11.1 Sociology: Theories and Institution Flashcards
HIGH YIELD
Sociology
the study of society: how we create society, how we interact w/in it, how we define what is normal and abnormal in society, how we institutionalize these ideas
social structure
a sys of ppl w/in a society organized by a characteristic pattern of relationships
Different theoretical approaches
provide frameworks for their interactions we observe w/in society
- Functionalism or functional analysis
- Conflict theory
- Symbolic interactionism
- Social constructionism
- Rational choice theory
- Exchange theory
- Feminist theory
Functionalism or functional analysis
focuses on the func of each component of society and how those components fit together.
focuses on the func of each component of society and how those components fit together.
refer to the beneficial consequences of ppls actions and help maintain society in balance
Dysfunctions
harmful consequences of ppl’s actions as they undermine a social sys’s equilibrium
Different functions:
- Manifest function
- Latent funcTION
Conflict theory
focuses on how power differentials are created and how these differentials contribute to the maintenance of social order
Symbolic interactionism
the study of the ways indiv interact through a shared understanding of words, gestures, and other symbols; how we use symbols to interact with each other
Social constructionism
explores the ways in which Indiv’s and groups make decisions to agree upon a given social reality; how as a society we construct concepts and principles
Rational choice theory
states that Indiv’s will make decisions that maximize potential benefit and minimize potential harm
Exchange theory
applies rational choice theory w/in social groups
- Similar to operant conditioning; approval → continuation, disapproval → discouragement
Feminist theory
explores the ways in which one gender can be subordinated, minimized, or devalued compared to the other
Social institutions
well-set social structures that dictate certain patterns of behavior or relationships and are accepted as a fundamental part of culture
Common social institutions
- Family
- Education
- Religion
- Government and Economy
- Health and Medicine
different types of abuse w/in a family
- Domestic
- Elder
- Child
Hidden curriculum
transmitting social norms, attitudes, and beliefs to students
Teacher expectancy
teachers tend to get what they expect from students; if teacher has his demands and belief → students succeeding (ex of self-fulfilling prophecy)
Religiosity
how religious one considers themselves to be; strength of religious beliefs, engagement in religion practices, attitude toward religion
Family Trend
Divorce rates in the US rose sig in the 2nd half of the 20th cent; over the last 2 decades, these rates have dropped
Religious Trend
As the 21st century continues, religious groups grapple w/ finding a place in contemporary society → shift toward modernization w/in the religion OR shift away from religion as society (secularizes) OR maintenance of struct adherence to religious code (fundamentalism)
Different types of governments
- Democracy
- Monarchies
- Dictatorship
- Theocracy
Different types of economies
- Capitalists
- Socialists
Key goals in American healthcare
- Inc accessed to care
- Dec cost
- Prevention of disease before it occurs
- Dec paternalism
- Life course approach to health - maintaining and considering a comprehensive view of the pt’s Hx beyond the immediate presenting symptoms
Healthcare Trend
Shift in the role of the pt in the medical sys; previously pt was expected to carry out the sick role, now they expected to take ownership of their health through diet, exercise, and seeing help before it is needed
There are 4 key ethical tenets of American medicine
- Beneficence
- Nonmaleficence
- Respect for autonomy
- Justice
Beneficence
acting in the patients best interest
Nonmaleficence
avoiding Tx for which risk is larger than benefit
Respect for autonomy
respecting patient’s rights to make decisions about their own healthcare
Justice
treating similar patients similarly and distributing healthcare resources fairly
