Sociology: Elements of Social Interaction

Question 1

Social Interaction: Status (Ascribed, Achieved, Master)

Answer 1

Positions in society that are used to classify individuals.

1. Ascribed: given involuntarily.
2. Achieved: gained as a result of one’s choices.
3. Master: status by which a person is most identified. Pigeonholing.

Question 2

Social Interaction: Roles (of a status)

Answer 2

Set of beliefs, values, attitudes, norms that define expectations for those who hold the status.

Question 3

Social Interaction: Definition and Types of Groups (5)

Answer 3

Def: people who share similar characteristics AND sense of unity.

1. Peer: self-selected equals.
2. Family: determined by birth, adoption, marriage.
3. In-groups: belong.
4. Out-groups: don’t belong.
5. Reference groups: establish terms by which individuals evaluate themselves.

Question 4

Social Interaction: Primary and Secondary Groups

Answer 4

Primary: direct interactions. Close bonds. Long-lasting.

Secondary: superficial interactions. Few emotional bonds. Short-lasting.

Question 5

Social Interaction: Community and Society

Answer 5

Community: unified by feelings of togetherness due to shared beliefs.

Society: formed because mutual self-interests working together toward same goal.

Question 6

Social Interaction: SYMLOG for Observing and Analyzing Groups

Answer 6

SYMLOG “SYstem for Multiple Level Observation of Groups”.

Question 7

Social Interaction: Networks

Answer 7

Observable pattern of social relationships among individuals or groups.

Question 8

Social Interaction: Organizations, Iron Law of Oligarchy, McDonaldization

Answer 8

Entities set up to achieve specific goals. Have structure, culture. Differ from groups.

Iron law: democratic/bureaucratic systems naturally shift to being ruled by an elite group.

McDonaldization: shift in focus toward efficiency, predictability, calculability, control in societies.