Unit 2: Dominant Approaches and Ideas in the Social Sciences Flashcards
Society is a complex unit composed of many parts that come and work together to ensure its stability and survival
Structural-Functionalism
Patterns in society that are considered relatively stable
Social Structures
Groups that can influence norms in society
Social Institutions
Consequences (of each social structure) for the operation of society
Social Functions
Recognized and intended consequences; readily attributed to a specific social structure or institution
Manifest Functions
Unrecognized and unintended consequences; hidden purposes of a social structure or institution
Latent Functions
Elements or processes of or within society that may disrupt solidarity and stability
Social Dysfunctions
Looks into underlying patterns in human behavior that leads to observable social phenomena
Structuralism
Sees society as a struggle between segments of society over valued resources
Marxism
Social segments
Social Class
Struggles of social classes
Social Conflict
Conflict between entire classes over the distribution of a society’s wealth and power
Class Conflict
Economic system where natural resources and means of producing goods are privately owned
Capitalism
Most prominent figure under Marxism; wrote “The Communist Manifesto”
Karl Marx
Marx’s benefactor and lifelong friend; wrote “Das Kapital”
Friedrich Engels
