sociological perspective

Question 1

Sociology-

Answer 1

The study of society and human behavior, is one of these sciences.

Question 2

Sociological perspective-

Answer 2

Stresses the social contexts in which people live. Also understanding human behavior by placing it within its broader social context.

Question 3

Symbolic interactionism-

Answer 3

Is that symbols-things to which we attach meaning-are the key to understanding how we view the world and communicate with one another.

Question 4

Functionalism-

Answer 4

Sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to help our society operate and promote solidarity and stability.

Question 5

Manifest function-

Answer 5

An action is intended to help some part of a system.

Question 6

Latent function-

Answer 6

Unintended consequences that help a system adjust.

Question 7

Social Class-

Answer 7

A large group of people who rank closely to one another in property, power, and prestige.

Question 7

Wealth-

Answer 7

When you add up the value of someone’s property and subtract that person’s debts.

Question 7

Income-

Answer 7

Is a flow of money.

Question 7

Power-

Answer 7

The ability to get your way despite resistance-was concentrated in the hands of a few.

Question 7

Power elite-

Answer 7

Those who make the big decisions in U.S. society.

Question 8

Prestige-

Answer 8

Respect or regard.

Question 9

Status consistency-

Answer 9

Ranking high or low on all three dimensions of social class.

Question 10

Status inconsistency-

Answer 10

People who have a mixture of high and low ranks.

Question 11

Anomie-

Answer 11

A condition of society in which people become detached from the usual norms that guide their behavior.

Question 12

Upward social mobility-

Answer 12

Movement up the social class ladder.

Question 13

Downward social mobility-

Answer 13

Movement down the social class ladder.

Question 14

Poverty line-

Answer 14

Helps the U.S. government to determine who is poor.

Question 15

Feminization of poverty-

Answer 15

A condition of U.S. poverty in which most poor families are headed by women.

Question 16

Horatio Alger Myth-

Answer 16

That limitless possibilities exist for everyone.

Question 17

Karl Marx-

Answer 17

Early sociologist, (original) conflict theorist (class conflict).

Question 18

Symbolic interactionists-

Answer 18

Sees society as the product of everyday face-to-face interactions among individuals. These interactions are dependent upon the symbols, or meanings, we attach to everything around us (dictates behavior).

Question 19

Functionalists-

Answer 19

Understand about how different parts of how society works together to keep society functioning(society works like a machine/engine).

Question 20

Conflict theorists-

Answer 20

Two sides disagreeing, fighting, competing, or disagreements between groups of people.

Question 21

Max Weber’s variables for social class-

Answer 21

Large group of people. Property, power, prestige (3 P’s).

Question 22

Marx & social class-

Answer 22

Classes are defended and structured by the relationship of means to production (worker or owner). All Behavior results between conflict and owner.

Question 23

Wealth-

Answer 23

Total value of everything except debt (poverty + income - debt).

Question 24

Most important factor in determining social prestige?-

Answer 24

One’s job or occupation. (respect or regard).

Question 25

Income distribution in the U.S.-

Answer 25

Distribution between wealth money and assists not distributed equally top 20% owns most of income.

Question 26

Status inconsistency-

Answer 26

Ranking high on some dimensions of social class and low in others (teachers with degrees but changes cause of occupation income).

Question 27

Occupational prestige in the U.S.-

Answer 27

Doctors, physicians.

Question 28

Gilbert & Kahl’s variables for social class-

Answer 28

Education power prestige and property (adds education).

Question 29

Anomie-

Answer 29

They go through sudden changes in their life and start by buying a bunch of things as well as lending money. People become detached from the norms which guide their behavior (lottery winners).

Question 30

Six classes according to Gilbert & Kahl?-

Answer 30

Capitalist (1%), upper middle (15%), lower middle (34% biggest class), working (30%), working poor (15%), underclass (5%).

Question 31

Who are the poor in America; according to race? age?-

Answer 31

Poor whites and under 18.

Question 32

Feminization of poverty-

Answer 32

Single women heading poor households.

Question 33

Relationship between births to single mothers and education-

Answer 33

They often won’t get a lot of education. As education level decreases, births to single moms increases.

Question 34

The THREE Theoretical Perspectives of Sociology and The Pursuit of Happyness: you must use all three to explain various behaviors in the film

Answer 34

Chris knew that people would treat him differently, if they knew he was homeless. He would’ve more than likely lost his job if they found out about his homelessness, since he’s a stockbroker they wouldn’t trust him with their money. This is the symbol or meaning people have put behind homelessness (symbolic interactionism). When Chris and his son became homeless and his job was being a stockbroker his intention wasn’t to be a multi millionaire through his job, however it ended up happening (latent function). Next is conflict theory competing with his co workers for a better placement in his job.

Question 35

List and describe at least THREE ways social class affects peoples’ experiences in life; how has it impacted your life?

Answer 35

Physical Health- My physical health is good. I used to play sports so I would train almost everyday, most days with trainers. This affects my social class because it shows that I have the money to be able to do those things when lower social classes are not.

Mental Health- I am able to afford therapy if I need to go to a therapist I can. This affects my social class because it shows that I have the money to be able to go to therapy when lower social classes are not.

Education- I’ve been going to public schools my whole life but a few months ago we were thinking about going to a private school, but upon touring it we found that it was too much money. This affects my social class because it shows that not a lot of people can even think about considering going to a private school.