SOCIOLOGY unit 1: AOS1: KK1

define qualitative methods of data

processes that generate descriptove data, including personal experiences and perspectives about social issues

define quantitative methods of data

are processes that generate data that is presented or can be translated into numbers/numerical form

define demographics

refers to the characteristics of a society, such as mix of age, gender, education level, socio-economic status, ethnic backrounds, and places of residence that make up society

why do sociologists use sociology perspectives and theories

to understand social concepts and understand how certain factors (e.g inqueaulity and fam relos) shape our behaviour, beliefs, and oppurtunities

define social change

means adjustments or changes in the views, values or norms or structures of a society

define values

the beliefs and princables an individual or society considers to be important and desirable

stereotypes definition

are assumptions about individuals based on their social group membership rather thanindividual statistics

define theories

theyre explanations or models that describe or predict the way the world works based on evidence and logical reasoning, they explain social behaviour in the real world

define sociological perspectives

theyre collections of theories that provides researches with models to analyse and interpret the world around us

define concepts

theyre abstract ideas or general notions that represent something in the world

define functionalism

a sociological perspective that views society as a system of interconnected parts that work together to meet the needs and demands of individuals

EXAMPLE of functionalism

the gouvernment eduactes children —> children learn social rules and work skills —> when employed they pay tax —> taxation provides services and social support for a smooth running society

what is marxism - Karl Marx

a sociological perspective by Karl Marx which argues that social conflict that occurs in capatalist societies is due to tensions between the upper class and the working class, (considers how resources are distributed and maintained)

what is feminism

a political and social movement that advocates for the rights, equality and liberation of women (related to women having relatively less power as a group)

define patriarchy

a social system or culture in which men hold more power and privilege than women

define marxist feminism

claims women are opressed due to capitalist system. the position of women and children in families serves the intrest of the economy , which benifits the powerful at the expense of working-class women

define radical feminism

the view that gender exploitation is the most important social division in society.

define liberal feminism

do not think that society needs to radically overhauled but instead reformed so that all females are granted the same oppurtinity as males. more likely argue that substantial progress has already been made

what is first-wave feminism

focused on legal issues, such as: womens right to vote, property rights, and the fight for equality under the law

what is second wave feminism

expanded to adress a wider range of issues, such as reproductive rights, workplace discrimination and sexual liberation

what is TASA

its the australian sociological association that sets out guidelines regarding ethics

why are there ethics for sociological research

• to maintain intergrity and protection of truth

• considers the intrests of participants (those involved in research)

• respects difference of opinions of participants

• ensures safety for participants

what are the ethicical methodologies (of studying human behaviour)

informed consent, voluntary participation, and confidentiality

define informed consent

the formal agreement of an individual to participate in research and the right to withdraw at any given time

define confidentiallity

the protection of data gathered from participants and distributing and storing it anonymously and securely ensuring participants have a right to privacy

define voluntary participation

involves the willing involvement of participants including awareness of their right to refuse to participate in a research project without having to justify their descision (cannot be manipulated into participating)

what are the ways in which sociologists study human behaviour (the methodologies)

• sociological observation

• data collection

• data analysis

define sociological imagination - charles wright mills

an approach to thinking sociologically that involves looking a societal issues without bias and approaching them from a different perspective as well as making links between personal troubles and public issues

what are macro-factors

theyre the large-scale influences in society that shape peoples behaviours, oppurtunities and experiences, focuses on society-wide influences

examples of macro-factors

SES, age, gender, ethnicity and culture

what are micro-factors

theyre the small scale influences that originate from everyday interactions between individuals and groups that shape behaviour and experiences

examples of micro-factors

friendship groups, family relationships, personal exeriences and school environment