Introduction to Sociology and Social Theory

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key sociological terms, historical revolutions, and theoretical paradigms introduced in Chapter 1 through Chapter 8.

Sociology

The study of society and human interaction.

Socioeconomic Status (SES)

An individual's economic class background along a continuum ranging from homeless to ultra-billionaire, rather than a simple rich or poor categorization.

Inuk

A gender identity recognized in India referring to males who take on a female persona, wear female garments like a sari, wear makeup, and live and act as females.

Social Theory

The cornerstone of sociology that provides the basis of knowledge about society and serves as the framework from which all sociological understanding stems.

Enlightenment

A historical period prior to modernity that propelled the scientific revolution by encouraging societies to move away from religious explanations toward scientific inquiry.

Socrates

An ancient Greek philosopher from the Sophus who advocated for gaining a deeper understanding and reflection of the human condition.

Plato's Republic

An influential book written by Plato that called for social justice and the greater good in society to improve the human condition.

Tabula Rasa

A term highlighted by John Locke meaning 'blank slate,' positing that humans are born with empty minds that are filled exclusively through social interaction.

Political Revolution

The historical movement that separated the church and state, giving rise to modern democratic and capitalistic societies governed by politicians rather than religious institutions.

Industrial Revolution

The historical transition where populations shifted from living on farms to working in factory systems located in emerging city centers.

Capitalists

According to Karl Marx, the wealthy owners of industrial factories who profit from the goods created by factory labor.

Proletariats

According to Karl Marx, the factory workers who sell their labor, earn minimal wages, and work under heavily timed and closely managed conditions.

Alienation

A psychological mind state experienced by factory workers who do not gain natural satisfaction from creating products or earning profits, leading to a feeling of living a non-reality or 'lie.'

Opium of the Masses

Karl Marx's description of religion, arguing that it keeps uneducated workers on a lifelong high, complacent with exploitation under the promise of salvation in the afterlife.

Conflict Paradigm

A macro-level sociological paradigm associated with Karl Marx that views society as inherently conflicted and corrupted due to the unequal distribution of power.

Power

An individual's or group's ability to influence others to ultimately get what they want, even if others disagree.

Charismatic Personality

A concept developed by Max Weber describing individuals who use their charm to rise to power and influence others in modern society.

Verstehen

A German term used by Max Weber translating to 'interpretive understanding,' referring to how individuals interpret social interactions based on their unique personal experiences.

Structural Functionalist Paradigm

A macro-level sociological perspective associated with Émile Durkheim and Auguste Comte, premised on societal regulation, equilibrium, balance, and harmony.

Social Revolution

Karl Marx's proposed solution to class inequality, where the poor and powerless revolt with force and weapons against the rich to establish a socialist or communist state.