Sociology Lecture Review: Chapters 1-10

Flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 1 through Chapter 10 of the sociology lecture, including definitions of sociology and society, the sociological imagination, and examples like FOMO, depression, pandemics, and unemployment.

What is the primary focus of sociology as a field of study?

Sociology is the systematic study of human society and interactions.

What does it mean for sociology to be a 'systematic' science?

It means sociology approaches questions in a scientific way, seeking accuracy, reliability, and allowing for comparisons across diverse groups (e.g., geographic, age, gender, race).

What are some key components that define a society?

A society is interconnected, typically occurs in a defined space (physical or virtual), and often shares common culture and values.

What types of studies or subjects would NOT typically be considered part of sociology?

Sociology does not study the natural world (e.g., weather, animals, plants) or focus exclusively on individual-level psychological processes like specific brain functions or individual thought patterns.

What is the 'sociological imagination'?

The sociological imagination is the concept that individuals exist as a combination of their personalities and characteristics interacting with historical trends, cultures, economies, and other people, rather than existing purely as isolated individuals.

How can one effectively use the sociological imagination?

It involves self-reflection on personal experiences and emotions, combined with empathy to connect these individual feelings to a broader social context and historical trends.

How does the phenomenon of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) illustrate the sociological imagination?

FOMO shows that a personal feeling is not isolated, but rather a widespread experience amplified by social and technological trends (like social media and cell phones), connecting individual emotions to a broader societal context.

If someone believes their depression is solely their fault and a unique individual problem, which sociological concept are they failing to apply?

They are failing to apply the sociological imagination, which would help them see depression as potentially influenced by broader social factors and as a shared human experience.

How can experiencing unemployment be understood through the lens of the sociological imagination?

While unemployment brings personal emotions like failure or sadness, the sociological imagination reveals it's often linked to larger societal issues such as economic situations, international trade, job losses in industries (e.g., manufacturing), or policy changes that go beyond any single person's control.

What major topics will be covered next in the sociology course?

The next topics will include social institutions (fundamental ways society is organized) and the main sociological perspectives (different ways of looking at the world).