Families in Canada Unit 1

Theoretical perspective

A point of view based on a specific theory that provides a framework for social analysis.

Function of a theory in social science

Providing a framework for organizing and explaining empirical evidence.

Anthropology

The scientific examination of cultural, social, and biological aspects of human beings.

Sociology

The academic discipline that studies social institutions and relationships within societies.

Focus of psychology in social science

Understanding individual behavior and mental processes.

Margaret Mead

Cultural anthropologist known for research conducted in Samoa.

Karl Marx

Social theorist who contributed influential ideas on capitalism, class struggle, and historical materialism.

Erving Goffman

Sociologist known for developing dramaturgy and contributing to symbolic interactionism.

Sigmund Freud

Neurologist widely regarded as the founder of psychoanalysis.

Functionalism

A theoretical perspective viewing society as interconnected parts working together to maintain stability.

Symbolic interactionism

A theory emphasizing how shared symbols and everyday interactions shape social meaning.

Social exchange theory

A framework focusing on reciprocal exchanges of resources, costs, and benefits in social relationships.

Conflict theory

A perspective highlighting power struggles, competition, and inequalities as drivers of social change.

Feminist theory

A theoretical approach examining social structures, power dynamics, and inequalities through the lens of gender.

Life course approach

A framework analyzing transitions, social structures, and experiences across different life stages.

Ecological perspective

A framework exploring connections between various social systems and their surrounding environments.

Symbolic meaning

The subjective interpretation and significance attached to symbols by individuals.

Surveys

A research method used to gather large amounts of quantitative data from a diverse sample population.

Content analysis

A research method involving the systematic study of written, visual, or audio materials.

Secondary analysis

A research approach that utilizes existing datasets to analyze patterns or trends.

Qualitative observation

A data collection method in which researchers observe and record behaviors in natural settings.

Participant observation

A qualitative method where researchers gather data by actively taking part in the group activities they observe.