Sociology Midterm

Antipositivism

The view that social researchers should strive for subjectivity in representing social processes, cultural norms, and societal values.

Conflict theory

A theory viewing society as a competition for limited resources.

Constructivism

An extension of symbolic interaction theory suggesting that reality is constructed by humans.

Culture

A group's shared practices, values, and beliefs.

Dramaturgical analysis

Viewing society as a theatrical performance.

Dynamic equilibrium

A stable state where all parts of society work together properly.

Dysfunctions

Undesirable consequences of social patterns.

Figuration

Simultaneously analyzing individual behavior and societal influences.

Function

The role of a recurrent activity in social life and structural continuity.

Functionalism

Seeing society as a structure meeting individuals' needs.

Generalized others

The organized attitude of a social group.

Grand theories

Attempts to explain large-scale relationships and fundamental societal questions.

Hypothesis

A testable proposition.

Latent functions

Unintended consequences of a social process.

Macro-level

A broad view of social structures in society.

Manifest functions

Intended consequences of a social process.

Micro-level theories

Studying specific relationships between individuals or small groups.

Paradigms

Philosophical frameworks used to formulate theories in a discipline.

Positivism

Scientific study of social patterns.

Qualitative sociology

Using in-depth interviews and analysis of content sources for data.

Quantitative sociology

Using statistical methods like surveys for data collection.

Reification

Treating abstract concepts as having real existence.

Significant others

Specific individuals impacting a person's life.

Social facts

Laws, morals, values, and customs governing social life.

Social institutions

Patterns of beliefs and behaviors meeting social needs.

Social solidarity

Ties binding a group together.

Society

People in a defined area interacting and sharing a common culture.

Sociological imagination

Understanding personal past in relation to societal structures.

Sociology

Systematic study of society and social interaction.

Symbolic interactionism

Examining individuals' relationships through communication.

Theory

Proposed explanation of social interactions or society.

Verstehen

German term for deep understanding.

Elite Theory

The theory that an organization is ruled by a few elites rather than through collaboration.

Laissez-faire Leader

A hands-off leader who allows members of the group to make their own decisions.

Leadership Function

The main focus or goal of a leader.

Leadership Style

The style a leader uses to achieve goals or elicit action from group members.

McDonaldization of Society

The increasing presence of the fast food business model in common social institutions.

Meritocracy

A bureaucracy where membership and advancement are based on merit—proven and documented skills.

Normative or Voluntary Organizations

Organizations that people join to pursue shared interests or because they provide some intangible rewards.

Out-group

A group that an individual is not a member of, and may even compete with.

Primary Groups

Small, informal groups of people who are closest to us.

Reference Groups

Groups to which an individual compares herself.

Secondary Groups

Larger and more impersonal groups that are task-focused and time-limited.

Total Institution

An organization in which participants live a controlled lifestyle and in which total resocialization occurs.

Triad

A three-member group.

Utilitarian Organizations

Organizations that are joined to fill a specific material need.

Conflict Theory

A theory that examines social and economic factors as the causes of criminal deviance.

Control Theory

A theory that states social control is directly affected by the strength of social bonds and that deviance results from a feeling of disconnection from society.

Corporate Crime

Crime committed by white-collar workers in a business environment.

Corrections System

The system tasked with supervising individuals who have been arrested for, convicted of, or sentenced for criminal offenses.

Court

A system that has the authority to make decisions based on law.

Crime

A behavior that violates official law and is punishable through formal sanctions.