Social Theory Flashcards
social theory
overarching framework that suggests certain assumptions and assertions about the way the world works
frameworks are used for posing research questions and evaluating evidence related to those questions
Auguste Comte’s main contribution to society
coined term sociology
believed accurate observation and description are highest form of knowledge
scientific knowledge can be used to improve people’s lives
Emile Durkheim and his suicide study
father of sociology social facts social order suicide rates in Europe: unmarried > married childless > parents protestats > catholics
anomie
social instability caused by breakdown of standards and values
alienation resulting from lack of purpose or ideal
social facts
Emile Durkheim
regularities and rules of everyday life that exist independently and outside the control of individuals
division of labor
specialization of individuals in any organization or group, or in society as a whole, particularly in relation to work
sociological ideas of Karl Marx
human history is best understood through history of different economic systems
the way humans produce the things they need to live is the essential foundation of any society
Max Weber’s main contributions to sociology
power/authority
technological and scientific development
power
a persons ability to achieve his or her objective even if someone else wants to try to prevent it
authority
the capacity to get people to do things because they think that they should abide by the commands of people above them
neo-Marxist view
contends that the capitalist state could, and indeed often has, forced powerful economic classes to make concessions to the working class improving the living standards of all citizens
rationalization
Weber
society has become increasingly concerned with efficiency, predictability, calculability, and dehumanization
functionalism (structural functionalism): core assumptions and limitations
society is greater than the sum of its parts
all social institutions contribute to balance and continuation of society
ex: prostitution and traditional 1950s family
emphasis on balance, status quo
doesn’t ask who its functional for
manifest v. latent functions
manifest: obvious and intended purposes of institutions, practices and behaviors
latent: not obvious or unintended purposes of institutions, practices, and behaviors
symbolic interactionism: core assumptions and limitations
social order starts from individuals and meanings we give
symbols are the basis of human communication
social behavior is emergent and interactive, not pre-determined
human interaction requires a shared definition of the situation
neglects social structure and persistent structured inequalities
over-emphasizes human need for cooperation and shared. understanding
