Lecture 1- Sociological Theory and Research Methods Flashcards
What is sociology?
systematic study of social behaviour in human society
What are different types/specializations of sociology?
- Macrosociology – large social organizations/categories i.e. universities and university students
- Microsociology - typical processes and patterns of face to face interaction in small groups i.e. common interactions and negotiations
How does sociology differ from history/journalism?
Both describe real events but history/journalism only sometimes base description on theory/interpretation.
Sociology tries to make theories clear and testable.
How does sociology differ from philosophy?
Both analytical, but sociology is more empirical and focused on gathering evidence/conducting studies
How does sociology differ from psychology?
Psychology is analytical, empirical, interpretive but it focuses on individual humans rather than social relationships and groups
Describe classical sociology
Born –pre-existing arrangements/structures (i.e. cities, social codes)– tend to set life’s boundaries
•Real life- complicated:
•Exercise agency – “The human capacity to interpret, evaluate, choose, and act accordingly.” (Arai and Thomson, 31 in Tepperman and Albanese, 2018)
- Sociology looks at: Objective (facts) and subjective (understanding/interpretation)
When and where was classical sociology developed?
in Europe during Industrial and French revolutions
•1800’s - social theorists understood world was changing –modern world replacing tradition order
- Modern Western Society entering age of Enlightenment
Who invented the term sociology?
Auguste Comte –inventor of term “sociology” – “science of social life” (Arai and Thomson, 12, in Tepperman and Albanese, 2018)
Describe Emile Durkheim’s contribution to sociological theory.
(1858-1917)
•classical Social theorist
•Structural Functionalism
•Argued Society made of interconnected parts w/ social groups with necessary functions •Traditional/community based society had strong collective conscience - uniformity of values
-> With rise of Industrialization, undermined by Modern individualism – no longer shared collective conscience -> led to Anomie – state of normlessness
What is Karl Marx’s contribution to sociological theory?
Karl Marx (1818-1883) •classical Social theorist •Societal analysis needed to start by examining economic system •Traditional economies – move toward global capitalism -> Land and goods change from common property to private property of few •Understanding Economic divisions in conflict –vital in understanding societal change - Distinguished working class (proletariat) and capitalist class ( owners of means of production - bourgeoisie)
What is Max Weber’s contribution to sociological theory.
Max Weber (1864-1920)
•classical Social theorist
Modern society – shaped by rationality
•Logic and science – bureaucracy and asceticism
•Modern world dominated by “formal rationality” -> “calculating the most efficient means to achieve a goal” (Arai and Thomson, 15, in Tepperman and Albanese, 2018)
•In Modern world tradition and charisma replaced by “legal-rational authority” (Set of rules/hierarchy of power)
Describe post WW2 sociology
Post WW2 – Structural Functionalism – dominant perspective
•Sociologists developed two critical responses to Structural Functionalism:
•Microsociology – people not “puppets” social forces/institutions but shaped by intention/interaction
•Conflict theory – functionalism has too much focus on harmony/consensus because society was conflict-ridden
What is symbolic interactionism in microsociology
Microsociology •Symbolic Interactionism •“…emphasizes the importance of understanding the meaning of social action and uses ethnographic methods to discover these meanings for individuals in in an effort to explain human conduct.” Arai and Thomson, 32, in Tepperman and Albanese, 2018)
What is conflict theory in microsociology
Conflict Theory•“…emphasizes conflict and change as the regular and permanent features of society, because society is made up of various groups that wield varying amounts of power. Conflict theorists often stress the importance of status, economic inequality, and political power.” (Arai and Thomson, 31, in Tepperman and Albanese, 2018)
Describe feminist sociology
Feminist Sociology
•Emerged from conflict theory
•Feminism: “A theoretical paradigm, as well as social movement, that focuses on causes and consequences of inequality between men and women, especially patriarchy and sexism.” (Arai and Thomson, 31, in Tepperman and Albanese, 2018)
•Patriarchy: “A society or family system in which men have more authority than women.” (Arai and Thomson, 31, in Tepperman and Albanese, 2018)
•Women – absent from classical/male theory, subsumed under male perspective
