HomeQuestionsSociologySeeing the Strange in the Familiar

Seeing the Strange in the Familiar

The concept of 'seeing the strange in the familiar' involves analyzing everyday behaviors and social norms as if they are new and unfamiliar. This perspective challenges the common-sense understanding of society, allowing sociologists to uncover deeper social patterns and issues, such as power dynamics and marginalization based on social location. By critically examining these norms, sociology aims to reveal the historical context and implications behind behaviors that are often taken for granted, highlighting the importance of cultural influences on individual actions.

17 practice questions with detailed explanations

17
Questions Available

Practice Questions

Click any question to see detailed solutions

1

In sociology, what does the concept of 'seeing the strange in the familiar' primarily encourage researchers to do when analyzing everyday interactions?

This idea helps researchers look at everyday things in a new way. Other options are incorrect because Some might think ignoring culture is okay, but c...

easymultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
2

In sociology, how can the practice of a seemingly mundane ritual be viewed as deviant behavior within a different cultural context?

C shows that what is normal in one culture can be seen as strange in another. Other options are incorrect because This answer suggests that all ritual...

mediummultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
3

In sociology, how does the concept of reflexivity enhance our understanding of symbolism in everyday life?

Reflexivity helps people think about their own roles in society. Other options are incorrect because This idea suggests that everyone understands symb...

mediummultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
4

How does the concept of symbolism relate to the social construction of reality in sociology, particularly in the context of critical thinking?

Symbols are things that represent ideas. Other options are incorrect because This idea suggests that everyone sees norms the same way; This option imp...

hardmultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
5

In sociology, how can the concept of social norms be reinterpreted when examining everyday life through a symbolic lens?

Social norms are like symbols that show what a society values. Other options are incorrect because This answer suggests that all actions are logical a...

hardmultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
6

What is ethnocentrism primarily concerned with in sociological terms?

Ethnocentrism means thinking your own culture is better than others. Other options are incorrect because Cultural relativism means understanding that ...

easymultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
7

What does cultural relativism encourage individuals to do when examining their own culture?

Cultural relativism helps people look closely at their own customs. Other options are incorrect because Some might think their culture is the best; Co...

easymultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
8

What is the sociological imagination, and how does it allow individuals to see the strange in the familiar?

The sociological imagination helps us connect our personal problems to bigger social issues. Other options are incorrect because This answer suggests ...

easymultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
9

Which of the following statements best illustrate the concept of 'seeing the strange in the familiar'? Select all that apply.

None of the options show how to see everyday things in a new way. Other options are incorrect because This option suggests looking at a common behavio...

easymultiple_correctClick to view full solution
10

How does the concept of 'seeing the strange in the familiar' contribute to our understanding of social norms?

This idea helps us look closely at how people behave in society. Other options are incorrect because This answer suggests that social norms never chan...

mediumcase_studyClick to view full solution
11

A sociologist observes a group of friends who regularly meet at a cafe. They notice that the group follows specific unwritten rules about who orders first and how they interact. Which category does this observation best fit into when applying the concept of 'seeing the strange in the familiar'?

Cultural norms are the unwritten rules that guide how people behave in groups. Other options are incorrect because This option suggests that choices a...

easyclassificationClick to view full solution
12

Arrange the following steps in the process of 'seeing the strange in the familiar' in the correct order: A) Questioning everyday norms, B) Analyzing social behaviors with a fresh perspective, C) Identifying historical contexts and cultural influences, D) Recognizing power dynamics and marginalization.

First, we question everyday norms. Other options are incorrect because This order skips analyzing behaviors after questioning norms; Starting with ana...

hardorderingClick to view full solution
13

Seeing the strange in the familiar is to sociology as A: a microscope is to biology :: B: a map is to geography :: C: a recipe is to cooking :: D: a mirror is to self-reflection?

A microscope helps scientists see tiny things clearly. Other options are incorrect because A map shows places but doesn't help us see new ideas in our...

hardanalogyClick to view full solution
14

To effectively 'see the strange in the familiar', one must approach everyday behaviors as if they are new and unfamiliar, which helps reveal deeper __________ within societal practices.

When we look at familiar things in a new way, we can spot patterns. Other options are incorrect because Traditions are customs passed down through gen...

mediumfill_in_blankClick to view full solution
15

How does 'seeing the strange in the familiar' contribute to understanding social norms?

This idea helps us see why people act the way they do. Other options are incorrect because Some might think this means we should just accept norms wit...

mediummultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
16

Imagine you are a visitor from another planet observing a family having dinner. You notice they are all sitting at a table, passing dishes around and engaging in conversation. How might applying the concept of 'seeing the strange in the familiar' help you understand this behavior more deeply?

This answer helps you think about why they choose to eat at a table. Other options are incorrect because This answer suggests that the family is just ...

easyscenario_basedClick to view full solution
17

If a sociologist observes that people often follow social norms without questioning them, what underlying cause might explain this behavior?

People often follow social norms to fit in and avoid being judged or punished. Other options are incorrect because Some might think social norms are a...

mediumcause_effectClick to view full solution

Master Seeing the Strange in the Familiar

Ready to take your understanding to the next level? Access personalized practice sessions, progress tracking, and advanced learning tools.