Sociological Theories Flashcards
which sociological theories are macro?
Functionalism and Conflict theory
Which sociological theories are micro?
symbolic interactionism, rational choice theory and exchange theory
Which theories can be BOTH micro and macro?
social constructionism and feminism
What is functionalism and who is the theorist
Functionalism: parts of society work together to maintain stability (dynamic equilibrium)
theorist: Durkheim
What is conflict theory? Name the theorist
Conflict theory: parts of society work against each other in completion for limited resources
Theorists: Marx, Weber
Describe symbolic interactionism ? Who is the theorist?
Symbolic interactionism: individuals communicate with each other using culturally learned symbols
Theorist: Mead
What is social constructionism? is it macro or micro?
Social constructionism: individual interaction results in socially agreed-upon constructs
what is rational choice theory? Is it macro or micro?
Rational choice theory: individuals act based on costs and benefits.
it is micro
What is exchange theory? is it micro or macro?
Exchange theory: individuals interact based on rewards (benefits) and punishments (costs)
-micro
Define feminism. Is it micro or macro?
Feminism: women deserve rights that are politically, socially and economically equal to men
-can be BOTH micro or macro
Define sociology
Sociology: the study of society and the individual in relationship to society
What are the Big three classical sociological theories ?
Functionalism (macro), Conflict theory (macro) and symbolic interactionism (micro)
Differentiate between manifest and latent functions
Manifest: intended or obvious reasons for something
Latent: Not intended; less recognizable
Ex: manifest for attending school would be to better critical thinking skills. Latent function would be social networking
What are conflict theorists primarily concerned with ?
imbalances in wealth, power and prestige among major groups in society
What is capitalism ?
capitalism: an economic system that encourages private ownership in order to produce profit and thereby wealth
What is socialism?
Socialism: an economic system in which most means of production are collectively owned in order to benefit all members of society equally
What is class consciousness?
Class consciousness: a social condition in which a members of a subordinate social class are aware they as a group are being exploited by the wealthy
What are symbols?
symbols: culturally derived social objects that have shared meanings created and maintained through social interaction
(ex: ties, logos, food sharing)
Discuss the “I” and “Me” theory and which theorist came up with it
Herbert Mead came up with I and Me theory.
The “Me” : the social self; develops through interactions with others and is based on our interpretation of how generalized others view us
The “I” : is the response to me; one’s personal identity and individuality
What is the looking Glass self? What sociological theory does it fall under?
Looking glass self: process of how individuals base their sense of self on how they believe others view them
it falls under symbolic interactionism (Charles Cooley)
Define social construct. What is an example of social construct?
Social construct: anything that is made real due to human interaction
ex: Childhood
-despite bio differences between adults and children, different societies have conceptualized childhood in different ways
What are major social constructs ?
Mental health and Illness
Race and Ethnicity
Money and wealth
Prestige and Power
Age and Time