Psych/Soc Review (Content Review) Flashcards
What is functionalism?
A theory that states that every structure has a function that meets the needs of a society and all the structures work together to maintain social equilibrium
What is a manifest function in functionalism?
A recognized and intended consequence of institutions
What is a latent function in functionalism?
An unintended and indirect effect of institutions
What is a problem with functionalism?
It focuses completely on institutions with little regard to the importance of the individual
What is conflict theory?
A theory that focuses on the inequalities of society, mainly between the bourgeoise (upper class in control) and the proletarat (lower class majority). It involves a thesis and an antithesis
In concerns to conflict theory:
Class conciousness means?
Solidarity with one’s own class (normally for lower class). When they struggle they can together to gain the means of production
In concerns to conflict theory:
False conciousness means?
Workers cannot see their own oppression. This is normally promoted by upper class because they promote the idea that if the workers work hard enough that maybe one or two break through.
*Think America
In concerns to conflict theory:
What is a Thesis vs. Antithesis?
A thesis is a class (normally upper class) is happy however, the working class is not (Anti-thesis). These normally synthesize (for example a middle class is formed). However over time, another thesis and anti-thesis is formed and the cycle repeats
What are the problems with conflict theory?
It doesn’t explain how a society is functional
What is social constructionism?
The theory that knowledge and the things around us are not ‘real’ in and of themselves but instead only exist because we give them reality based on social agreements
What are the two threads of social constructionism?
Weak thread that relies on brute facts
Strong thread that states the whole of reality is dependent on language and social habit and there are no brute facts
What is a problem with social constructionism?
It doesn’t consider the effects of natural phenomenon on society
What is symbolic interactionism?
A theory that explains the individual and their interactions with others
What are the 3 tenents of symbolic interactionism?
1-We act based off the meaning we have given something
2-We give meaning to things based off our social interactions
3-THe meaning we give something is not permanent and can change with everyday life
What is the problem with symbolic interactionism?
It is restricted to small interactions and cannot describe large scale society
What is the rational-choice theory?
A theory that everything we do is fundamentally rational.
Rational meaning the weighing of the cost benefits of actions
What are the 3 assumptions of rational-choice theory?
1) Every choice can be ranked
2) Transivity; If A>B and B>C then A>C
3) Independence of irrelavent alternitives-If X is incorporated into A>B>C it will not change the ranking of the first 3 options
What is Exchange theory?
The theory that looks at society as a series of interactions between indivduals
What are the 3 assumptions of exchange theory?
1) People want to maximize profits
2) Rewarding behavior is repeated
3) All behavior is operating within social norms
What are the issues with rational-choice exchange theory?
Both assume that people make rational choices and it cannot explain altruism
What is life course theory?
Aging is a social, psychological and biological process that begins from birth until death
What is age stratification?
A theory that looks at age as a way of regulating behavior of a generation
What is activity theory?
A theory that looks at how the older generation looks at themselves
What is disengagement theory?
That older adult and society separate; Ex: someone retiring
-It assumes that people become more self absorbed as they age so separation allows for self reflection