In Conflict and Order, 14th edition
The first assumption of a synthesis approach to understanding order and conflict in society notes an essential
paradox, which is that
a. societies are always ordered, yet are always changing.
b. the means of production depends on those who own them.
c. institutions try to change even though it is their nature to remain the same.
d. stability and change cannot both exist within a given society.
Learning Objective: LO 2.1: Compare and contrast the order and conflict models of social systems.
Topic/Concept: Social Systems: Order and Conflict
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q2.1.11
The second assumption of a synthesis approach is that societies are organized, but the process of organization
generates conflict. This is because
a. scarce resources can be equally distributed but those in power control allocation decisions in their own favor.
b. scarce resources can never be equally distributed, and those who have power end up making the allocation
decisions.
c. those without power always envy those with power, and thus create conflict to level the playing field.
d. those without power control the means of production and allocation of resources, but lack the intelligence to
distribute resources equitably.
Learning Objective: LO 2.1: Compare and contrast the order and conflict models of social systems.
Topic/Concept: Social Systems: Order and Conflict
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
TB_Q2.1.12
The third assumption of the synthesis model explains that society is made up of different but interdependent
parts that affect each other, creating a structure called a
a. social order/disorder paradox.
b. societal paradigm.
c. social system.
d. social boundary structure.
Learning Objective: LO 2.1: Compare and contrast the order and conflict models of social systems.
Topic/Concept: Social Systems: Order and Conflict
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
TB_Q2.1.13