C1: Introduction to Sociology Flashcards
Sociology
A social science that examines the human and social world
Society
A group of people who form patterns to separate themselves from other groups
Sociological perspective
Viewing the world through a sociological lens
Practical Knowledge
Observing patterns in a practical way
Scientific knowledge
Studying patterns logically using data
Beginner’s mind
Blank, unprejudiced mind that yearns to understand
Culture shock
Sense of unease that occurs when experiencing a new social or cultural environment
Sociological imagination
Mindset that allows for the understanding of the relationship between the individual and the larger world
Microsociology
Studies how small group interactions affect the larger society
Macrosociology
studies how large-scale structures affect smaller groups
Theory
proposition that explains the social world and makes predictions about the future
Auguste Comte (1798 - 1857)
Founder of sociology
created Positivism
Positivism
Sense perceptions are the only valid source of knowledge
Harriet Martineau (1802 - 1876)
Naturalistic sociologist
Translated Comte’s “Introduction to Positive philosophy” into English
Herbert Spencer (1820 - 1903)
Sociobiologist
Follower of Darwinism
Coined the term “survival of the fittest”
Social Darwinism: adds principles to society
Emile Durkheim (1858-1917)
Structural functionalist
Dysfunction: suffering of one or more structures in society (necessary for change)
Solidarity
Anomie
Religion
Structural functionalism
Society is comprised of separate structures that function together
Solidarity
Unity within a society
Mechanical solidarity
Social bonds are created in a close circle, such as family
Found in agrarian, premodern society
Organic solidarity
Social bonds are formed by performing common tasks and interdependence
Found in modern society
Anomie
Sense of disconnection or alienation from society
Sacred religion
Holy, supernatural, divine
Profane religion
Ordinary, basic, everyday
Talcott Parsons (1902 - 1979)
Structural functionalist
Follower of Durkheim
Applied SFunc to modern society
Adopted success, education, and social cohesion into SF
Robert Merton (1910 - 2003)
Structural Functionalist
Manifest / Latent functions
Manifest function
Primary function of a social structure
Ex: car transports
Latent function
Less noticeable function of a social structure
Ex: Car causes accidents and death
Karl Marx (1818 - 1883)
Conflict theorist
Lowkey communist
Class struggle and growing wealth gap
Critical theory
Conflict theory
Conflict is both the basis of society and necessary to enact social change
Capitalism
Economic system based on for-profit operation of industries
Opp of Marx’s ideals
Means of production
Any structure that can create wealth
Bourgeoisie
Owners of means of productions
Wealthy upper class
Proletarieat
Working class who sells labor to Bour.
Alienation
Dissatisfaction workers feel while producing products others profit from
False consciousness
Denial of oppression being embedded in the system
Class consciousness
Recognition of oppression that leads to revolts
Critical theory
Contemporary form of Conflict theory that criticizes domination and oppression
Praxis
Application of a theory to practical action in order to improve society
Max Weber (1864 - 1920)
Critical theorist
Wealth, status, and prestige
Rationalization
Bureaucracy
Iron cage of Bureaucracy
Rationalization
Application of economic logic to human activities
Bureaucracy
New social class containing specialists
Goal oriented, rule-governed
Iron cage of Bureaucracy
Getting caught in Bureaucratic structures and rules that control life
George Herbert Mead (1863 - 1931)
Symbolic Interactionist
Pragmatism
Cognitive dissonance
Symbolic interactionism
Interaction and meaning are central to society
Micro sociological perspective
Pragmatism
Organisms practically adapt to changing environments
Cognitive dissonance
Conflicting thoughts and actions
Herbert Blumer (1900 - 1987)
Symbolic interactionist
Coined the name SI
W.E.B Du Bois (1868 - 1963)
Focused on race and inequality
First African American to graduate from Harvard
Founding member of NAACP
Jane Addams (1860 - 1935)
Applied sociologist
Founded Hull House – gave basic livings needs to single mothers, immigrants, and the poor
Founder of social work
Erving Goffman (1922 - 1982)
Symbolic Interactionist
The self is “on loan” to us from society
Dramaturgy
Dramaturgy
Social life is like a theater performance
Harold Garfinkel
Ethnomethodologist
Conversation analysis
Ethnomethodology
Study of folk methods
Shared sense of reality during interactions
Conversation analysis
Creating meaning during natural conversations
Postmodern theory
Social reality is diverse, pluralistic, and constantly in flux
Created as a reaction to modernism
Modernism
Opposite of Postmodern theory
Trusting the power of science to enact progress and improve life
Midrange theory
Integrates empiricism and grand theory
Grand theory
Popular sweeping statements made by renowned theorists
