Sociological Theories

Question 1

What is a theory?

Answer 1

systematic way of seeing the world

ex. a thief sees what is of value

Question 2

What is macro?

Answer 2

studies how social structures affect society

Question 3

What is micro?

Answer 3

focuses on individuals or small groups and their social experiences

Question 4

What is structural functionalism? /6

Answer 4

macro level

society is a stable system made up of institutions

institutions are organizations that fulfill a social need

exist because they serve a function

manifest/latent

ask: “What is the purpose?”

Question 5

What is conflict theory? /5

Answer 5

macro level

conflict and inequality originate from struggles between groups for property, power/prestige

social structures exist because they benefit a particular group

inequality = justified with a set of cultural beliefs and values = justify a social system

ask: “Who benefits”

Question 6

What is symbolic interactionism? /6

Answer 6

micro level

focuses on small groups and 1v1 person interaction (communication)

reality is socially constructed

use impression management to change how people see us (symbolism)

situations defined as real are real in their consequences (Thomas Theorem)

ask: “What does it mean?”

Question 7

What is the feminist theory? /6

Answer 7

macro and micro level

focuses on gender and other social statuses affect social experiences

gender roles are socially created and influence personal experience

gender socialization is how we learn those roles

social system is patriarchal (benefits men)

ask: “What are the gender issues?”