Introductory Sociology CLEP Prep Practice Exam

The social construction of gender roles is most closely associated with which branch of sociology?

1. Conflict theory

2. Symbolic interactionism

3. Feminist

4. Structural functionalism

The correct answer is: Feminist

The social construction of gender roles examines how society creates and enforces expectations and norms for gender, and the most closely associated branch of sociology is feminism. Feminism focuses on challenging and dismantling gender inequalities and social structures that create them. Option A, conflict theory, focuses on the role of power and inequality in society, but does not specifically address the construction of gender roles. Option B, symbolic interactionism, focuses on how individuals create meaning through interactions, but does not specifically address gender roles. Option D, structural functionalism, focuses on the functions and contributions of different parts of society, but does not specifically address the construction of gender roles. It also often reinforces traditional gender roles rather than challenging them. Therefore, option C, feminism, is the most closely associated with the social construction of gender roles.