Sociological Theories

Question 1

Functionalism

Answer 1

Society is an organism. Dissimilar yet interdependent parts work together towards societal stability.

Question 2

Emile Durkheim

Answer 2

Father of Functionalism

Question 3

Conflict Theory

Answer 3

Individuals and groups in society are constantly competing for resources. Society will progress through this class struggle

Question 4

Karl Marx & Max Weber

Answer 4

Conflict Theory

Question 5

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer 5

Society is constructed through human interpretation. Individual is active in shaping society

Question 6

Social Constructionism

Answer 6

A social construct is created by society; everybody in society agrees to treat it that way. Dynamic ongoing process of people constructing society

Question 7

Rational Choice Theory

Answer 7

Decisions made by evaluating cost and benefits; natural to try to maximize benefits.

Question 8

Feminist Theory

Answer 8

How social constructs intersects with gender.

Confers voice to women

Question 9

Macro-Sociology

Answer 9

Large scale
Analyzes social structures and institutions by looking at patterns
Ex. Functionalism & Conflict theory

Question 10

Mico-Sociology

Answer 10

Look at how individual interactions affect larger patterns of society.
Ex. Symbolic Interaction, Social constructionism, and Rational Choice Theory