Sociology Key Concepts: Perspectives, Culture, Social Interaction, Stratification, Inequality, and Education

What are the three main Sociological Perspectives?

Structural Functionalism, Symbolic Interactionism, Conflict Theory

What does the structural-functional approach emphasize?

It sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.

What level of analysis does Structural Functionalism operate at?

Macro level

Who introduced the concepts of manifest functions, latent functions, and social dysfunctions?

Robert Merton

What is the focus of the conflict approach in sociology?

It views society as an arena of inequality that generates conflict and change.

What level of analysis does Conflict Theory operate at?

Macro level

What does the symbolic-interaction approach focus on?

It sees society as the product of everyday interactions of individuals.

What level of analysis does Symbolic Interactionism operate at?

Micro level

Define symbols in the context of culture.

Symbols are anything that carries a particular meaning recognized by people who share culture.

What is the definition of language in cultural elements?

Language is a system of symbols that allows people to communicate with one another.

How are values defined in a cultural context?

Values are culturally defined standards that people use to decide what is desirable, good, and beautiful.

What are beliefs in terms of cultural elements?

Beliefs are specific statements or ideas that people hold to be true.

What are norms?

Norms are rules and expectations by which a society guides the behavior of its members.

What is the difference between ascribed and achieved status?

Ascribed status is received at birth or involuntarily, while achieved status is taken on voluntarily reflecting personal ability and effort.

What is a master status?

A master status is a status that has special importance for social identity, often shaping a person's entire life.

What is the definition of a primary group?

A primary group is a small social group whose members share personal and enduring relationships.

Give an example of a primary group.

Families are primary groups.

What is a secondary group?

A secondary group is a large and impersonal social group devoted to some specific interest or activity.

What are characteristics of the upper class?

Historically composed of white Anglo-Saxon Protestants, representing 5% of the U.S. population with income of at least $217,000 annually.

What defines the middle class in the U.S.?

Includes 40 to 45% of the U.S. population and has a tremendous influence on culture.

What is the income range for the working class?

Between $29,000 and $50,000 a year.

What characterizes the lower class?

Makes up 20% of the population, with low income leading to instability and insecurity.

Define prejudice.

A rigid and irrational generalization about an entire category of people.

What is discrimination?

Unequal treatment of various categories of people, a matter of action.

What does structural-functionalism say about the need to regulate sexuality?

It argues that culture and social institutions regulate with whom and when people reproduce.

What are latent functions in the context of prostitution according to Kingsley Davis?

Prostitution is widespread due to its latent functions within society.

What is a critical review of structural-functionalism regarding sexuality?

It ignores the diversity of sexual ideas and practices and how they change over time.

What does symbolic-interaction theory emphasize about sexuality?

It focuses on the social construction of sexuality and how meanings attached to it have changed over time.

What is a limitation of the symbolic-interaction approach?

Not everything regarding sexuality is variable; some patterns remain consistent.

How does social-conflict theory view sexuality?

It sees sexuality as reflecting and creating social inequality.

What does queer theory challenge in sociology?

It challenges the heterosexual bias and stigmatization of non-heterosexual identities.

What is a critical review of social-conflict theory regarding sexuality?

It overlooks that sexuality is not a power issue for everyone and ignores societal progress toward justice.

What is social isolation in the context of aging?

It results from retirement and the death of significant others, particularly affecting women.

What are the implications of retirement for individuals?

It often leads to reduced income, diminished social prestige, and a loss of purpose.

How does aging relate to poverty?

Aging increases the risk of poverty, although the poverty rate among the elderly has declined in recent decades.

What is caregiving in the context of aging?

It refers to informal and unpaid care provided to a dependent person by family or friends.

What percentage of caregiving to elders is provided by family members?

Eighty percent.

What forms can elder abuse take?

Elder abuse can be emotional, physical, or sexual.

What is ageism?

Prejudice and discrimination against the elderly, based on stereotypes often promoted by the media.

What is the divorce rate in the United States?

The U.S. has the highest divorce rate in the world, with about half of all couples expected to divorce.

What is the significance of remarriages in the U.S.?

Almost half of all marriages are remarriages for at least one partner, often creating blended families.

What constitutes family violence?

Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse of one family member by another.

What are the main functions of education according to structural-functionalism?

Socialization, cultural innovation, social integration, social placement, and latent functions like childcare.

What is a self-fulfilling prophecy in the context of education?

Expectations about behavior can lead to behaviors that confirm those expectations.

How does social-conflict theory view educational inequality?

It argues that schools provide learning based on students' social backgrounds, perpetuating inequality.

What is tracking in education?

The assignment of students to different educational programs, often benefiting higher-class students disproportionately.

What are the differences among public, private, and home schools?

They differ in funding, educational approaches, and access, contributing to inequality in education.