Introduction to Sociology Flashcards

Flashcards covering the key concepts from an introductory sociology lecture.

What is Sociology?

The scientific study of society, social relationships, and institutions; focuses on human behavior in groups.

Who is known as the Father of Sociology?

Auguste Comte

Which founder of Sociology focused on class conflict?

Karl Marx

Which founder of Sociology focused on social integration?

Emile Durkheim

Which founder of Sociology focused on culture and religion?

Max Weber

What is the main focus of Sociology in comparison to Psychology?

Sociology focuses on groups & institutions, while Psychology focuses on individual behavior.

What is Culture?

Shared beliefs, values, behaviors, and material objects that define a group.

What are examples of material culture?

Physical items

What are examples of nonmaterial culture?

Beliefs and values

What preserves tradition in culture?

Isolation

Economics shapes roles, access, and lifestyle, and influences what three things?

Consumption, education, and values.

Where is culture seen in society?

Art, language, customs, education, religion.

What are cultural stereotypes?

Oversimplified ideas about groups; generalizations and bias.

What are quantitative methods to study Sociology?

Surveys and statistics.

What are qualitative methods to study Sociology?

Interviews and case studies.

When was Sociology formalized?

1800s during industrial & political revolutions.

What is culture's role in Sociology?

A central concept that shapes all social behavior.

Give examples of cultural universals

Language, family, religion.

Give three examples of communalities in culture shared across societies

Norms, values, symbols

Give four examples of universal characters of archetypes in society

Hero, Mentor, Villain, Innocent.

What are social institutions?

Structures organizing key societal functions.

Give five examples of social institutions

Family, education, religion, economy, government.

Which institution is the primary source of learning values, roles, and norms?

Family

What are the functions of family as an institution and what influcences it?

Functions: Socialization, Support. Influences: Economy, politics, tech, culture.