Social structure and institutions sample question 1

The power-elite model, in which a small interlinked group dominates major decisions

MCAT · Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior · Sociology

Social structure and institutions

Social structure and institutions is part of Sociology in the MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior section. The questions below are written in the style of the real test, each with the answer and a worked explanation.

Question types you will see here include sociological theory lens, manifest, latent and dysfunctions, institutions: education, family, religion, medicine and bureaucracy and formal organisations.

Common traps: attributing inequality to function when conflict theory fits; confusing interactionism with constructionism; mixing macro and micro levels.

Sample questions

Question 1
A study finds that about 40 people sit on the boards of major firms, on ministry councils and on military committees, move between these posts, and settle most national policy among themselves. The finding best supports which model of power?
- A.
  The power-elite model, in which a small interlinked group dominates major decisions
- B.
  The pluralist model, in which many competing interest groups share influence
- C.
  Weber's ideal-type bureaucracy, in which rules and offices rather than persons hold authority
- D.
  Durkheim's organic solidarity, in which interdependent roles produce cohesion
Answer: A. The power-elite model, in which a small interlinked group dominates major decisions
A small interlinked group that moves between firms, ministries and the military and decides most policy is the power elite, choice A. Pluralism (B) would show many competing groups, bureaucracy (C) concerns rule-based offices, and organic solidarity (D) concerns cohesion.
Question 2
In Etzioni's classification of formal organisations, a software company whose members participate mainly in exchange for salaries is best described as:
- A.
  a normative organisation, like a charity staffed by volunteers.
- B.
  a coercive organisation, like a prison.
- C.
  a utilitarian organisation.
- D.
  a primary group.
Answer: C. a utilitarian organisation.
Etzioni distinguished organisations by why people belong: utilitarian organisations offer material rewards such as wages, normative organisations draw members through shared goals or values, and coercive organisations compel membership. A primary group is a small, intimate, long-term group such as a family, which a company is not.

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