2, Thinking sociologically, thinking globally Flashcards
Theory
Statement of how and why specific facts are related.
Theoretical perspective
A basic image that guides thinking and research.
Functionalism
A framework for building theory that envisages society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability. (Comte, Spencer, Durkheim, Parsons, Merton)
Social Stucture
Relatively stable patterns of social behaviour.
Social functions
Consequences of social structure for the operation of society.
Manifest functions
Recognized and intended consequences of any social pattern (Merton).
Latent functions
Consequence of social patterns that are largely unrecognized andunintended.
Social dysfunction
Any social pattern’s undesirable consequences for the operation of society.
Conflict perspective
Fraework for building theory that envisages society as an arena of inequality that generates conflict and change.
Macro-level orientation
A focus on broad social structures that characterize society as a whole. (Functional & conflict persepctive)
Micro-level orientation
A focus on social interaction in specific situations. (Social action perspective).
Social Action perspective
A micro-theory that focuses on how actors assemble social meanings. (Weber)
Ideal type
An abstract statement of the essential, though ofte exaggerated, characteristics of any social phenomenon. (Weber)
Symbolic interactionism
A theoretical framework that envisages society as the product of the everyday interactions of people doing things together. (Mead)
Essentialism
The belief in essencees that are similar.
