Module 1 Flashcards
What is sociology?
Sociology is the scientific study of human society, social interactions, institutions, patterns, and changes, using systematic methods and theories. It seeks to understand how social forces shape behavior, culture, and institutions.
(Key founder: Auguste Comte – “science of society/social physics”)
Define “social order.”
Social order refers to the patterned, stable, and predictable arrangements of social institutions and relationships that organize society. It is maintained by norms, values, and shared expectations.
social change
Social change is the transformation over time in the structures, institutions, and cultural patterns of society. It may be gradual or rapid and is influenced by factors like technology, cultural diffusion, and economic shifts.
What are “status” and “role” in sociology?
• Status: A position in the social structure (e.g., student, teacher).
• Role: The set of expectations, behaviors, and obligations attached to a status.
What is “culture” in sociological terms?
Culture comprises the shared beliefs, values, norms, symbols, language, and material objects that define a group. It guides behavior and shapes identity.
Define “norms,” “values,” and “sanctions.”
• Norms: Rules and expectations for behavior.
• Values: Deeply held ideas about what is good or desirable.
• Sanctions: Rewards or punishments used to enforce norms.
What is functionalism in sociology?
Functionalism views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote stability and integration. Every social institution serves a function to maintain social order.
Who are the key founders of functionalism?
Emile Durkheim (pioneered the study of social facts and collective conscience) and Talcott Parsons (developed a more systematic model of social action and integration).
What are the main points of functionalism?
• Society is an interrelated system with parts (institutions, norms, roles) that contribute to stability.
• Social order and cohesion result from shared values and consensus.
• Dysfunction in one part can lead to social instability.
What are common critiques of functionalism?
• It tends to overlook social conflict and change.
• It may assume consensus where there is significant inequality or power struggle.
• It can be overly deterministic, ignoring individual agency.
What is conflict theory?
Conflict theory argues that society is characterized by inequality, power struggles, and conflict between competing groups (e.g., classes, races, genders). It sees social order as maintained by domination and coercion rather than consensus.
Which sociologist is most associated with conflict theory?
Karl Marx is central; his work in “The Communist Manifesto” and “Das Kapital” emphasizes class struggle and economic exploitation.
What are the key points of conflict theory?
- Society is structured by power differentials and resource distribution.
- Social change arises from conflicts between dominant and subordinate groups.
- Institutions reflect the interests of those in power.
What critiques are often leveled at conflict theory?
- It may overemphasize economic factors at the expense of cultural or symbolic dimensions.
- It can be reductionist by explaining all social phenomena solely as class struggles.
- Sometimes it neglects the stability and cooperative aspects of society.
What is symbolic interactionism?
Symbolic interactionism focuses on how individuals create, interpret, and negotiate meanings through social interactions. It sees society as constructed through everyday communication and symbols.
Who are the key figures in symbolic interactionism?
George Herbert Mead (the originator of the concept of the “self” through social interaction) and Herbert Blumer (who coined the term “symbolic interactionism”). Erving Goffman is also influential (for his work on impression management).
What are the main points of symbolic interactionism?
- Meanings are created through social interaction.
- The self is a social product emerging from communication.
- Micro-level analysis is essential to understanding larger social processes.
What critiques exist for symbolic interactionism?
- It may overlook broader structural forces such as institutions and power dynamics.
- Its focus on the micro level can limit its ability to explain large-scale social phenomena.
- It can be too subjective and difficult to generalize.
What is the feminist perspective in sociology?
Feminist theory examines how gender inequality shapes society, critiquing the historical male bias in sociology and emphasizing women’s experiences and the power dynamics of gender.
Who are some key feminist sociologists and works?
Ann Oakley (e.g., “Sex, Gender and Society”), Simone de Beauvoir (e.g., “The Second Sex”), and later Caribbean feminists such as those contributing to debates on creolization and identity.
What are the main points of the feminist perspective?
- Gender is a central category for understanding power and inequality.
- Traditional sociology often marginalizes or misrepresents women’s experiences.
- Social institutions are seen as reinforcing gender roles and patriarchal power.
What critiques are aimed at feminist perspectives?
- They may be critiqued for overemphasizing gender at the expense of other variables (race, class, etc.).
- Some argue that feminist theory can sometimes generalize women’s experiences.
- Intersectionality is required to fully capture diverse experiences.
What is positivism?
Positivism is an approach that holds that knowledge is derived from sensory experience and that only “positive” facts (measurable, observable data) are meaningful. It underpins quantitative research.
How is positivism linked to quantitative research?
Quantitative research relies on objective measurement, statistical analysis, and replicable methods to test hypotheses—principles aligned with the positivist view of science.
What are common quantitative research methods?
- Surveys and questionnaires
- Experiments
- Structured observations
- Statistical analysis of numerical data
List some advantages of quantitative methods.
Advantages:
– High reliability and replicability
– Ability to generalize findings
– Objectivity in measurement, the researcher does not have to interact with respondents
- data is easy to quantify
- cost effective practical
- minimal cost of distribution
List some disadvantages of quantitative methods.
Disadvantages:
– May not capture context or depth of experience (zero clarification)
– Can be limited by pre-determined variables, looking for one thing
– May overlook subjective meanings, which many argue (interpretivism) is important
- generalisations don’t apply to everyone (reasons for divorce or causes for crime r different)
- validity- missing info, people are confused and don’t know how to answer questions
difference between interactionism and interpretivism
Interactionism is a sociological theory that focuses on how people interact, while interpretivism is a research philosophy that assumes reality is subjective
What is interpretivism?
Interpretivism is a research approach that emphasizes understanding the subjective meanings and experiences of individuals. It is often associated with qualitative research.
How is interpretivism linked to qualitative research?
Qualitative methods (e.g., interviews, participant observation, focus groups) seek to capture the rich, contextual, and subjective aspects of social life, which is the focus of interpretivist inquiry.
What are common qualitative research methods?
- In-depth interviews (unstructured)
- Participant and non-participant observation
- Focus groups
- case studies
- Content and discourse analysis
List some advantages of qualitative methods.
Advantages:
– Provides rich, in-depth data
– Captures context and subjective meaning
– Flexible and adaptive
- usually high in validity because researcher usually gets first-hand accounts
- appropriate for studying sensitive issues such as rape, domestic violence and drug addiction
- can lead to the creation of new theories based on phenomena
List some disadvantages of qualitative methods.
Disadvantages:
– Often not generalizable
– More time consuming
– Data analysis can be subjective and less replicable
- ethical concerns in cases where subjects are unaware their actions are being observed- covert observation
What are mixed methods?
Mixed methods combine both quantitative and qualitative research approaches to capitalize on the strengths of each, offering a more complete understanding of social phenomena.
What is probability sampling?
Probability sampling is a method in which every member of the population has a known, non-zero chance of being selected. Examples include simple random sampling, systematic, stratified, and cluster sampling.
Advantages: Higher representativeness and generalizability.
Disadvantages: Can be complex and costly.
What is non-probability sampling?
Non-probability sampling involves selecting samples based on subjective criteria rather than random selection. Examples include convenience sampling, purposive sampling, and snowball sampling.
Advantages: Easier and less expensive.
Disadvantages: Greater potential for bias; limited generalizability.
epistemological
relating to the theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity, and scope, and the distinction between justified belief and opinion.
