Sociological Theories

Question 1

This social theory is based on the importance of equality. It states that society is a struggle between groups, ultimately playing King of the Hill. Additionally, this results in inequality in power, as well as the concept of corporations over people.

Answer 1

Conflict Theory

Question 2

This theory states that various social institutions and processes in society exist to serve some important (or necessary) function to keep society running. A leading theorist in this field was Talcott Parsons.

Answer 2

Functionalism

Question 3

This theory states that society reflects the interests of the society’s elites. This is based off of Hegemony, or, the control and production of knowledge/culture by the elites.

Answer 3

Critical Constructionism

Question 4

This hypothesis states that language both reflects and influences how we think about and experience the world. For example, if a culture has 100 different ways to say love, it probably has a very prominent place in the culture. If there is only a single word to describe carpet, then carpet is probably not a large part of that society’s culture.

Answer 4

Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

Question 5

This theory states that culture is a projection of social structures and relationships into the public sphere.

Answer 5

Reflection Theory

Question 6

This theory by this namesake sociologist sought to explain how social forces beyond the individual shaped suicide rates. He thought that suicide is an instance of social deviation. He continued this theory through the two components of Social Integration (integration with your social group or community), and Social Regulation (what rules can lead you to expect in your day-to-day life).

Answer 6

Durkheim’s Normative Theory of Suicide

Question 7

Thie theory states deviance occurs when a society fails to give all its members equal ability to achieve socially acceptable goals.

Answer 7

Strain Theory

Question 8

This theory states that people see how they are labeled and accept the label as “true”. People behave the way they think someone with their label should behave.

Answer 8

Labeling Theory

Question 9

This theory seeks to explain how social context and cues affect the way individuals act. “People who would not exhibit a certain behavior in one social context might do so in another context where the behavior seems more permissible.

Answer 9

Broken Window Theory of Deviance

Question 10

This theory assumes gender differences exist to fulfill necessary societal functions (Structural Functionalism), as well as that other structures cannot fill the same function.

Answer 10

Sex Role Theory

Question 11

This theory states that gender is a process. Gender is not a fixed identity or role, but rather a product of those interactions. To be a man or a woman is not biology, but to perform that role constantly.

Answer 11

Interactionist Theories.