Module 2

Question 1

Functionalism

Answer 1

-Modern society is made up of interdependent parts that carry out specific functions and contribute to social order and stability
~Society is seen as a living organism
~Emphasizes the importance of consensus and social solidarity
~Conflict is seen as rare and abnormal

Question 2

Manifest function

Answer 2

-institution

Question 3

Latent functions

Answer 3

-

Question 4

Critique of functionalism

Answer 4

-Has trouble explaining inequality and unequal power relations. Everyone does not have equal functions

Question 5

Underlying assumption

Answer 5

-If it exist and persists, it must serve a function

Question 6

Conflict Theory

Answer 6

-Conflict is a normal feature of society, stemming from competition over scarce resources

Question 7

Underlying assumptions

Answer 7

-Unequal power relations and scarce resources exist between different actors and groups

Question 8

Power

Answer 8

-The ability of a person/group to get their interest met even in the face of resistance

Question 9

Ideologies

Answer 9

-Shard ideas of beliefs that serve to justify the interests of dominant groups

Question 10

Critique of Conflict theory

Answer 10

-It has trouble explaining stability and consensus

Question 11

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer 11

-Exchanges of information through symbols during social interactions
~People acquire a sense of who they are through interactions with others
~Symbols are the basis of social life
*Interactions with others teach individuals how to act, what to say, and what to think

Question 12

Critique

Answer 12

-Focus on minor level obscures larger structural dynamics

Question 13

Microsociology

Answer 13

-Symbolic interactionism is microsociology because of its study of face-to-face interactions
~Unit of analysis: individuals and social setting

Question 14

Macrosociology

Answer 14

-Functionalism and Conflict theory are macrosociology

~Unit of analysis: societies, countries, social institutions, and the like

Question 15

Social construction of reality

Answer 15

-Is not saying that things in our social world are not real. They are! However, the idea highlights how they are constructs that we often take for granted

Question 16

The Social Construction of Reality

Answer 16

-Theory assumes that understanding, significance, and meaning are created not within the individual, but in coordination with other human beings
~Human beings rationalize their experiences by creating a model of the social world and how it works
~Language is an essential system to help us establish that reality
~What we believe is real is shaped by our social interactions and our life experiences with other people

Question 17

Social institution

Answer 17

-An organizational system that functions to satisfy basic social needs
~Each institution addresses specific needs of a society by imposing specific roles for actors operating within them
~Are critical mechanism that produce ‘social cohesion’

Question 18

Social status

Answer 18

-A socially defined position a person occupies a group or society
~Ascribed status
~Achieved status
~Master status

Question 19

Ascribed Status

Answer 19

-This is something that one is born into or naturally happens

Question 20

Achieved status

Answer 20

-You voluntary seeks, sought out, or prosued something

Question 21

Master status

Answer 21

-A status that dominates all others and reflects a person’s overall position in society
~The most important status taking precedence over all others
~It is of great importance to one’s social identity

Question 22

Roles

Answer 22

-Are a set expectations (rights, obligations, behaviors and duties) that people occupying a certain status or social position are expected to preform
~A person occupies a status but plays a role

Question 23

Role conflict

Answer 23

-An incompatibility of role corresponding to two or more statuses

Question 24

Role Strain

Answer 24

-an incompatibility of roles corresponding to a single status