Intro to sociology Flashcards
What is sociology, and what does it study?
Sociology is the scientific study of human social behavior, relationships, and institutions within societies.
It examines social structures, processes, and interactions that shape individual and group experiences
What are the five major perspectives in sociology, and how do they differ?
- Functionalist Perspective.
- Conflict perspective
- Marxist perspective
- Symbolic Perspective
- Feminist perspective
Functionalist perspective
- Society is a complex system whose parts work together to promote stability and social order.
Conflict Perspective
Sees society as a system of inequality where groups compete for power and resources. (e.g., rich vs. poor, racial groups, genders).
Marxist Perspective
Focuses on capitalism’s role in creating exploitation and class struggle.
Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
Analyzes how individuals create meaning through symbols and interaction.
What are the key assumptions of the functionalist perspective?
- Society is a system with interconnected parts.
- Social institutions (e.g., family, education) maintain cohesion.
- Social change is gradual, not revolutionary.
- Example: The education system socializes individuals and prepares them for the workforce.
Feminist Perspective
Examines patriarchal systems that oppress women and perpetuate gender inequality.
What are the key assumptions of the conflict perspective?
- Society is characterized by inequality and power struggles.
- Dominant groups control resources and exploit others.
- Social change occurs through conflict, not gradual evolution.
- Example: The education system perpetuates inequality by favoring those with power and wealth.
What are the key assumptions of the Marxist perspective?
- Capitalism creates exploitation (bourgeoisie vs. proletariat).
- Workers are alienated from their labor and its products.
- Class struggle drives historical change, leading to revolution.
- Example: The healthcare system favors the wealthy, denying equal access to the working class.
What are the key assumptions of the feminist perspective?
- Society is patriarchal, favoring men’s interests.
- Women are socialized into subordinate roles.
- Gender is a social construct, not biological.
- Intersectionality (race, class, sexuality) shapes women’s experiences.
- Example: The education system reinforces gender roles, limiting women’s opportunities.
What are the four major branches of sociology?
- Microsociology
- Macrosociology
- Theoretical Sociology
- Applied Sociology
What are the key assumptions of the symbolic interactionist perspective?
- Society is built through symbols and meanings.
- Individuals negotiate meaning in daily interactions.
- Social reality is constructed, not predetermined.
- Example: Teacher-student interactions shape classroom expectations and roles.
Microsociology
Studies small-scale interactions (e.g., family dynamics).
Macrosociology
– Examines large-scale structures (e.g., social inequality).
Theoretical Sociology
– Develops frameworks (e.g., conflict theory).
Applied Sociology
– Solves real-world problems (e.g., policy development).
