Chapter 11 - Social Structure and Demographics Flashcards
Symbolic Interactionism
Attempts to understand human action and interaction by studying the symbols we use to communicate
Social Constructionism
Attempt to understand a society through the study of the society’s social constructs
Rational Choice (Exchange) Theory
People weigh the costs and benefits when making choices, ranking their options based on maximizing perceived benefit
Conflict Theory
Attempts to understand society by examining the inevitable conflicts between groups in society
Structural Functionalism
Different groups of society work together in an unconscious, almost automatic, way toward maintencance of equilibrium
- Latent and manifest
Manifest function
Intended consequence of the actions of a group within society
Latent function
Unintended, but beneficial consequences
Religiosity
How religious one considers oneself to be, and includes strength of religious beliefs, engagement in religious practices, and attitudes about religion
Malthusian Theory
Focuses on how the exponential growth of a population can outpace growth of the food supply and lead to social degradation and disorder