Sociology Flashcards
MIDTERM
What concept is associated with Charles Wright Mills? Explain the concept
The sociological imagination, which is the ability to connect personal experiences to larger social structures and historical forces.
What was Emile Durkheim’s main finding regarding suicide?
Suicide rates are influenced by social integration and regulation, with different types such as egoistic, altruistic, anomic, and fatalistic suicide.
What is the organic analogy? How is it related to homeostasis and which sociological theory is it associated with?
A: Society is like a living organism where different parts function together to maintain stability (homeostasis). This is associated with Functionalism.
What was Robert K. Merton’s contribution to sociology?
He introduced manifest functions (intended outcomes), latent functions (unintended but positive outcomes), and dysfunctions (negative consequences)
Give examples of manifest, latent functions, and dysfunction of laws?
Laws: Manifest = Maintain order; Latent = Create bureaucracy; Dysfunction = laws differ depending the place
Give examples of manifest, latent functions, and dysfunction of poverty
Poverty: Manifest = make economy more stable ; Latent = Social mobility barriers; Dysfunction = health issues
Give examples of manifest, latent functions, and dysfunction of social media?
Social media: Manifest = Communication; Latent = Influence culture; Dysfunction = Misinformation
Give examples of manifest, latent functions, and dysfunction of social covid-19?
COVID-19: Manifest = Public health response; Latent = Remote work; Dysfunction = Economic collapse
Why does Functionalism argue that social inequality serves a function?
Inequality motivates people to fill different societal roles, ensuring that essential jobs are performed (e.g., doctors require long education)
What is Conflict Theory?
Society is structured by power struggles between 2 principale groups.
What are the 2 principale groups of conflict theory ?
1.Social structures benefit the powerful at the expense of others.
2.Conflict drives social change.
Explain Marx’s argument concerning capitalism. Define 1.exploitation, 2.alienation, 3.bourgeoisie, and proletariat.
1.Bourgeoisie (owners) exploit the proletariat (workers).
2.Exploitation: Workers produce more value than they receive in wages.
3.Alienation: Workers feel disconnected from their labor, products, and others.
What do Marx’s false consciousness and class consciousness mean?
1.False consciousness: Workers mistakenly believe the system is fair.
2.Class consciousness: Workers recognize their oppression and unite
How does false consciousness relate to dominant ideology? Give examples.
The ruling class promotes beliefs that justify inequality (e.g., “hard work leads to success” → ignores structural barriers).
How does Conflict Theory relate to the article “In just four days, top fashion CEOs earn a garment worker’s lifetime pay”?
Conflict theorists argue that capitalist exploitation keeps garment workers in poverty, benefiting the wealthy.
How would Functionalism and Symbolic Interactionism In just four days, top fashion CEOs earn a garment worker’s lifetime pay” article?
1.Functionalism: Inequality serves a role in the economy.
Symbolic 2.Interactionism: Status symbols (e.g., luxury fashion) reinforce class differences.
What are criticisms of Functionalism and Conflict Theory?
1.Functionalism: Justifies inequality, ignores conflict.
2.Conflict Theory: Overemphasizes economic factors, underestimates stability in society.
What is Symbolic Interactionism? How does it relate to Thomas Theorem?
Focuses on how meaning is created through interaction. Thomas Theorem states: “If people define situations as real, they are real in their consequences.”
What do Mead’s “I” and “Me” refer to?
1.”I”: Spontaneous, individualistic self.
2.”Me”: Socialized self, influenced by others.
What do Cooley’s sympathetic introspection and looking-glass self refer to?
1.Sympathetic introspection: Understanding others by imagining their experiences.(putting ourself in someones “shoes”)
2.Looking-glass self: We see ourselves based on how others perceive us.(example: trying on jeans)
Explain Goffman’s dramaturgical analysis and the difference between Front Stage vs. Backstage behavior.
Front Stage: Public self, performing for an audience.
Backstage: Private self, true behaviors emerge.
How does the article on peer pressure and substance abuse relate to Symbolic Interactionism?
Peer influence shapes behaviors through shared symbols (e.g., drinking = social acceptance).
What is the link between Symbolic Interactionism, status symbols, and conspicuous consumption?
People use goods (luxury brands, cars) to signal social status and identity.
