Ch 4: Sociological Theories and Social Institutions (Princeton Review) Flashcards
What is the definition of a society?
A group of people who share a culture and live/interact with each other within a definable area.
p. 63
There are 4 major sociological theories that explain society. The first two are macro level theories. Name them.
Functionalism and conflict theory
p. 63
There are 4 major sociological theories that explain society. The 3rd and 4th two are micro-level theories. Name them.
Symbolic interactionism and social constructionism (the latter can actually be macro or micro depending on the context)
p. 63
What major theory of sociology conceptualizes society as a living organism and which philosopher founded it?
Functionalism was founded by Herbert Spencer (1820-1903)
p. 63
Who is credited by many to be the founder of sociology?
Emile Durkheim (1858-1917)
Durkheim who was a proponent of functionalism, argued that for society to thrive, all the interdependent parts must work together to keep society ordered, balanced, and stable. What a healthy society faces an imbalance or crisis, functionalist theory proposes that the major structures of society will work together to return to a state of _______ __________. Healthy societies can successfully achieve and maintain this state; unhealthy ones cannot.
dynamic equilibrium
p. 64
In the functionalist framework, there is a distinction between manifest and latent functions. Explain manifest and latent functions.
Manifest functions are the official, intended, and anticipated consequences of a structure.
Latent functions are consequences of a structure that are not officially sought or sanctioned and may be beneficial, neutral, or harmful.
p. 64
Conflict theory views society as a never ending competition for _______ _________ and at least in some respects, conflict theory is diametrically opposed to the functionalist perspective.
limited resources
p. 64
Karl Marx believed that the working class is oppressed and exploited by the capitalist bourgeois class that pays the members of the working class only a fraction of the __________ _____ of their labor.
production value
p. 65
According to conflict theorists, this unequal social order is maintained through ideological coercion that creates societal consensus, or hegemony – a _______ __________ of the values, expectations, and conditions as determined by the capitalist class.
coerced acceptance
p. 65
What is one key difference between the beliefs of Karl Marx and Max Weber?
Weber did not believe that the collapse of capitalism was inevitable.
p. 65
The major criticism of conflict theory is that it focuses too much on competition and does not recognize the role of stability within society. Critics of conflict theory contend that conflict theorists focus too myopically* on ________ factors, view society only from the perspective of those who lack power, and ignore the __________ ways in which people and groups can reach pragmatic agreements for the good of society as a whole.
economic
cooperative
- short-sighted; nearsighted
p. 66
According to symbolic interactionism, individuals can make sense of the world around them by ascribing meaning to the symbols and language of their shared culture, and these meanings depend on both individual interpretations and ______ _______.
social context
Herbert Mead’s work is considered to be one of the most important in the initial development of symbolic interactionism. He believed that the self is developed through what three important activities?
language, games, and play
p. 66
A specific type of interactionist philosophy is called the ____________ ________, which was developed by Erving Goffman. This paradigm views people as theatrical performers and everyday life as a stage.
dramaturgical approach
p. 67