What Will the Invention of Machinery That Can Double the Amount

question 58

Multiple Choice

What will the invention of machinery that can double the amount of gold extracted from raw ore likely lead mining companies to do?

• A) Raise the world price of gold because miners' wages must double as their productivity doubles.
• B) Raise the world price of gold to pay for the new machinery.
• C) Lower the world price of gold because any given amount can now be produced more cheaply.
• D) Lower the world price of gold only if new mining companies are not allowed to enter the industry.

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Definitions:

Functional Imperatives

Fundamental needs that must be met in any social system for it to survive and operate efficiently, such as adaptation, goal attainment, integration, and latency.

Parsons

An influential sociologist known for his work on social action, systems theory, and for contributing to the development of functionalism.

Assimilation

The process by which individuals or groups adopt the culture, norms, and practices of another society, often losing their original identity.

Anomic Suicide

A term coined by Emile Durkheim referring to suicide resulting from insufficient social regulation and individuals feeling disconnected from society.