuation of society by socializing the next generation, like reproduction in organisms.

47. What is the importance of specialization in Spencer’s organic analogy?

(A) It leads to social disintegration

(B) It reduces social efficiency

(C) It increases interdependence and societal complexity

(D) It has no role in societal evolution

(C) It increases interdependence and societal complexity

Explanation: Specialization fosters interdependence and enhances social complexity and efficiency.

48. In Spencer's view, how does social order get maintained?

(A) Through constant conflict

(B) Through norms, laws, and regulatory mechanisms

(C) By ignoring differences among parts

(D) By isolated groups competing

(B) Through norms, laws, and regulatory mechanisms

Explanation: Social order is maintained by shared norms, laws, and institutions coordinating behavior.

49. Which of the following did Spencer NOT claim about society?

(A) It grows from simple to complex forms over time

(B) It has a physical, concrete external form like an organism

(C) Its parts are interdependent

(D) Its structure differentiates with evolution

(B) It has a physical, concrete external form like an organism

Explanation: Society lacks a fixed physical form, unlike organisms which have a defined shape.

50. One criticism of Spencer’s organic analogy is:

(A) It highlights social conflict and change adequately

(B) It oversimplifies society by portraying it as harmonious and stable

(C) It embraces the role of power dynamics fully

(D) It rejects social integration entirely

(B) It oversimplifies society by portraying it as harmonious and stable

Explanation: Critics argue that Spencer’s analogy downplays conflicts, inequalities, and social change.

51. What is one primary similarity between society and an organism according to Spencer?

(A) Both have a fixed physical form

(B) Both grow in size and complexity

(C) Both lack interdependence of parts

(D) Both are composed of inanimate matter

(B) Both grow in size and complexity

Explanation: Spencer noted that both society and organisms grow larger and become more complex over time.

52. In Spencer’s organic analogy, what happens when society increases in size?

(A) The structure becomes simpler

(B) The differentiation of functions increases

(C) Social roles merge together

(D) Society becomes less organized

(B) The differentiation of functions increases

Explanation: As society grows, functions become more specialized and complex, similar to biological differentiation.

53. How does Spencer differentiate between society and organism regarding part dependence?

(A) Organs exist independently of organisms

(B) Parts of society are more independent than organs of an organism

(C) Society does not have parts

(D) Society’s parts and organism's parts are equally dependent

(B) Parts of society are more independent than organs of an organism

Explanation: Social parts like family or schools are relatively independent, unlike tightly bound organs.

54. Which of the following did Spencer identify as a difference between society and organisms?

(A) Society has a specific external form

(B) Consciousness is diffused in society, concentrated in organisms

(C) Organs exist for the benefit of individuals only

(D) Parts of society exist solely for the benefit of the whole

(B) Consciousness is diffused in society, concentrated in organisms

Explanation: Consciousness in society is spread across individuals, different from localized consciousness in organisms.

55. Why did Spencer believe society is a “super-organic entity”?

(A) Because it has physical organs

(B) Because it exists above and beyond individual organisms

(C) Because it has a biological form

(D) Because it is larger than an organism

(B) Because it exists above and beyond individual organisms

Explanation: Society is an organized system that exists beyond the biological level of individuals.

56. In Spencer’s analogy, what does the nervous system correspond to in society?

(A) Government

(B) Economy

(C) Education

(D) Family

(C) Education

Explanation: Education transmits knowledge and coordinates societal functions like the nervous system.

57. Which social institution did Spencer compare to the reproductive system?

(A) Family

(B) Government

(C) Economy

(D) Religion

(A) Family

Explanation: The family ensures the continuation of society by socializing the next generation.

58. What role does specialization play in Spencer’s theory of social evolution?

(A) It decreases social efficiency

(B) It leads to social conflict

(C) It increases complexity and interdependence

(D) It makes societies simpler

(C) It increases complexity and interdependence

Explanation: Specialization makes societies more complex and increases the need for cooperation.

59. How does Spencer explain social order and equilibrium?

(A) Through warfare

(B) Through norms and institutions functioning cohesively

(C) Through random chance

(D) Through social isolation

(B) Through norms and institutions functioning cohesively

Explanation: Social stability is maintained by institutions coordinating actions via norms and laws.

60. Which criticism is often directed at Spencer’s organic analogy?

(A) It adequately explains social change

(B) It ignores social conflict and power inequalities

(C) It focuses too much on conflict

(D) It rejects the importance of social institutions

(B) It ignores social conflict and power inequalities

Explanation: Critics claim Spencer’s analogy overlooks conflicts, inequalities, and dynamic social change.

61. According to Spencer, what does an increase in society's size lead to?

(A) Simplification of social roles

(B) Change in social structure and increase in complexity

(C) Decrease in social institutions

(D) Decline in social evolution

(B) Change in social structure and increase in complexity

Explanation: Spencer explained that as societies increase in size, their structure changes and complexity increases, much like biological organisms.

62. Spencer believed society and living organisms are similar because both:

(A) Are made up of inorganic matter

(B) Do not grow over time

(C) Are characterized by continuous growth and development

(D) Have fixed, unchanging parts

(C) Are characterized by continuous growth and development

Explanation: Both society and organisms continuously grow and develop, differentiating their structures.

63. What key difference did Spencer point out about the parts of society compared to organs of an organism?

(A) Social parts are tightly bound and fixed

(B) Social parts are free and relatively independent

(C) Both are physically connected

(D) Social parts have no purpose

(B) Social parts are free and relatively independent

Explanation: Unlike organs, social parts such as families or schools are autonomous and not physically bound.

64. Which of the following is a major characteristic of society that Spencer highlighted?

(A) It has a definite physical shape like an organism

(B) Consciousness is concentrated in one area

(C) Consciousness is diffused across individuals

(D) Society has no consciousness at all

(C) Consciousness is diffused across individuals

Explanation: Spencer noted that consciousness is diffused in society among its individuals unlike an organism's concentrated consciousness.

65. In Spencer’s view, society exists for the benefit of:

(A) The whole, rather than individuals

(B) The individuals/parts rather than the whole

(C) Only the government

(D) Only the economy

(B) The individuals/parts rather than the whole

Explanation: Spencer believed that unlike organs which serve the whole, society exists to benefit the individuals who compose it.

66. Which social institution did Spencer compare to the digestive system?

(A) Economy

(B) Education

(C) Production or industrial system

(D) Government

(C) Production or industrial system

Explanation: The industrial or productive system processes resources similar to digestion in organisms.

67. How did Spencer address the possibility of social change or conflict in society?

(A) Society is always stable and conflict-free

(B) He mostly emphasized harmony but critics argue he underplayed conflict

(C) He believed conflict is the main driver of social evolution

(D) He ignored social stability entirely

(B) He mostly emphasized harmony but critics argue he underplayed conflict

Explanation: While Spencer focused on social stability and functions, later critics note he underestimated conflict and change.

68. What is meant by "organic analogy" in sociological context?

(A) Society is exactly like a human body

(B) Comparison that helps understand society by likening it to a living organism

(C) Society is a random collection of individuals

(D) Society has no structure

(B) Comparison that helps understand society by likening it to a living organism

Explanation: Organic analogy is a sociological metaphor comparing society’s interrelated parts to organs of an organism.

69. Spencer’s analogy implies that the failure of one social institution:

(A) Has no effect on society

(B) Can disrupt the overall social system

(C) Strengthens society

(D) Affects only that institution alone

(B) Can disrupt the overall social system

Explanation: Like an organ failure affects an organism, dysfunctional institutions can harm social stability.

70. In Spencer’s social evolution, societies progress from:

(A) Complex to simple

(B) Simple to complex structures

(C) Equality to inequality

(D) Industrial to militant forms

(B) Simple to complex structures

Explanation: Social evolution moves from simple and undifferentiated societies to complex and differentiated ones.

71. In Spencer’s analogy, what institutional role does the family serve?

(A) Economic regulator

(B) Political institution

(C) Reproductive system ensuring continuity

(D) Educational system

(C) Reproductive system ensuring continuity

Explanation: Spencer likened the family to the reproductive system as it nurtures and socializes the next generation, ensuring societal continuity.

72. Spencer’s concept of social evolution drew heavily from which scientific theory?

(A) Quantum mechanics

(B) Biological evolution

(C) Relativity theory

(D) Thermodynamics

(B) Biological evolution

Explanation: He adapted Charles Darwin’s ideas of biological evolution to explain societal development and progress.

73. According to Spencer, what is the relationship between social institutions?

(A) They function independently without affecting each other

(B) They compete for power only

(C) They are interdependent parts contributing to society’s stability

(D) They exist without any coordination

(C) They are interdependent parts contributing to society’s stability

Explanation: Institutions like government, economy, family, and education depend on each other for social order.

74. Which of these best encapsulates Spencer’s view of societal growth?

(A) Society grows in size but loses complexity

(B) Society grows in size accompanied by increasing division of labour and specialization

(C) Society grows by eliminating specialization

(D) Society does not grow at all

(B) Society grows in size accompanied by increasing division of labour and specialization

Explanation: Increased population and complexity lead to differentiated functions among social parts.

75. How does Spencer's organic analogy relate to social change?

(A) It ignores social change and focuses on stasis

(B) It acknowledges slow, gradual evolution in social structures

(C) It promotes rapid revolutionary change

(D) Social change is irrelevant to the analogy

(B) It acknowledges slow, gradual evolution in social structures

Explanation: Spencer described social change as slow and evolutionary, like biological development.

76. One distinct difference between societal parts and organism parts according to Spencer is:

(A) Organs of an organism are independent

(B) Societal parts are more dispersed and less physically connected than organs

(C) Society has a rigid structure

(D) Society's parts are fixed and unchanging

(B) Societal parts are more dispersed and less physically connected than organs

Explanation: Social parts such as families or schools are relatively independent and dispersed, unlike physical organs.

77. In Spencer’s view, what functions like the brain in society?

(A) Family

(B) Economy

(C) Government

(D) Religion

(C) Government

Explanation: Government directs and coordinates society, similar to how the brain controls a body.

78. Which phrase is associated with Spencer’s understanding of social progress?

(A) Social contract

(B) Survival of the fittest

(C) Class struggle

(D) Collective consciousness

(B) Survival of the fittest

Explanation: Spencer coined the phrase “survival of the fittest” relating biological competition to social evolution.

79. What was Spencer’s belief about society’s purpose?

(A) Society exists for the benefit of individuals composing it

(B) Society exists solely for the elite

(C) Society exists independently of individuals

(D) Society is a chaotic collection of people

(A) Society exists for the benefit of individuals composing it

Explanation: Spencer held that society benefits individuals, unlike organisms where parts serve the whole.

80. What criticism is typically leveled against Spencer’s organic analogy?

(A) It overemphasizes inequality and conflict

(B) It underestimates the importance of social conflict and power dynamics

(C) It explains social inequality well

(D) It rejects functionalism

(B) It underestimates the importance of social conflict and power dynamics

Explanation: Critics argue that Spencer’s analogy overlooks conflict, dissent, and struggles for power.

81. Which of the following is a key similarity between a society and a living organism, according to Spencer?

(A) Both have a definite external form

(B) Both consist of inanimate parts

(C) Both grow and develop over time

(D) Both have parts that exist only for their own benefit

(C) Both grow and develop over time

Explanation: Both society and living organisms exhibit continuous growth and development, differentiating and becoming more complex.

82. According to Spencer, what is the result of an increase in the quantity of individuals in society?

(A) Simplification of social structure

(B) Increased differentiation of functions and complexity

(C) Decrease in social roles

(D) Immediate social decline

(B) Increased differentiation of functions and complexity

Explanation: As population grows, social complexity increases, leading to more specialized roles and differentiation in society.

83. What did Spencer note about the parts of society compared to the parts of an organism?

(A) Parts of society are tightly bound and fixed like organs

(B) Parts of society are free and relatively independent

(C) Parts of society have no independence

(D) Parts of society function identically to organs

(B) Parts of society are free and relatively independent

Explanation: Unlike organs, social parts such as families and schools are more autonomous and dispersed.

84. How does consciousness differ between organisms and societies, according to Spencer?

(A) Consciousness is localized in both

(B) Consciousness is concentrated in organisms but diffused in societies

(C) Consciousness is concentrated in societies but diffused in organisms

(D) Consciousness is irrelevant

(B) Consciousness is concentrated in organisms but diffused in societies

Explanation: In organisms, consciousness is localized (e.g., in the brain); in societies, it is spread among individuals.

85. What fundamental purpose does society serve according to Spencer’s analogy?

(A) The society exists for the benefit of its parts, i.e., individuals

(B) Society exists independently of individuals

(C) Society is more important than individuals

(D) Society has no purpose

(A) The society exists for the benefit of its parts, i.e., individuals

Explanation: Spencer emphasized that societal structures exist to support individuals, rather than individuals existing for the whole.

86. Spencer's organic analogy compared social institutions to organs. What social institution did he liken to the circulatory system?

(A) Economy

(B) Family

(C) Education

(D) Government

(A) Economy

Explanation: Spencer compared the economy to the circulatory system because it distributes resources throughout society.

87. According to Spencer, the government functions similarly to what organ system?

(A) Digestive system

(B) Nervous system (brain)

(C) Reproductive system

(D) Respiratory system

(B) Nervous system (brain)

Explanation: Government coordinates the functioning of society, like the brain managing an organism.

88. What role did Spencer attribute to the family in society?

(A) It regulates economic resources

(B) It serves as the reproductive system, ensuring societal continuity

(C) It directs political policies

(D) It is irrelevant

(B) It serves as the reproductive system, ensuring societal continuity

Explanation: The family nurtures and socializes new members, ensuring the survival of society.

89. What did Spencer believe about social evolution?

(A) It is rapid and revolutionary

(B) It proceeds through slow and gradual progression

(C) It causes social chaos

(D) It results in regression

(B) It proceeds through slow and gradual progression

Explanation: Spencer described social evolution as a slow, steady process similar to biological development.

90. Critics often argue that Spencer’s organic analogy:

(A) Fully explains social conflict

(B) Overemphasizes stability and ignores social conflicts

(C) Is highly accurate about social institutions

(D) Rejects the role of institutions

(B) Overemphasizes stability and ignores social conflicts

Explanation: Critics argue that Spencer’s analogy overlooks conflict and tensions inherent in societies.

91. One main criticism of Spencer’s organic analogy is that:

(A) Society and organisms are completely identical

(B) Society is conceptual while organisms are physically observable, making direct comparison inappropriate

(C) Society cannot be studied scientifically

(D) Society does not evolve

(B) Society is conceptual while organisms are physically observable, making direct comparison inappropriate

Explanation: Critics argue it is inappropriate to compare conceptual society with physically observable organisms.

92. What is a key difference in consciousness between organisms and societies highlighted by critics?

(A) Consciousness is localized in both

(B) Consciousness is centralized in organisms but diffused in societies

(C) Consciousness is absent in societies

(D) Consciousness serves the same function in both

(B) Consciousness is centralized in organisms but diffused in societies

Explanation: Critics point out that consciousness in societies is diffused and not centralized like in organisms.

93. Which criticism focuses on the assumption Spencer makes about social evolution?

(A) Social evolution always proceeds linearly to greater complexity

(B) Social conflicts are the primary drivers of change

(C) Societies do not evolve

(D) Social evolution is chaotic and unpredictable

(A) Social evolution always proceeds linearly to greater complexity

Explanation: Critics argue Spencer’s model assumes inevitable progress, ignoring possibilities like social collapse.

94. Spencer’s organic analogy has been criticized for:

(A) Explaining inequality and power dynamics well

(B) Over-simplifying social interactions and ignoring societal conflicts

(C) Emphasizing social conflict too much

(D) Rejecting the importance of social institutions

(B) Over-simplifying social interactions and ignoring societal conflicts

Explanation: The analogy is seen to oversimplify complex societal dynamics and downplay conflict.

95. Which concept linked to Spencer’s theory has been used controversially to justify social inequality?

(A) Structural functionalism

(B) Social Darwinism

(C) Social contract

(D) Marxism

(B) Social Darwinism

Explanation: Spencer’s idea of "survival of the fittest" was controversially used to justify social inequality and imperialism.

96. Why do critics argue Spencer’s analogy ignores power struggles?

(A) It portrays society as a harmonious whole with parts working for common good

(B) It emphasizes class conflict

(C) It focuses on economic exploitation

(D) It rejects social integration

(A) It portrays society as a harmonious whole with parts working for common good

Explanation: The organic analogy assumes consensus and stability, underestimating conflicts and struggles for power.

97. What did sociologist Timasheff argue about the organic analogy?

(A) Society should be considered identical to organisms

(B) The similarity between society and organism is insufficient to consider society an organism

(C) Social structures always mimic organic functions

(D) The organic analogy fully explains social order

(B) The similarity between society and organism is insufficient to consider society an organism

Explanation: Timasheff contended that systematic similarities alone cannot justify labeling society as an organism.

98. In light of criticisms, what impact did Spencer’s theories have on sociology?

(A) Negligible influence

(B) Major influence on structural functionalism and systems theory, despite criticisms

(C) Complete rejection by sociologists

(D) Promotion of conflict theories only

(B) Major influence on structural functionalism and systems theory, despite criticisms

Explanation: Spencer’s organic analogy laid foundations for later sociological theories, including structural functionalism.

99. What is a teleological assumption in Spencer’s theory that critics highlight?

(A) Society’s development happens randomly

(B) Societies inevitably progress toward complexity and improvement

(C) Societies frequently collapse without cause

(D) Social change is chaotic

(B) Societies inevitably progress toward complexity and improvement

Explanation: Critics argue Spencer assumes a purposeful progression in social evolution which may not always hold true.

100. How can Spencer’s organic analogy still be valuable today?

(A) It perfectly explains every social interaction

(B) It highlights interconnectedness, specialization, and need for cooperation in societies

(C) It explains social conflict fully

(D) It dismisses the importance of institutions

(B) It highlights interconnectedness, specialization, and need for cooperation in societies

Explanation: Despite limitations, the analogy effectively illustrates how social parts work interdependently to maintain order.