Social Structure & Demographics

Question 1

macrosociology

Answer 1

focuses on large groups and social structures

Question 2

microsociology

Answer 2

focuses on small groups and the individual

Question 3

functionalism (functional analysis)

Answer 3

study of the structure and function of each part of a society

Question 4

function

Answer 4

the beneficial consequences of people’s actions

Question 5

dysfunction

Answer 5

harmful consequences of people’s actions

Question 6

manifest function

Answer 6

an action that is intended to help some part of a system

Question 7

latent function

Answer 7

unintended positive consequences of a manifest function

Question 8

conflict theory

Answer 8

based on the works of Marx; focuses on how power differentials are created and how they contribute to the maintenance of social order

Question 9

social interactionism

Answer 9

study of the way individuals interact through a shared understanding or words, gestures, and other symbols - symbols are the key to understanding how we view the world and communicate

Question 10

social constructionism

Answer 10

focuses on how individuals construct concepts and principles; agreement on an abstract principle such as honor or justice

Question 11

social institutions

Answer 11

well-established social structures that dictate certain patterns of behavior and are accepted as fundamental part of culture

Question 12

demographic shift

Answer 12

changes in the makeup of a population over time

Question 13

demographic transition

Answer 13

specific example of a demographic shift referring to changes in birth and death rates in a country as it develops from a preindustrial to industrial economic system

Question 14

Kinsey scale

Answer 14

sexuality spectrum from 0-6; 0 being exclusive heterosexuality and 6 exclusive homosexuality.