Social structures Flashcards
Macrosociology
Large scale population
Big picture of social trends and how they influence individual
Functionalism, conflict theory
Microstructure
Small scale.
Individual interactions and how they affect society as a whole
Symbolic interactionism
Institutions
Continue on even after individuals die
Meet needs of society
Conservative view: natural creations as byproduct of humanity
Progressive: artificial creations that must be reorganized to benefit society
Social institutions
Education, family, religion
Government & economy
Healthcare
Medicalization
Human conditions get treated as health conditions
Sad being treated as depression
C section instead of natural birth
Functionalism
Minor change to remain functional
Society heads toward equilibrium between institutions and social facts
Examines individual parts that makes society go ‘round
Macro social change
Conflict theory
Inequalities of different groups (Marx)
Thesis–> antithesis—>resolve to synthesis
Accounts for changes in society
Social constructionism
MACRO LEVEL: societal beliefs, values
Things are only real because we make them real.
We give meaning to everything we create. Money means nothing without the meaning we give it
Weak: brute facts, institutional facts($)
Strong: language and habits
Symbolic interactionism
Micro level: more personal interactions
Symbols we give meaning to. Wedding rings, handshakes, etc. very subjective.
- Action depends on meaning
- Different people hold different meanings for things
- Meanings can change over time
Feminist theory
Gender differences
Gender inequality:work
Gender oppression: staying home
Structural oppression:
Women: body
Men: mind
Rational choice theory
Everything people do is fundamentally rational
Calculate cost/benefit for ourselves. Self driven
A>B>C
Exchange theory
Application of rational choice theory in social settings
People seek rewards and avoid punishments.
Functionalism
Functionalism: society tries to come to equilibrium. Institutions adapt when necessary
Everything is interdependent
Conflict theory
One group is happy with status quo, one is unhappy with it.
Creates new society
(Conflict)
Workers+owners–>results in middle class
Social theories
Functionalism: imbalance in society
Conflict theory: how society changes
Social constructionism: stereotypes
Feminist theory
Rational choice/exchange: should I go to doctor?
