Sociology Flashcards
Sociology
Study of societies. Human societies are made up of institutions, groups, and individuals. Sociology studies how these 3 levels interact.
5 Major Areas of Study
population studies social behaviors cultural influences social change social institutions
Population Studies
Observing social patterns of groups of people who live in the same area
Social Behaviors
Study of the way general behaviors change over time, and attitudes like morale, desire for conformity, and other aspects of social interaction
Cultural Influences
Influences of culture (such as art, religion, language, and overall knowledge) on social groups
Social Change
Study of the way societies change over time - major wars, revolutions, or the influence of technology on human interaction
Social Institutions
Study of the way people organize themselves to fit particular roles in a society - creating churches, hospitals, government, businesses, schools, etc. Also studies the way these organizations change over time, or to fit the particular needs and beliefs of a society
Methods of Gathering Data
Surveys - direct question of members of the group under study
Controlled Experiments - Performing experiments that change an element of society
Field Observations - Living within a particular group to observe how they interact and live
Socialization
The process by which individuals learn to function within a specific culture, group, or society. Social contact is vital in early childhood, so children can function in society when they grow up.
Children learn from family, peers, and media. Children observe behaviors and adapt them to their own use, this process continues throughout life as individuals learn to adapt to new situations and groups.
Social Groups
Social groups are defined by how they begin, how they develop, and how they interact with wider society.
5 Major Classifications: Primary, Secondary, Reference, In - Groups/Out - Groups, Social Networks
Primary Groups
Focus on members’ need for support. Family or friends.
Secondary Groups
Form around the need to complete a task
Reference Groups
Help to form an individual’s identity
In-groups and Out-groups
Exclude members of other groups
Social Networks
Provide multiple links to a large number of individuals
5 Forms of Social Interaction
Cooperation, Coercion, Conflict, Conformity, and Social Exchange
These can make, break, or change a social group