Sociology Flashcards
What are the five major schools of thought in sociology?
Functionalism, Neo-Marxism, Symbolic Interactionism, Feminist Theory, and Inclusionism.
What do sociologists study?
The influence of social institutions, roles, norms, values, deviance, and research-based studies.
What is Functionalism?
A system of thinking based on Émile Durkheim’s ideas, viewing society as a system heading towards equilibrium.
What are manifest functions?
Recognized and intended consequences of institutions, e.g., schools educating students.
What are latent functions?
Unrecognized and unintended consequences of institutions, e.g., social connections formed in schools.
What is Symbolic Interactionism?
A perspective that focuses on individual interactions and the meanings assigned to things.
Who is a key contributor to Symbolic Interactionism?
George H. Mead.
What are Herbert Blumer’s three tenets of Symbolic Interactionism?
- We act based on meanings assigned to things. 2. Meanings differ based on social interactions. 3. Meanings can change over time.
What is Feminist Theory?
A sociological perspective addressing gender inequality, emphasizing social, political, and economic aspects of women’s lives.
What is Intersectionality?
The examination of how race, class, sexuality, and disability intersect with gender.
What is Neo-Marxism (Conflict Theory)?
A perspective that studies societal inequalities based on economic and political power, rooted in Karl Marx’s ideas.
What is Class Consciousness?
Awareness of one’s social class and its inequalities, leading to potential collective action.
What is Inclusionism?
A perspective emphasizing diversity and recognizing who is socially included or excluded and why.
What is an Institution in sociology?
Organizations or establishments in society that meet societal needs, e.g., education, laws, religion.
What is Role Conflict?
Experiencing opposing demands from two or more roles, leading to stress and tension.
What is Deviance?
Behavior that does not conform to societal norms.
What is Assimilation?
The process of fully adopting a new culture while abandoning one’s original culture.
What is Integration?
Blending aspects of both original and new cultures to create a hybrid identity.
Why is Language Acquisition important in acculturation?
It allows individuals to communicate effectively, navigate daily life, and integrate into society.
What is the difference between Functionalism and Conflict Theory?
Functionalism sees society as stable and interdependent, while Conflict Theory sees society as a struggle between dominant and oppressed groups.
What are Social Facts?
Ways of thinking and acting that exist independently of individuals, such as laws and moral regulations.
How do sociologists conduct research?
Through qualitative and quantitative methods, including surveys, observations, experiments, and case studies.
What is the role of ethics in sociological research?
Ensuring participants are treated ethically, data is collected responsibly, and conclusions are communicated accurately.
