Midterm Flashcards
What is a social theory?
A statement of how and why specific facts are related.
What does social theory aim to explain?
Social behavior in the real world.
Name two examples of classical social theory.
- Structural-Functionalism (Durkheim)
- Historical Materialism (Marx)
What framework does Structural-Functionalism provide?
Sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.
Define social structure.
Any relatively stable pattern of social behavior.
Give an example of social structure.
- Social Hierarchies
- Social Institutions
- Social Roles
What are manifest functions according to Merton?
The recognized and intended consequences of any social pattern.
What are latent functions?
The unrecognized and unintended consequences of a social pattern.
What is a social institution?
The major spheres of social life, or societal subsystems, organized to meet human needs.
What is the difference between social status and social role?
- Social Status: A social position that a person holds.
- Social Role: Behavior expected of someone who holds a particular status.
True or False: Structural-Functionalism critically assesses society.
False.
What is a tautological argument?
A logical combination of sentences that is always true, regardless of the truth or falsity of the constituent sentences.
What does Karl Marx’s Historical Materialism assert?
How human beings produce material goods determines all other aspects of society.
What is class consciousness?
Awareness of and unification with one’s social class.
What is false consciousness?
A way of thinking that prevents a person from perceiving the true nature of their social or economic situation.
List two key instructions from the Communist Manifesto.
- Abolition of private property
- Free education for all children in public schools
What is the outcome of class struggle according to Marx?
- Oppression/Exploitation
- Revolutionary reconstitution of society
What is a critical view of Historical Materialism?
Assumes competition is an inherent factor of human relations.
What does Social Conflict Theory focus on?
Groups competing for limited resources and control, resulting in social inequality.
What is Gender-Conflict Theory?
Focuses on inequality and conflict between women and men.
Define Symbolic Interactionism.
A framework that sees society as the product of the everyday interactions of individuals.
What is Social Learning Theory?
New behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs can be acquired through observing and imitating others.
What is the Self-fulfilling Prophecy?
A prediction that comes true in part as a result of a person’s or group’s belief or expectation.
What is a critical thought regarding Symbolic Interactionism?
Risks overlooking the widespread influence of macro social structures.
What is one application of social theory?
Why do wealthier students do better on the SAT and ACT than poorer students?
