4.1 Sociology: Theoretical Approaches

Question 1

What is the definition of society?

Answer 1

group of people who share a culture and live/interact with each other within a definable area

Question 2

What is the definition of sociology?

Answer 2

the study of how individuals interact with, shape, and are subsequently shaped by the society in which they live

Question 3

What are the four major sociological theories?

Answer 3

1. functionalism
2. conflict theory
3. symbolic interactionism
4. social constructionism

Question 4

What is the basic definition of functionalism?

Answer 4

theory that conceptualizes society as a living organism with many different parts and organs, each of which has a distinct purpose

Question 5

What is the definition of dynamic equilibrium?

Answer 5

occurs when complex societies contain many different but interdependent parts working together to maintain stability

Question 6

What are social facts?

Answer 6

elements that serve some function in society

Question 7

What are examples of social facts?

Answer 7

laws, morals, values, religion, customs, rituals

Question 8

What are manifest functions?

Answer 8

official, intended, and anticipated consequences of a structure

Question 9

What are latent functions?

Answer 9

consequences of structure that are not officially sought or sanctioned

Question 10

What is social dysfunction?

Answer 10

process that has undesirable consequences and may reduce stability of society

Question 11

What is a basic definition of conflict theory?

Answer 11

a theory that views society as being in competition for limited resources

Question 12

What is capitalism?

Answer 12

economic system in which resources and production are mainly privately owned and goods/services are produced for profit

Question 13

What is hegemony?

Answer 13

coerced acceptance of the values, expectations, and conditions as determined by the capitalist class

Question 14

What is class consciousness?

Answer 14

exploited workers awareness of the reasons for their oppression

Question 15

What is socialism?

Answer 15

economic system where all means of production are owned by all workers equally

Question 16

What is the major criticism of conflict theory?

Answer 16

focuses too much on competition and does not recognize the role of stability in society

Question 17

What is a basic definition of symbolic interactionism?

Answer 17

micro-level theory in sociology which examines the relationship between individuals and society by focusing on communication, the exchange of information through language and symbols

Question 18

What are the three principals of meaning that are the central aspects of human behavior according to symbolic interactionism?

Answer 18

1. humans ascribe meaning to things and act towards those things based on ascribed meaning
2. language allows humans to generate meaning through social interaction
3. humans modify meanings through an interpretive process

Question 19

According to symbolic interactionism, what are the three important activities that self is developed through?

Answer 19

1. language
2. games
3. play

Question 20

What are the two important components to identity?

Answer 20

individualistic self
social self