Major theortical approaches to sociology

Question 1

FUNCTIONALISM (perspective: macro)

Answer 1

Society = organism
Each part of society works to maintain dynamic equilibrium/homeostasis
DURKHEIM, PARSON

structural-functionalism = social structures maintain a dynamic equilibrium

Question 2

CONFLICT (perspective: macro)

Answer 2

Society = struggle for limited resources
Inequality based on social class
MARX, WEBER

Question 3

SOCIAL CONSTRUCTIONISM (perspective: macro or micro)

Answer 3

Social actors define what is real

Knowledge about world based on interactions (not critical for exam)

Question 4

SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM (perspective: micro)

Answer 4

Meaning and value attached to symbols
Individual interactions based on these symbols
COOLEY, MEAD ex. Japan eye contact = respect vs. US no eye contact = rude

Question 5

RATIONAL CHOICE/SOCIAL EXCHANGE (perspective: micro)

Answer 5

Individual behavior and interaction attempt to maximize personal gain and minimize personal cost (not critical for exam)

Question 6

FEMINIST (perspective: micro or macro)

Answer 6

Examines gender inequality in society (not critical for exam)

Question 7

2 FUNCTIONALISM functions (MANIFEST V LATENT)

Answer 7

Mannifest = intended, obvious purpose ex. social structure to teach facts and skills like education system
Latent = Unintended result of social structure ex. education system and social inequality

Question 8

POWER

Answer 8

ability to control and influence others

Question 9

AUTHORITY

Answer 9

whether others believe that power is legitimate
ex. traditional authority: longstanding patterns in a society like a monarchy
charismatic authority: personal appeal or extraordinary claim of an individual like Gandhi
rationale-legal authority: professional position ex physician

Question 10

MEDICALIZATION

Answer 10

process of defining human behaviors or characteristics as medical conditions often results in shifting attitudes, new scientific evidence ex. rely on more medicine