Class 1: Sociological Theories & Institutions

Question 1

Define macro level theories

Answer 1

effects of large scale social structures; answer fundamental questions like why societies form, change, or have social structures that function as they do

Question 2

Define Micro level theories

Answer 2

small scale individual considerations in one-on-one or small group interactions; societies are best understood as emergent properties of individual human social interactions, best understood by analyzing very specific relationships among individuals

Question 3

Define functionalism

Answer 3

Views society as a complex system composed of many individual parts, working together to maintain solidarity and social stability

Question 4

Metaphor used for functionalism

Answer 4

Compares society to a living organism. Like an organism composed of various cells, tissues, organs, and systems working together to maintain homeostasis, the various elements in a society also work together for social stability (e.g., individuals, families, communities, groups, organizations, etc.).

Question 5

Who was Emile Durkeim and what did he assert

Answer 5

Considered a founding father of modern sociology. Major proponent of functionalism.
Asserted that societies are quite complex and require different types of people working together to function

Question 6

Define dynamic equilibrium in functionalism

Answer 6

occurs when multiple independent parts in a society work together towards social stability

Question 7

Define social structure in functionalism

Answer 7

is a network of statuses connected by associated roles

Question 8

Define manifest function in functionalism

Answer 8

the intended and recognized functions of an institution

Question 9

Define latent function in functionalism

Answer 9

the unintended, unforeseen consequences of an institution

Question 10

Define conflict theory

Answer 10

Views society as a competition for limited resources; in society, individuals and groups compete for social, political, and material resources

Question 11

Who was Karl Marx and what did he assert

Answer 11

Asserted societies progress through class struggle between those who control production and those who provide the manpower for production. Capitalism produces internal tensions which ultimately destroy capitalist society to be replaced by socialism

Question 12

Who was Max Webber and what did he assert

Answer 12

A capitalist system does lead to conflict, but the collapse of capitalism is not inevitable.
There could be more than one source of conflict, such as conflict over inequalities in political power and social status

Question 13

Define symbolic interactionism

Answer 13

Analyzes the subjective meanings that people impose on objects, events, and behaviours. Society is socially constructed through human interpretation, and it is these interpretations that form the social bond.

Question 14

Define social constructionism

Answer 14

A theory that says we actively shape our society trough social interactions. Social institutions and knowledge are created by individuals interacting within the system, rather than having any inherent truth of their own

Question 15

Define rational choice theory

Answer 15

A theory that suggests that individuals make decisions by comparing the costs and benefits of various actions; we try to maximize benefits and reduce the costs

Question 16

Define Social Exchange Theory

Answer 16

A theory that suggests that individuals assign rewards (benefits) and punishments (costs) to interactions and prefer those with the greatest benefit

Question 17

Define feminist theory

Answer 17

This theory encompasses a variety of perspectives on the different experiences and treatment of women vs. men

Question 18

First-wave feminism: dates, definition

Answer 18

1900’s - focused on on women’s suffrage – the right to vote, own property, to have equal rights within marriage, and to work for wages

Question 19

Second-wave feminism: dates, definition

Answer 19

1960’s, 1970s; focused on women’s liberation – gender equality, sexual rights, reproductive rights, and resisting patriarchal culture

Question 20

Third-wave feminism: dates, definition

Answer 20

Since 1980’s; focused on areas of concern left untheorized by first- and second-wave feminists, who were mostly white, middle-class, heterosexual, and American or European

Question 21

Define intersectionality

Answer 21

The study of overlapping systems of oppression (e.g., gender, race, class, sexuality, etc.) and can be used to understand how systemic injustice and social inequality occur on a multidimensional basis