Implicit in the concept of social structure is the idea that we, as individuals, can define and redefine our position within society at will. A) true b)false

The answer is B. False. The notion of social structure implies that human beings are not completely free and autonomous in their choices and actions but are instead constrained by the social world they inhabit and the social relations they form with one another.

Generally, birth determines one's position in society (ascribed status). Rich fathers have rich children while poor fathers have poor children. Changes in class position require a complex mixture of luck, inheritance, and effort, and probably in that order of importance (achieved status). Learn more here.

In sociology, social structure is often treated together with the concept of social change, which deals with the forces that change the social structure and the organization of society. Although it is generally agreed that the term social structure refers to regularities in social life, its application is inconsistent. For example, the term is sometimes wrongly applied when other concepts such as custom, tradition, role, or norm would be more accurate.

Learn more about social structure at Britannica.com.

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Tuesday, March 18 2014


Source: http://dmc122011.delmar.edu/socsci/rlong/intro/class.htm

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