UNIT 1 (Intro, Sociological Concepts & Theories) Flashcards
What is a broad definition of “Sociology”?
the systemic study of human behaviour in a social context.
Define “Social Structures”.
Relatively stable patterns of social relations
Name the three levels of social structure.
- Microstructures
- Macrostructures
- Global Structures
Define the three levels of social structures in simple terms
Microstructures: Patterns of social relations made from FACE-TO-FACE INTERACTIONS
Macrostructures: Patterns of social relations above the individuals IMMEDIATE circle of people and acquaintances
Global structures: Patterns of social relations outside and above the NATIONAL level
What is the “Sociological Imagination”
The ability to see the connections between personal troubles and social structures.
Who was Augusta Compte
The “Originator” of sociology
He wanted to take the scientific method and use it to improve society
What were the three revolutions that “Originated” the sociological revolution?
Scientific revolution
Democratic revolution
Industrial revolution
How did the democratic revolution influence society?
The enlightenment allowed:
- thinking about social forms and arrangements, and how they change
-Establish new forms of order - Suggest people were responsible for creating society, and also capable for solving social problems
How did the Industrial Revolution impact the origin of sociology?
It created a lot of misery and social problems in society
What was Herbert Spencer’s main ideas?
- Social Darwinism
_ Social inequalities were necessary for society to evolve - Eugenics
Define Social Darwinism
The belief that certain race is superior than the others, and that only the “Best” of them survive
Why are sociologically proposed solutions not always the best for society?
Because there are tensions between the belief and importance of science VS. The vision of an ideal society
EX: Karl Marx —> Conflict Theory
Define Theories
Tentative explanations of some aspect of social life that state how and why certain facts are related to
What are the 2 “Levels” of theories? And Define them
- Middle-Ground theories (Used to explain 1 single thing)
- Grand theories (Used to describe why society is the way it is)
Define “Research”
The process of systematically observing reality to assess the validity of a theory
What are the two ways we conclude research?
- Deduction (Have a theory, then try to prove it with data)
- Induction (Have Data, try to prove or create a theory)
Define “Values”
They are Ideas about what is good/bad or right/wrong
They help you favour certain sociological theories over others
How was suicide studied before, and how is it studied now
Suicide was studied on the individuals state of mind, rather than the state of society
Durkheim studied how suicide effected people in certain social settings
What did Emile Durkheim discover?
Suicide rates and rates of psychological disorder did not vary directly, and were even inversely related.
What did Durkheim conclude from his studies?
Suicide rates varied as a difference in peoples degree in SOCIAL SOLIDARITY
(Social bonds act as protective against suicide)
Define Social Solidarity
The degree to which group members share beliefs & values, and intensity/frequency of their interactions
List the Highest rate of suicide to least rate of suicide among religious groups
Atheist, Protestant, Catholic, Jew
What can we conclude from the increasing suicide rates in modern times?
Lower social bonds and lower connections to faith/religion equal higher rates of suicide
Define the social theory of “Structural Functionalism”
Human behaviour is governed by stable patterns of social relations or social “Structures”
Social structures can either maintain or undermine social stability
How do Structural Functionalists see a “Disordered” Society
As “Dysfunctional” and that societal problems arise from that dysfunction
For society to be back to normal it needs to establish “Equalibrium” again
How to you Re-establish “Equilibrium” in society?
By creating new social structures and instrututions
OR
Re-establishing Functionalism
Was Durkheim theories about suicide a functionalist theory?
yes
What was Talcott Parsons theory of functionalism
Various institutions must work to ensure the smooth operation of society
What are the two functions Institutions can have?
Manifest functions
Latent functions
Define Manifest and Latent Functions
Manifest functions: The Obvious and Intended effect of a social structure
Latent Function: the non-obvious and unintended effect of social structure
What was Robert Merton’s theory of Functionalism
Social structures have different consequences for different groups of people, which may be dysfuncitonal
What is Conflict Theory?
Says that major patterns of inequality produce social instability and social change
Stresses that the privileged seek advantage over the lower class groups, who struggle to gain privilege
What level of Social structures does conflict theory focus on?
Large, Macrolevel structures
Who originated conflict theory, and what was his main ideals
Karl Marx is the originator of conflict theory
He created the idea of Class Conflict
Define “Class Conflict”
the struggle between classes to resist and overcome the opposition of other classes
(Lower Vs Higher class, unprivileged Vs. Privileged)
What was Max Weber’s contribution to sociology?
He critiqued Marx’s argument of class conflict, and said that there are more factors such as politics and religion that force change, not just economic standing
What was Antonio Gramsci Known for and define his theory
Cultural Hegemony: When the “elites” values become so dominant that a majority of people view it as common sense
How did Michel Foucault think about culture?
That culture is a place of conflict between dominant and subordinate classes, and EVERY social interaction is a way to gain power
How did Foucault think about institutions power to control individuals?
That modern institutions CAN use violence however, they mostly rely on INTERNALIZATION as a control mechanism
Define Poststructuralism
Breaking down the conventional categorizations and not having stable definitions for any right thing
(Breaking down Binary Opposition)
What is symbolic Interacitonalism?
Focus on understanding peoples motives and the meaning they attach to things in order to better understand the significance of their actions
What level of social structures does symbolic interactionism affect the most?
Interpersonal communication and the MICRO level of social structures
What did George Herbert Mead Suggest?
Individuals sense of self is formed with interaction with other people.
What did Erving Goffman say about symbolic interactionism?
People present themselves to others everyday in the best way possible
(Basically you present yourself how others want to perceive you and act like it too)
Define Social Constructionism
Everything we think of normal in society are created and sustained by social process that vary historically and culturally.
What is Queer theory?
Denies the existence of “Stable Identities”. Instead, we have spectrums that have infinite amount of possibilities between the poles.
What is Feminist Theory?
They say that male domination in society are created by social structure and power conventions. (Socially made not biologically)
How did modern feminism affect sociology?
Drew attention to feminism, and gender inequality specifically in barriers of opportunities, paid work and politics.
What was the Post-industrial revolution?
The technology driven shift from manufacturing, to service jobs.
Define “Freedom” sociologically
Be able to construct their identities and form social relationships the way they want to suit them (Deconversion of “Set” norms)
How are we constrained in the 21st century?
Conformity and needing to be similar to the social norms of life.
