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2. Over the course of ten years, a rare disorder increases in prevalence such that it eventually affects more than 200,000 people in the United States. Based on the passage and this scenario, which prediction is most consistent with the sociological paradigm of symbolic interactionism?

A) As the number of affected individuals increases, government research funding increases.

B) Affected individuals are less likely to conceal their condition as it becomes less stigmatized.

C) As more people with the condition are treated, it receives less attention as a health concern.

D) Insurance coverage for the condition becomes more likely as more people require treatment.

The correct answer is B.

Rationale: This is a sociology question that evaluates your scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills. The question employs a theoretical paradigm related to social structure. Symbolic interactionism focuses on how meaning is constructed through one’s small-scale social interactions. This question is tied to social interactions, the illness experience, social stigma, and symbolic interactionism. The correct answer, option B, reasons from the viewpoint of symbolic interactionism to make a prediction about social interaction and stigmatization. The incorrect options make predictions about large-scale social changes or about the disease itself, which are not consistent with social interactionism.

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