The Sociological Approach Flashcards

Question

What is sociology?

Answer 1

Sociology is the study of society and human behavior. It involves examining how social structures, institutions, and relationships influence individuals and groups. Sociologists seek to understand patterns of behavior, social interactions, and the effects of social factors like culture, politics, and economics.

Answer 2

The sociological imagination, coined by C. Wright Mills, is the ability to understand the relationship between individual experiences and larger social forces. It encourages individuals to see their personal problems as part of broader societal issues, thus linking personal experiences with wider social structures.

Answer 3

Functionalism: Focuses on how social institutions and structures contribute to societal stability and order. Conflict theory: Argues that society is shaped by conflicts between groups (e.g., social class, race) that have unequal power and resources. Symbolic interactionism: Examines how people create and interpret symbols through everyday interactions, emphasizing the role of language and communication.

Answer 4

Functionalism sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote stability and social order. Each social institution (e.g., family, education, economy) serves a function that contributes to the overall stability of society. Emile Durkheim argued that social institutions work to maintain equilibrium and prevent social breakdown.

Answer 5

Social institutions (family, education, media, religion) are seen as structures that meet the needs of society. Each institution has a specific function that helps maintain social order. For example, the family socializes children, the education system provides knowledge, and the economy ensures the distribution of resources.

Answer 6

Functionalism is often criticized for being overly conservative and neglecting the role of conflict and power in society. Critics argue that it fails to address inequality and assumes that all social functions are beneficial, ignoring how certain groups may be disadvantaged by social structures.

Answer 7

Conflict theory, primarily associated with Karl Marx, views society as a battleground of competing groups with differing interests, particularly between the ruling and working classes. It argues that social structures and institutions are designed to benefit the powerful, often at the expense of marginalized groups.

Answer 8

Conflict theory suggests that social change occurs through conflict, revolution, and struggle between social classes. For instance, Marx believed that capitalism would eventually lead to a revolution in which the working class would overthrow the capitalist system and establish a more equitable society.

Answer 9

Critics of conflict theory argue that it overemphasizes the role of conflict and ignores the positive aspects of social order and stability. It is also criticized for focusing too much on class struggles and not accounting for other forms of inequality, such as race and gender.

Answer 10

Symbolic interactionism, developed by George Herbert Mead and Herbert Blumer, focuses on the micro-level of social interactions. It emphasizes how individuals create, maintain, and interpret symbols (such as words, gestures, and objects) in everyday life, shaping their social reality through communication and interaction.

Answer 11

According to symbolic interactionism, human behavior is shaped by the meanings individuals attach to social symbols. People act based on how they perceive and interpret the world around them, and these interpretations are influenced by their social interactions with others.

Answer 12

The looking-glass self, introduced by Charles Horton Cooley, suggests that individuals develop their self-concept through their interactions with others. People perceive how they are viewed by others, and this reflection influences their self-identity and behavior.

Answer 13

In education, symbolic interactionism focuses on how students, teachers, and parents interact and the meanings they attach to these interactions. For example, labeling students as 'gifted' or 'troublemakers' can influence their self-esteem, behavior, and academic performance.

Answer 14

A social fact is a pattern of behavior or social phenomenon that exists outside the individual and exerts control over their actions. Examples include laws, norms, and collective beliefs. Durkheim argued that social facts should be studied scientifically, as they have a powerful influence on individual behavior.

Answer 15

Durkheim’s study of suicide is a seminal work in sociology. He showed that suicide rates are influenced by social factors, such as social integration and regulation. For instance, people with weaker social ties (e.g., those who are isolated) are more likely to commit suicide, demonstrating the impact of society on individual behavior.

Answer 16

Culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, norms, and practices that define a group or society. Society is the organized group of people who share these cultural elements. Sociology studies how culture shapes social behavior and how society, in turn, influences cultural practices.

Answer 17

Sociologists use both qualitative and quantitative research methods to study society. Qualitative methods, like interviews and observations, provide in-depth insights into social behavior, while quantitative methods, like surveys and experiments, allow sociologists to measure and analyze patterns in large populations.

Answer 18

Verstehen, a term introduced by Max Weber, refers to the idea of understanding social behavior from the perspective of the individuals involved. It emphasizes empathy and the need for researchers to grasp the subjective meaning behind people’s actions, rather than just observing them objectively.

Answer 19

Socialization is the process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, norms, and roles of their society. It shapes behavior by teaching people how to behave in socially acceptable ways and influences their perceptions of themselves and others.

Answer 20

Primary socialization occurs in early childhood, primarily within the family, where children learn basic social norms, values, and behaviors. Secondary socialization takes place later in life, through institutions like school, media, and peer groups, which further shape a person's social identity.