Exam #1

Question 1

Three Theoretical Perspectives (Paradigms; Views)

Answer 1

1. Structure Functionalism (Funtionalism/Traditional View)
2. Social Conflict (Conflict Theory/ Radical View)
3. Symbolic Interaction (Interactionist/ Social Construction)

Question 2

Structure Functional Paradigm

Answer 2

• Macro View
• Society has lots of part: marriage, education… etc… institutions.
  
  • Like body parts
  • These parts all have a purpose
  • Parts are inter-related and affect one another
  • If parts can’t perform it is considered dysfuntional (Merton)

Question 3

August Comte

Answer 3

• Functionalist
• Founder of “Sociology”
• Coined terms: “Social Statics” and “Social Dynamics.”

Question 4

Social Statics

Answer 4

• Coined by Auguste Comte in associatation with “Social Dynamics”
• It is a factor in society that promotes stability.
• Examples: Predictability; Having a standard language; etc…
• Society needs this with “Social Dynamics” to work.

Question 5

Social Dynamics

Answer 5

• Coined by Auguste Comte in associatation with “Social Statics”
• It is a factor in society that is the capacity to grow or change.
• Examples: Change caused by civil rights.
• Society needs this with “Social Statics” to work.

Question 6

Herbert Spencer

Answer 6

• Functionalist
• Coined “Survival of the fittest.”
• Beliefs known as “Social Darwinism.”
• Compared society to the human body.

Question 7

Social Darwinism

Answer 7

• Theory sprung from Herbert Spencer
• The theory that individuals, groups, and peoples are subject to the same Darwinian laws of natural selection as plants and animals.
• Weak are the poor and the strong are the rich.
• And intitutions should be in charge of the part in society not the governement.

Question 8

Emile Durkheim

Answer 8

• Funtionalist
• Coined the term:
  
  • Function
  • Solidarity
  • Mechanical Solidarity
  • Organic Solidarity
  • Anomie
  • Normlessness
  • Social Fact
• Published 1st scientific study in Sociology - “Suicide”
• Wrote “The Rules of the Sociological Method” and “Division of Labor in Society.”

Question 9

Solidarity

Answer 9

• Coined by Emile Durkheim
• Means: Social bonding (social integration).

Question 10

Mechanical Solidarity

Answer 10

• Coined by Emile Durkheim
• This was present in older pre-industrial societies.
  
  • Bonding type - Generalists
  • It is a bonding that comes from having the same work or lifestyle

Question 11

Organic Solidarity

Answer 11

• Coined by Emile Durkheim
• This is seen in Post -Industrial or modern societies
  
  • Bonding - Specialists
  • This is associated with bonding that comes from specific needs
    
    • Ex… going to the dentist for his dentist work… or going to hair stylist for hair needs… etc.

Question 12

Anomie

Answer 12

• A condition in which (the institutions of) society fails to provide moral guidance to its members
  
  • Results in Normlessness
  • Ex. Ellie Nessler

Question 13

Normlessness

Answer 13

• Coined by Emile Durkheim
• A result from Anomie
• Means - when the rules make no difference
  
  • Ex - Ellie Nessler

Question 14

Social Fact

Answer 14

• Coined by Emile Durkheim
• Means - Undisputable fact.

Question 15

Talcott Parsons

Answer 15

• Functionalist
• Came up with the “Grand Theory”
• Did a dissertation on the concept of capitalism in German literature
• Translated Max Weber (Va.Ber) into English
• Was a teacher of Robert Merton

Question 16

Grand Theory

Answer 16

• From Talcott Parsons
• Involves Parsons system of Action which had 4 sub systems
  
  • Cultural System
    
    • Symbolic integration system
  • Social System
    
    • Pattern Variables
  • Individual System
  • Biological

Question 17

Cultural System

Answer 17

• From Talcott Parsons’ “Grand Theory” - 4 sub systems in the System of Actions
• Symbolic Integration System
  
  • Ex. Star of David = Judiasm, Cross = Christianity, M = McDonalds, Check Mark = Nike.

Question 18

Social System

Answer 18

• From Talcott Parsons’ “Grand Theory” - 4 sub-systems from the System of Actions
• Main focus
• Pattern Variables - governs your interactions - Red flags raise if someone violates these pattern rules:
  
  • Ascription <—-> Achievement
    
    • Qualitied of self: Qualities you were born with (race, gender) <—> Things learned or attained (degree, medals).
  • Difusenes (wide ranging) <—-> Specificity (narrow ranging)
    
    • Range of expectations: expect more from family <—> Expect less from your dentist
  • Affectivity (highly emotional) <—> Neutrality (objective)
    
    • Emotional Investment: parents divorce <—> reading about someone getting a divorce.