Chapter 8 - Social Structure Flashcards
Define society
the group of people who share a culture and live/interact with each other within a definable area
What is sociology?
the study of how individuals interact with, shape, and are subsequently shaped by, the society in which they live
Describe the functionalism theory
It conceptualized society as a living organism with many different parts and organs, each of which has a distinct purpose.
What is meant by Durkheim’s dynamic equilibrium?
Complex societies involved many different but interdependent parts working together to maintain stability.
Who is considered the father of sociology?
Emile Durkheim
What are social facts?
elements that serve some function in society, such as the laws, morals, values, religions, rituals, etc.
Did Dukheim emphasize individuals within a society or social facts of a society?
social facts
What are manifest functions?
intended and obvious consequences of a structure (ex: hospital promotes health in the community)
What are latent functions?
unintended or less recognizable consequences of a structure (ex: hospital reduces crime by creating more jobs in the community)
What is a social dysfunction?
process that has undesirable consequences and may actually reduce the stability of a society
Describe the conflict theory
It views society as a competition for limited resources. It often considers the discrepancies between dominant and disadvantaged groups.
What was Karl Marx’s theory on social conflict?
He argued that societies progress through class struggle between those who own and control production and those who labor and provide the manpower for production. He believed capitalistm produced internal tensions which would ultimately lead to self-destruction of capitalist society, to be replaced by socialism.
What was Ludwig Gumplowicz’s theory on social conflict?
He proposed that society is shaped by war and conquest, and that cultural and ethnic conflicts lead to certain groups becoming dominant over other groups.
What was Max Weber’s theory on social conflict?
He agreed with Marx about conflict, but did not believe that the collapse of capitalism was inevitable; rather, he argued that there could be more than one source of conflict, such as conflict over inequalities in political power and social status.
Describe the symbolic interactionism theory
It sees society as a buildup of everyday typical interactions. It focuses on communication, the exchange of information through language and symbols. It holds the principle of meaning to be the central aspect of human behavior.
What is the dramaturgical approach of social theory?
It assumes that people are theatrical performers and that everyday life is a stage. People choose what kind of image they want to communicate verbally and nonverbally to others.
Define the social constructionism theory
It argues that people actively shape their reality through social interactions - it is therefore something that is contructed, not inherent.
What is a social construct?
a concept or practice that is construct of a group; essentially, everybody in society agrees to treat a certain aspect a certain way regardless of its inherent value (ex: money)
What are social institutions?
They are complex roles, norms, and values organized into a relatively stable form that contributes to a social order by governing the behavior of people. They provide predictability and organization for individuals within a society, and mediate social behavior between people. (ex: edicational system, family, government, religion, medicine, economy)
What 5 functions does family typically serve?
- reproduction and monitoring of sexual behavior
- protection
- socialization - passing down norms and values
- affection and companionship
- social status
Define endogamy
the practice of marrying within a particular group
Define polygyny
a man married to more than one woman
Define polyandry
a woman married to more than one man
Define exogamy
requirement to marry outside a particular group (ex: prohibiting sexual relationships between relatives)
Define kinship
how we think about who we are related to
What is bilateral descent?
kingroups involving both maternal and paternal relations
What is patrilineal descent?
preference for paternal relations
What is matrilineal descent?
preference for maternal relations
What is a patriarchy?
Men in the family have more authority than women.
What is a matriarchy?
Women in the family have more authority than men.
What is an egalitarian family?
Spouses are treated as equals and may be involved in more negotiation when making decisions.
Define ecclesia
a dominant religious organization that includes members of society, is recognized as the national/official religion, and tolerates no other religions (ex: Islam in Iran)
Define church
a type of religious organization that is well-integreated into the larger society (ex: the catholic church)
Define sect
a religious organization that is distinct from that of the larger society (ex: mormon and amish communities)
Define cult/new religious movement
a religious organization that is far outside society’s norms and often involves a very different lifestyle