When sociologists describe how social structures constrain individual choices—how poverty limits educational opportunities, how gender roles shape career paths—some readers interpret this as denying individual agency or responsibility. Sociologists typically argue they're identifying obstacles and influences, not claiming determinism. Understanding structural constraints, they maintain, is precisely what enables individuals and societies to address rather than merely accept them.
Based on the passage, it can be inferred that
analyzing constraints may be compatible with, rather than opposed to, understanding agency
sociologists deny that individuals have any choices
structural analysis makes changing social conditions impossible
poverty has no effect on educational opportunities
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. Understanding constraints enables addressing them.
- Context clues: Sociologists identify constraints but don't claim determinism; understanding enables addressing.
- Meaning: Constraint analysis can enhance rather than deny agency by identifying what to change.
- Verify: The goal of "address rather than merely accept" shows agency remains central.
💡 Strategy: When analyzing limits is framed as enabling change, infer compatibility with agency.
Choice B is incorrect because sociologists deny this interpretation of their work. Choice C is incorrect because understanding constraints enables addressing them. Choice D is incorrect because poverty is cited as an example of a constraint on opportunity.