Sociological Theory

Question 1

Define Sociology

Answer 1

“the scientific study of”

Question 2

Who is Auguste Comte?

Answer 2

French philosopher who created sociology
Coined the term altruism,: refer to selfless kindness

Question 2

What is important to Emile Durkheim?

Answer 2

Aspects of our social life that shape our actions as individuals
- Social connectivity is important to Durkheim
- Ex. Connections we have with our family, friends, etc.

Question 3

What is Functionalism Tenants?

Answer 3

(Macro): Large scale Homeostasis
Theoretical perspective based on the notion that social events can be explained in terms of the functions they preform

Question 4

What is Conflict theory?

Answer 4

Draws on Marx theory; focuses on competition among groups within society over limited resources

Question 5

What is Symbolic Interactionism?

Answer 5

Micro-level theory in which shared meaning, orientations, and assumptions form the basic motivations behind people’s actions

Question 6

What is Sociological Imagination?

Answer 6

Social structures (Micro and Macro sociology); social agency
The relation between self and society; created by C Wright Mills

Question 7

MICRO Sociology

Answer 7

Relationship with and between groups

Question 8

MACRO Sociology

Answer 8

Social dynamics across whole societies

Question 9

Agency

Answer 9

Thoughts and actions taken by people that express their individual power

Question 10

Double Consciousness

Answer 10

Feeling like you have two identities

Question 11

Structuration Theory

Answer 11

social action cannot be fully explained by the structure or agency theories alone