Class 1- Major Sociological Theories and Major Social Structures Flashcards
Define Macro- vs Microsociology
Macro: looks at large scale social structures and how these affect groups or individuals (society as a whole); Positions within these social structures determine human behavior
Micro: looks at the smallest building blocks of society and works up to larger structures (based on individual interactions); human behavior is the result of an individual’s interpretation of a social institution
What are the 7 major sociological theories?
- Functionalism (Structural Functionalism)
- Conflict Theory
- Symbolic Interactionism
- Social Constructionism
- Rational Choice Theory
- Social Exchange Theory
- Feminist Theory
Which major sociological theory views society as a complex system composed of many parts working together to maintain solidarity and social stability?
Structural Functionalism- views society as a complex system composed of many individual parts working together to maintain solidarity and social stability. Can be compared to a living organism maintaining homeostasis.
Structural Functionalism is a macro theory.
Who is responsible for structural functionalism?
Emile Durkheim is responsible for structural functionalism.
He described society as a dynamic equilibrium that occurs when interdependent parts work together toward societal stability.
What is the difference between a manifest function and a latent function?
A manifest function in the intended or obvious function of a social structure. The latent function is the unintended, less recognizable consequence.
Which sociological theory views society as a competition for limited resources?
Conflict Theory views society as a competition for limited resources. In society, individuals and groups compete for social, political, and material resources.
Conflict theory is a macro level theory.
Who are the two people associated with Conflict Theory? Why are they important?
Karl Marx founded the Conflict Theory, and asserted that societies progress through class struggle.
Max Weber refined Karl Marx’s theories, asserting that there can be more than one source of conflict (like inequalities in political power/ social status) and that several factors can moderate these conflicts.
Who are considered the founders of sociology? (3 people)
Emile Durkheim (structural functionalism), Karl Marx and Max Weber (conflict theory)
What sociological theory believes that people act toward things based on the meaning those things have?
Symbolic Interactionism believes that people act toward things based on on the meaning those things have, and these meanings are derived from social interaction and modified through interpretation.
The central theme of symbolic interactionism is that human life is lived in the symbolic domain. Symbols are culturally derived objects that have shared meanings.
Symbolic ineractionism is a micro level theory.
Who founded symbolic interactionism?
George Herbert Mead founded the symbolic interactionism school of thought.
Asserted that the “me” is the social self (internalized attitudes of others), the “i” is the response to the “me” (person’s individuality) and thinking is the internalized dialogue between the “i” and the “me”.
Which sociological theory suggests that “reality” is not inherent but socially constructed?
Social Constructionism suggests that “reality” is not inherent, but socially constructed. A social construct is anything that appears to be natural and obvious to people who accept is but is largely an invention of a given society.
Social constructionism can be either a macro or micro level theory.
Define socialization.
Socialization is the ongoing process where an individual internalizes the values, beliefs, and norms of their society and learns to function as a member.
Socialization explains how social constructs are maintained.
Which sociological theory suggests that individuals make decisions comparing the costs and benefits of various courses of action?
The Rational Choice Theory suggests that individuals make decisions by comparing the costs and benefits of various courses of action. We try to maximize benefits and reduce costs.
Rational individuals choose the option that will give them the greatist satifaction.
Rational Choice Theory is a micro level theory.
Which sociological theory suggests that individuals assign reward (benefits) and punishments (costs) to interactions and prefer those with the greatest personal benefit?
The Social Exchange Theory suggests individuals assign rewards (benefits) and punishments (costs) to interactions and prefer those with the greatest personal benefit.
Social Exchange Theory is a micro level theory.
Which sociological theory emphasizes the different experiences and treatment of women vs. men?
The Feminist Theory encompasses a variety of perspectives on the different experiences and treatment of women vs. men.
Specifically advocates for the political, economic, and soical rights of women.
Feminism can be either a macro or micro level.
Compare and contrast the 7 major sociological theories.
