Final Exam Flashcards
functionalism
views society as a system of interrelated parts that work together to maintain stability
conflict theory
focuses on competition for scarce resources and the power struggles between different groups in society
highlights how in equality and social injustice result from these power imbalances
symbolic interactionism
examines how individuals interact with each other and attach meanings to symbols and gestures
emphasizes role of symbols, language, communication in shaping reality
social constructionism
reality is not inherent but socially constructed through shared meanings
i.e., how gender, race, identity etc are constructed
feminist theory
focuses on gender inequalities and advocates for the rights and perspectives of women
critical theory
draws from both conflict theory and social constructionism to critique existing social structures and promote social change
rational choice theory
views individuals as rational actors who make decisions based on the perceived costs and benefits
applies economic principles to social interactions
postmodernism
challenges grand narratives and questions the idea of objective truth
emphasizes the diversity of experiences and perspectives and the fluidity of social structures
exchange theory
examines social interactions as a series of exchanges where individuals seek to maximize rewards and minimize costs
structuralism
examines the underlying structures that shape social phenomena
the sociological imagination
the ability to connect personal experiences to broader social, historical, and cultural contexts
to see the context which shapes your individual decision making
positivism
emphasizes the use of scientific methods to study and understand social phenomena
RELIES ON SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE
interpretivism
emphasizes understanding social phenomena from the perspective of those involved and focuses on the subjective meanings people attach to their experiences
RELIES ON STUDY OF SOCIAL REALITY
victimless crimes
activities that are illegal but do not involve a direct harm or unwilling participant
i.e., gambling, prostitution, certain drug offences
socialization
the process by which individuals, typically starting in infancy, learn and internalize culture, social, and interpersonal elements of their society
resocialization
the process by which individuals undergo a significant transformation in their beliefs, values, behaviours, and social roles as they transition from one social context to another
social structure
the patterned social arrangements and relationships that form the framework of a society
norms
society ‘rules’
folkways
informal, everyday norms that represent customary ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving within a particular society
i.e., manners, etiquette, greeting people
mores
norms or customs that are considered vital to the well-being of a society - often strictly enforced
market basket measure (MBM)
used to assess poverty by taking into account the cost of a specified basket of goods and services that represent the basic needs of a typical family