Part 1 - What is Sociology? Flashcards
What is sociology?
Sociology is the scientific study of human relationships and patterns of behavior
How does sociology differ from psychology?
Psychologists are interested primarily with the individual (what’s going on inside a person’s head).
Sociologists are interested in what goes on between people
What is the sociological perspective?
The sociological perspective is seeing the general in the particular. This definition tells us that sociologists look for general patterns in the behavior of particular people.
The four benefits of sociology
1) The sociological perspective helps us assess the truth of “common sense.”
2) The sociological perspective helps us see the opportunities and constrains in our lives.
3) The sociological perspective empowers us to be active participants in our society
4) The sociological perspective helps us live in a diverse world
‘Ascribed Status’ vs ‘Achieved Status’
‘Ascribed Status’ (characteristics acquired at birth/usually unchangeable)
‘Achieved Status’ (characteristics that can be acquired)
Power
The ability to control events or determine behavior of others despite resistance.
Authority
A specific form of control where the right to command is
considered appropriate and legitimate
Prestige
Social honor and respect.
Social Classes
Group of individuals or families who occupy a similar position in the economic system of production, distribution and consumption of goods.
Deviance and Conformity
Who follows values, beliefs, and norms, and who violates them.
Values
Standards of desirability: Collective expressions of judgment.
Beliefs
Ideas or assumptions about the nature of the social and physical reality.
Norms
Rules that define what behavior is expected, required, or expected in particular circumstances.
Culture
Values, beliefs, and norms that humans pass from one generation to the next
Social Institutions
Relatively permanent patterns of specialized roles, groups, organizations, and activities that meet some fundamental social needs.
Examples of an institution
Family, Politics, Religion, Education, Economy
Micro Approach (sociology)
Micro sociologists focus on small groups. They examine the patterns and processes of face-to-face interactions between humans.
Macro Approach (sociology)
Macro sociologists attempt to explain the fundamental patterns and processes of large-scale social relations.
What is the true difference between the micro and macro approach?
The true difference between micro and macro sociologists is simply the size of the group they study.
Functionalism (assumptions)
- A stable, cooperative social system in which everything has a function
- Societal elements function together to maintain order,
stability, and equilibrium - If an aspect of social life does not contribute to a society’s stability of survival, it will not be passed on from one generation to the next
Conflict Theory (assumptions)
- Society is based on coercion or force, not consensus
- Society is continually engaged in a series of disagreements, tensions, and clashes. It is a struggle between the privileged and the exploited
- Unlike functionalist who view societal parts as working harmoniously together, conflict theorist see disequilibrium and change as the norm
Interactionist Theory (assumptions)
- People define their reality through a process called the social construction of reality. Through their interactions in daily life, people create symbols and definitions when communicating with others
- Examining the microsocial world provides focus for understanding how individuals create and interpret life situations they experience
Stratification vs Inequality
Stratification is systematic and is based on identifiable social processes through which people are sorted into categories such as caste, class, race and gender.
whereas inequality simply means unequal distribution of goods, etc.
Theory
A statement of how and why specific facts are related.
