WK 1 Introduction to Sociology Flashcards
What is sociology?
The scientific study of social behaviour in human groups. Focussing on how relationships from the personal, group, cultural and structural domains influence people’s attitudes and behaviour and how societies develop and change
What is modernity? What does it comprise of?
Societal transition from an agricultural to an industrial foundation from a feudal to a capitalistic economy. Comprising of an economy that is industrial; nation-states become the primary form of political organization with centralised governments, boarders and militaries at their disposal; increased faith in the power of science to solve societies problems; human beings and society believed to be evolving to eliminate injustices, poverty and inequality; development of bureaucracy, state and other organisations into peoples lives.
What is postmodernity?
Rejects the concepts of rationality, objectivity and universal truth. Instead, it emphasises the diversity of human experience and multiplicity of perspectives. Skeptical of explanations which claim to be valid for all groups, cultures, traditions, or races, and instead focuses on the relative truths of each person.
What is social imagination?
Makes the connection between personal challenges and larger social issues. Private problems experiences within the individual and the range of their immediate relations to others and the public or social issues outside of one’s personal control. Allows us to distinguish between personal and social levels in our own lives.
What are the three dominant Sociology Theories
Structural Functionalist; Conflict Theory; and Symbolic Interactionist.
What is Structural Functionalist (Functionalism)?
Emphasis that parts of a society are structured to main its stability. It views society as large networks of connecting parts, each of which helps to maintain the system as a whole
What is Symbolic Interactionist
View things to which we attach meaning – as the basis of social life. People attached meaning to others words and actions. Their words and actions are not determined by some action in and of itself. Is based on the notion that people make sense of their social roles through communication and social interaction. The exchange of meanings for symbols and language are important – including words, gestures, colours.
What is Conflict Theory?
Assumes that social behaviour is best understood in terms of conflict or tension among competing groups. These differences and conflicts between groups create unequal relations to power. Interested in the kind of changes that conflict can bring about.
What is Anomie? Who developed it?
Anomie; which refers to a loss of direction that is felt in society when social control of individual behaviour has become ineffective. It occurs when people have lost their sense of purpose or direction.
Developed by Emile Durkheim.
What is Altruism? Who developed it?
Altruism; a deep sense of moral obligation and willingness to sacrifice for the groups well-being.
Developed by Emile Durkheim.
What is Critical Race Theory?
Concerned with structured disadvantage that stretched across American Society. Explores the role that law plays in establishing practices of exclusion and disadvantage and recognizes that systemic racism is part of society and challenges the beliefs that allow it to flourish.
What theory did Karl Marx develop?
Conflict Theory.
What theory did Emile Durkheim develop and support
Functionalist Theory (functionalism)
