chapter 1 - a sociological compass Flashcards
sociology
the systematic study of human behaviour in a social context
social solidarity
the degree to which group members share beliefs and values as well as the intensity and frequency of their interaction
social structures
relatively stable patterns of social relations
microstructures
patterns of relatively intimate social relations formed during face-to-face interaction, such as families, friendship circles, and work associations
macrostructures
overarching patterns of social relations that lie outside and above a person’s circle of intimates and acquaintances, such as classes, bureaucracies, and power systems like patriarchy
sociological imagination
the quality of mind that enables a person to see the connection between personal troubles and social structures
the scientific revolution
beginning about 1550, it encouraged the view that sound conclusions about the workings of society must be based on solid evidence, not just on speculation
the democratic revolution
beginning about 1750, it suggested that people are responsible for organizing society and that human intervention can therefore solve social problems
the industrial revolution
Often regarded as the most important event in world history since the development of agriculture and cities, it refers to the rapid economic transformation that began in Britain in the 1780s. It involved the large-scale application of science and technology to industrial processes, the creation of factories, and the formation of a working class.
theories
tentative explanations of some aspect of social life that state how and why certain facts are related
research
the process of systematically observing reality to assess the validity of a theory
values
ideas about what is good and bad, right and wrong
functionalism
Functionalism stresses that human behaviour is governed by relatively stable social structures. It underlines how social structures maintain or undermine social ability, emphasizes that social structures are based mainly on shared values or preferences, and suggests that re-establishing equilibrium can best solve most social problems.
dysfunctional
dysfunctional consequences are effects of social structures that create social instability
manifest functions
obvious and intended effects of social structures
latent functions
nonobvious and unintended effects of social structures
the Protestant ethic
The Protestant ethic is the belief that religious doubts can be reduced, and a state of grace ensured, if people work diligently and live simply. According to Weber, the Protestant ethic had the unintended effect of increasing savings and investment, thus stimulating capitalist growth.
symbolic interactionism
a focus on interaction in microlevel social settings and an emphasis that an adequate explanation of social behaviour requires understanding of the subjective meanings people attach to their social circumstances
social constructionism
apparently natural or innate features of life are often sustained by social processes that vary historically and culturally
queer theory
people’s sexual identities and performances are so variable that such conventional labels as male, female, gay, and lesbian fail to capture the sexual instability that characterizes the lives of many people
feminist theory
the patriarchy is at least as important as class inequality in determining a person’s opportunities in life;
male domination and female subordination are determined not by biological necessity but by structures of power and social convention;
existing patterns of gender inequality can and should be changed for the benefit of all members of society.
the operation of patriarchy should be examined in both micro and macro settings.
who coined the term “sociology”?
Auguste Comte
who is considered to be the first female sociologist?
Harriet Martineau
who famously studied the Protestant ethic?
Max Weber
