2. Latvia and Levels of Society

Question 1

Front

Answer 1

Back

Question 2

What is the micro level of society?

Answer 2

Individual and small group interactions.

Question 3

Give examples of micro-level interactions.

Answer 3

Family dynamics, friendships, personal relationships.

Question 4

What is the meso level of society?

Answer 4

Local communities and organizations.

Question 5

Provide examples of meso-level structures.

Answer 5

Schools, workplaces, community groups, local government.

Question 6

What is the macro level of society?

Answer 6

Large-scale societal structures.

Question 7

List examples of macro-level influences.

Answer 7

National policies, cultural norms, global institutions like the UN and WTO.

Question 8

Describe the traditional Latvian agrarian lifestyle.

Answer 8

Predominantly rural with farming as the main occupation.

Question 9

What are ‘Dainas’ in Latvian culture?

Answer 9

Traditional Latvian folk songs.

Question 10

Name a significant Latvian festival.

Answer 10

Jāņi (Midsummer), emphasizing nature and heritage.

Question 11

Why is the Latvian language significant?

Answer 11

It is a symbol of national identity.

Question 12

What was the impact of Soviet occupation on Latvia?

Answer 12

Centralized control, suppression of national identity, collectivization of land and resources.

Question 13

When did Latvia regain independence?

Answer 13

In 1991, transitioning to democracy and a market economy.

Question 14

What continuity exists in Latvian beliefs and values?

Answer 14

Preservation of language, folk traditions, strong family ties, and community support.

Question 15

What changes have occurred in Latvian lifestyles?

Answer 15

Urbanization, modernization, and influence of Western culture on youth and media.

Question 16

How has education remained a continuity in Latvia?

Answer 16

High value placed on education and literacy, emphasis on Latvian history.

Question 17

What changes have been made to the Latvian education system?

Answer 17

Integration of technology and alignment with European educational frameworks.

Question 18

What demographic changes are occurring in Latvia?

Answer 18

Declining birth rates and emigration leading to population decline.

Question 19

How are gender roles changing in Latvia?

Answer 19

Increased gender equality in education, employment, and political representation.

Question 20

What is ‘Conflict Theory’?

Answer 20

A theory that views society as shaped by power struggles and inequalities.

Question 21

How does conflict theory apply to Latvia?

Answer 21

Historical class conflicts under Soviet rule and tensions between ethnic Latvians and Russian minorities.

Question 22

What is a strength of conflict theory?

Answer 22

It highlights power imbalances and social injustices.

Question 23

What is a weakness of conflict theory?

Answer 23

It may overemphasize conflict, ignoring cooperation.

Question 24

What is ‘Evolutionary Theory’ in sociology?

Answer 24

The idea that societies progress from simple to complex over time.

Question 25

How does evolutionary theory apply to Latvia?

Answer 25

Transition from agrarian to industrialized society and development of democratic institutions.

Question 26

What is ‘Functionalist Theory’?

Answer 26

A perspective that sees society as a system where all parts work together to promote stability.

Question 27

How does functionalist theory apply to Latvia?

Answer 27

Institutions like family and education maintain social stability.

Question 28

What is a weakness of functionalist theory?

Answer 28

It may ignore social inequalities and tensions.