Quiz 1 Flashcards
What is the Sociological Imagination?
The ability to see the relationship between individual experiences and larger social influences
Coined by C. Wright Mills, it emphasizes understanding personal troubles in the context of public issues.
Define Sociology.
The study of society and social behavior
It examines the development, structure, and functioning of human society.
What does ‘strange familiar/familiar strange’ refer to?
The concept of viewing the familiar in a new light and the strange as something more familiar
It encourages critical thinking about societal norms.
What are personal troubles of milieu?
Issues that occur within an individual’s immediate environment
They contrast with public issues of structure.
What are public issues of structure?
Problems that affect large groups and are often rooted in societal institutions
They go beyond individual experiences.
Define social location.
The social context that influences an individual’s identity and perspective
It includes factors like race, class, gender, and age.
What is the debate between agency and structure?
The discussion of whether individuals have the power to act independently (agency) or are constrained by social structures
It is a central theme in sociology.
What does structuration refer to?
The theory that social practices are recursively linked to the structures that shape them
Introduced by Anthony Giddens.
What is methodology in research?
The systematic approach to studying social phenomena
It includes various methods like qualitative and quantitative research.
What is participant observation?
A qualitative research method where the researcher immerses themselves in the environment being studied
It aims to gain a deep understanding of social practices.
What are the strengths of participant observation?
Provides in-depth insights and context
It allows for the collection of rich qualitative data.
What are the weaknesses of participant observation?
Potential bias, ethical concerns, and time-consuming
Researchers may influence the environment.
What are experiments in sociology?
Research methods that involve manipulation of variables to determine cause and effect
They often include control groups.
What is the difference between causation and correlation?
Causation indicates one event causes another, while correlation indicates a relationship without direct causation
Spurious correlation can occur when two variables appear related but are influenced by a third variable.
What are case studies?
In-depth examinations of a single instance or event
They provide detailed qualitative data about specific cases.
What is secondary analysis?
The analysis of data collected by someone else
It allows researchers to draw new conclusions without collecting new data.
What are unobtrusive measures?
Research methods that do not involve direct interaction with subjects
They include content analysis and observation.
What ethical issues are associated with research?
Informed consent, privacy, and risks to vulnerable populations
Ethical considerations are crucial in conducting research.
What were the Tuskegee Experiments?
A controversial study where African American men were misled about their treatment for syphilis
It raised significant ethical concerns regarding informed consent.
What is the role of an IRB?
Institutional Review Board that reviews research proposals to ensure ethical standards are met
It protects the rights and welfare of research subjects.
Define classical theory in sociology.
Foundational theories that shape the discipline of sociology
Includes key thinkers like Marx, Weber, and Durkheim.
What is Marx’s perspective in sociology?
Focus on conflict and class struggle
He emphasized the role of economic power in social relations.
What does Weber’s concept of rationalization refer to?
The process by which traditional modes of thinking are replaced by a focus on efficiency and logic
It leads to disenchantment in society.
What is disenchantment in Weber’s theory?
The loss of magical and mystical elements of life due to rationalization
It reflects a shift towards a more secular and scientific worldview.
What does Classical Theory in sociology encompass?
Key theorists such as Marx, Weber, Durkheim, and DuBois
Includes theories of conflict, class struggle, social facts, and double consciousness.
Who is associated with the concepts of conflict and class struggle?
Marx
Focuses on the relationship between the bourgeoisie and proletariat.
What are the components of Marx’s theory?
- Base and superstructure
- Margin of exploitation
- Alienation
- False consciousness
What is Weber’s concept of ‘ideal type’?
A theoretical framework to understand social phenomena
Associated with rationalization and disenchantment.
What does the Protestant Ethic refer to in Weber’s theory?
Calvinist predestination and its influence on economic behavior
Emphasizes asceticism and reinvestment of profit.
What are Durkheim’s main contributions to sociology?
- Social facts
- Social cohesion
- Regulation and integration
- Mechanical to organic solidarity
What is the significance of ‘collective conscious’ in Durkheim’s work?
Refers to the set of shared beliefs and values in a society
Connected to social cohesion and regulation.
What is DuBois’s concept of ‘double consciousness’?
The internal conflict experienced by subordinated groups in an oppressive society
Highlights structural inequality.
What is the main focus of Contemporary Theory in sociology?
The distinction between micro and macro perspectives
Includes Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Symbolic Interactionism.
What does Functionalism study?
- Manifest functions
- Latent functions
- Positive and negative dysfunctions
What is the primary concern of Conflict Theory?
Power dynamics and maintaining inequality
Examines hegemony and social conflict.
What does Symbolic Interactionism emphasize?
Humans act based on meanings assigned to objects
Focuses on social construction and transformation of meanings.
What is Postmodernism’s view on social reality?
Rejects grand narratives and embraces fragmented perspectives
Includes concepts like a-pos teles syndrome.
What is the difference between material and non-material culture?
Material culture refers to physical objects, while non-material culture involves ideas and beliefs
Both are essential for understanding culture.
Fill in the blank: Sociology as an emancipatory social science is primarily associated with _______.
DuBois
True or False: The concept of ‘iron cage’ is associated with Marx.
False
It is a concept from Weber’s sociology.
What is the difference between micro and macro in contemporary theory?
Micro focuses on small-scale interactions, while macro examines large-scale social processes.
What are the key components of Functionalism?
Manifest functions, latent functions, positive functions, negative functions, dysfunctions.
What are problem solving entities in the context of Functionalism?
Entities that work to solve social issues and maintain stability.
What does Conflict Theory emphasize?
Conflict, power dynamics, maintaining inequality.
Define Hegemony in sociological terms.
The dominance of one group over others, often maintained through cultural means.
What does Symbolic Interactionism focus on?
Humans act based on the meanings they assign to objects and interactions.
Fill in the blank: Symbolic Interactionism involves adjustments and _______.
readjustments.
What is meant by socially constructed in Symbolic Interactionism?
Meanings and perceptions are created through social interactions.
What is Postmodernism characterized by?
Themes such as the television generation, global shopping centers, and the yuppie factor.
What is the significance of the term ‘American grab bag’ in Postmodernism?
It refers to the diverse and eclectic nature of American culture post-60s.
Define Culture in sociology.
The shared beliefs, values, norms, and material items that characterize a group.
What is the debate between Nature vs. Nurture in sociology?
It examines the influence of genetics (nature) versus environment (nurture) on behavior.
Differentiate between material and non-material culture.
Material culture includes physical objects, while non-material culture encompasses beliefs and values.
What are Universals in the context of culture?
Cultural traits or patterns that are found in all human societies.
List the ten core American values.
- Individualism
- Equality
- Achievement and success
- Activity and work
- Humanitarianism
- Progress
- Material comfort
- Efficiency and practicality
- Science
- Democracy.
What are the two types of norms in culture?
Proscriptive norms and prescriptive norms.
What are sanctions in the context of norms?
Consequences for adhering to or violating social norms.
Fill in the blank: The term ‘Other’ Cultures refers to _______.
cultures outside one’s own.
What is Globalization?
The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence.
Define glocalization.
The adaptation of global ideas into local contexts.
What is grobalization?
The expansion of global capitalism and culture.
What does homogenization refer to in cultural contexts?
The process by which cultures become more similar.
Differentiate between Assimilation and Multiculturalism.
- Assimilation: Integration of minority groups into the dominant culture.
- Multiculturalism: Acknowledgment and promotion of diverse cultural identities.
