Module 1 – Foundations of Sociology

Question 1

Define the sociological perspective

Answer 1

a perspective that views individual behaviours, experiences, and decisions, and micro-level events and practices, as explained by macro-level social and historical conditions, structures, and systems

Question 2

We can think of the sociological perspective as:
Seeing the ____ in the ____
Seeing the ____ in the ____
Seeing ____ in ____

Answer 2

• Seeing the general in the particular
• Seeing the strange in the familiar
• Seeing individuality in social context

Question 3

Describe the sociological perspective of seeing the general in the particular

Answer 3

• Sociologists identify general patterns in the behaviour of individuals.
• General categories shape our experiences.
• Society acts differently on us depending on where we are located in the various categories (e.g., age, sex, social class, ethnicity, etc.).

Question 4

Describe the sociological perspective of seeing Seeing the strange in the familiar

Answer 4

• Giving up the idea that human behaviour is simply a matter of what people decide to do.
• Understanding that society shapes our decisions

Question 5

Describe the sociological perspective of seeing individuality in social context

Answer 5

Emile Durkheim’s research on suicide showed that society affects even our most personal choices.

• More likely to commit suicide: males, Protestants, the wealthy, and the unmarried (less socially integrated).
• Less likely to commit suicide: females, Jews and Catholics, the poor, and the married (more socially integrated).

Question 6

Discuss the benefits of studying the social world from a sociological perspective.

Answer 6

• Helps us challenge commonly held assumptions (common sense).
• Allows us to place ourselves within the social structure; to see the opportunities and constraints in our everyday lives.
• Empowers us to be active participants in our social world.
• Helps us to interact with others in a diverse world.

Question 7

Describe the Theoretical paradigm/approach

Answer 7

a basic image of society that guides thinking and research
– Structural-functional
– Social-conflict
– Symbolic-interaction

Question 8

Outline the structure of Sociological Theory

Answer 8

Sociological Theory divided into
Micro-Level, further devided into symbolic-interaction
AND Macro-level, divided into structural functional and social-conflict

Question 9

Differentiate between macro- and micro-level theories

Answer 9

o Micro-level theories focus on individuals and their interactions
o Macro-level theories “examine social structures or structural elements as they influence experiences and behaviors”

Question 10

Describe the Individual – Society Relationship in the context of macro-level theories

Answer 10

Macro-level Theories:

• Individual

Question 11

Describe the Individual – Society Relationship in the context of micro-level theories

Answer 11

Micro-level theories:
• Individual —> Society
• The everyday actions and interactions of individuals creates society

Question 12

Identify which is macro or micro-level out of Structural-functional, Social-conflict, and Symbolic-interaction

Answer 12

– Structural-functional = Macro
– Social-conflict = Macro
– Symbolic-interaction = Micro

Question 13

Structural-functional paradigm views society as…

And ignores…

Answer 13

Views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability .
– Ignores inequalities of social class, race, and gender; focuses on stability at the expense of conflict

Question 14

Structural-functional: Describe key words that can be used to describe this paradigm, and concepts within

Answer 14

Key words: order, stability, harmony, consensus
Concepts: structure, function, manifest and latent function, dysfunction.
o Social structure = any relatively stable pattern of social behaviour
o Social function refers to the consequences of a social pattern for the operation of society as a whole: manifest function is intended; latent function is unintended; and dysfunction is disruptive.

Question 15

Social-conflict paradigm views society as…

And ignores…

Answer 15

Views society as an arena of inequality that generates conflict and change
– Society is structured in ways to benefit a few at the expense of the majority
– Factors such as ethnicity, race, sex, class, and age are linked to social inequality
– Dominant group vs. minority group relations
Ignores how shared values and mutual interdependence unify society

Question 16

Social-conflict paradigm: Describe key words that can be used to describe this paradigm, and concepts within

Answer 16

Key words: conflict, power, domination/subordination

Concepts: inequality, power

Question 17

Symbolic-interaction paradigm views society as…

And ignores…

Answer 17

SI views society as the product of everyday interactions of individuals: micro-level
• Society is nothing more than the shared reality that people construct as they interact with one another
• Society is a complex, ever-changing mosaic of subjective meanings
- Ignores larger social structures, effects of culture, factors such as class, gender, ethnicity, and race

Question 18

Symbolic-interaction paradigm:

Describe key words that can be used to describe this paradigm, and concepts within

Answer 18

– Key words: social construction of reality, definition of the situation
– Concepts: social interaction

Question 19

Research designs are the toolbox within which the tools (research methods) are carried. They provide the structure of the research.
What are the 3 main research designs?

Answer 19

Cross-sectional Design
Longitudinal Design
Time-lag Comparison Design

Question 20

Describe Cross-sectional Design, and advantages and limitations

Answer 20

Takes place at 1 point in time and looks at many age cohorts. Often use survey methods to gather data.
• Advantages: Allows for efficient collection of a large amount of data
• Disadvantages: Captures snapshot of a population at one point in time, but it cannot analyze the effects of aging over time
Ex. Census bureau uses this approach when it conducts its national surveys

Question 21

Describe Longitudinal Design, and advantages and limitations

Answer 21

Follows one group of people (or several groups) over time. Conducts repeated studies of the same group(s).
• Advantages: Can analyze the effects of aging on a single cohort over time.
• Disadvantages: Compared to a cross-sectional study, this type takes more time to complete, and it can cost more to conduct
Ex. Ask them same questions at 5 year intervals

Question 22

Describe Time-lag Comparison Design

Answer 22

looks at one age group (e.g., 55 year olds) at several points in time.
• Advantages: Can analyze differences in the condition of this age group over time. Can then explore whether external conditions, social policies, health habits, or other influences have led to changes in this age group.

Question 23

Describe research methods sociologists use to collect data

Answer 23

• Survey: subjects respond to a series of statements in a questionnaire or interview
• Using existing sources: re-analyzing data collected by others
• Participant Observation: Researcher spends time with chosen group being studied, taking part in activities of the group and observe by participating
• Life History Method: Using open-ended, in-depth, recorded interviews to capture individuals’ experiences as they are located within the broader social context (e.g., political, familial, educational, religious spheres …)

Question 24

To assess how “good” research is, sociologists look at the reliability and validity of the measures. Explain reliability and validity in assessing measurement and research method.

Answer 24

Reliability: consistency in measurement–Does an instrument provide for a consistent measure of the subject matter?
Validity: precision in measuring exactly what one intends to measure–Does an instrument actually measure what it sets out to measure?

Question 25

Research Ethics: Discuss the importance of ethics in Informed Consent

Answer 25

• Participants are aware of risks and responsibilities and agree to take part before the work begins
• They can decide not to answer any question and they can withdraw at any time

Question 26

Research Ethics: Discuss the importance of ethics in Guard Against Harm or Injury

Answer 26

• May ask them to recall events that are unpleasant or traumatic, they may feel upset or embarrassed
• Must minimize the risk for participants

Question 27

Research Ethics: Discuss the importance of ethics in Protect Privacy

Answer 27

• Data analysis cannot reveal the individual’s identity

* Information must be kept confidential by restricted access and safe storage

Question 28

Define Social Interaction

Answer 28

the process by which people act and react in relation to others
– Through interaction, we create the reality we perceive.

Question 29

Define Social Structure

Answer 29

Social Structure: any relatively stable pattern of social behaviour (i.e., patterns of behaviour that persist across time and space). It guides interaction.
- Building blocks = Status and Role

Question 30

Define Power

Answer 30

Power: The ability of the social actor to determine the course of events or structure or social organization

• Social actors can be individuals or groups
• Power can be exerted directly by physical force or indirectly by shaping social structures

Question 31

Define Culture

Answer 31

Culture: ways of thinking (e.g., beliefs and values), ways of acting (e.g., behaviour), and material objects that together form a people’s way of life
 Culture is learned.
 All human culture share the same elements – symbols, language, norms, values, beliefs.

Question 32

Define Socialization

Answer 32

Socialization: The lifelong social experience by which people develop their human potential and learn culture
 It is a lifelong process of learning
 The process links individuals and society
 Allows us to participate in society
 Assumes there is a dominant culture

Question 33

Define Social Stratification

Answer 33

Social Stratification: A system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy
 A system of structured inequality among different groups of people (i.e., class, gender, ethnicity)

Question 34

Define Social Institutions

Answer 34

A major sphere of social life, or societal subsystem, organized to meet human needs
 Healthcare
 Finances and Economics
 Retirement and Work
 Leisure, Recreation and Service
 Housing and Transportation
 Family