Key Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology

These flashcards cover key concepts from various sociological theories, focusing on Conflict Theory, Structural Functionalism, Feminist Theory, and Symbolic Interactionism.

Conflict Theory

A theory that views society as an arena of power and struggle between groups over resources and control.

Globalization (Conflict Theory)

Benefits powerful states and corporations at the expense of poorer countries and workers, structurally producing global inequality.

Education (Conflict Theory)

A mechanism that reproduces class, race, and gender inequalities through curriculum and funding.

Racism

A systemic division of groups that helps maintain elite power and disadvantages racialized communities.

Gender (Conflict Theory)

A system in which patriarchal structures benefit elite men at the expense of women and gender-diverse individuals.

Structural Functionalism

A theory that views society as a system of interdependent parts working together for stability and order.

Globalization (Structural Functionalism)

Increases interdependence between societies and is managed by global organizations to maintain social stability.

Education (Structural Functionalism)

Functions include socialization, skill training, and role allocation that promote social cohesion.

Race (Structural Functionalism)

Diversity can contribute to stability, but too much conflict threatens social order.

Feminist Theory

Focuses on gendered power relations and aims to explain and challenge inequalities across intersections like race and class.

Globalization (Feminist Theory)

Often relies on gendered labor, highlighting the disproportionate costs borne by women and gender-diverse people.

Education (Feminist Theory)

Can challenge or reproduce gender inequality and includes the study of curriculum and biases in educational spaces.

Race (Feminist Theory)

Examines the inseparable relationship between racism and sexism, especially among women of color.

Gender (Feminist Theory)

Understood as a power system (patriarchy) challenging the notion that biological differences justify inequality.

Symbolic Interactionism

A theory that emphasizes ongoing everyday interactions in which identities and norms are created and negotiated.

Race (Symbolic Interactionism)

Understood as a social construct that shapes self-identity through interactions and societal labels.

Conflict Theory

A theory that views society as an arena of power and struggle between groups over resources and control.

Globalization (Conflict Theory)

Benefits powerful states and corporations at the expense of poorer countries and workers, structurally producing global inequality.

Education (Conflict Theory)

A mechanism that reproduces class, race, and gender inequalities through curriculum and funding.

Racism

A systemic division of groups that helps maintain elite power and disadvantages racialized communities.

Gender (Conflict Theory)

A system in which patriarchal structures benefit elite men at the expense of women and gender-diverse individuals.

Social Change (Conflict Theory)

Arises from inherent inequalities and power struggles, leading to revolutions or reforms that reconfigure power structures.

Structural Functionalism

A theory that views society as a system of interdependent parts working together for stability and order.

Globalization (Structural Functionalism)

Increases interdependence between societies and is managed by global organizations to maintain social stability.

Education (Structural Functionalism)

Functions include socialization, skill training, and role allocation that promote social cohesion.

Race (Structural Functionalism)

Diversity can contribute to stability, but too much conflict threatens social order.

Social Change (Structural Functionalism)

Typically a gradual process of adaptation and differentiation to maintain equilibrium and social stability within the system.

Feminist Theory

Focuses on gendered power relations and aims to explain and challenge inequalities across intersections like race and class.

Globalization (Feminist Theory)

Often relies on gendered labor, highlighting the disproportionate costs borne by women and gender-diverse people.

Education (Feminist Theory)

Can challenge or reproduce gender inequality and includes the study of curriculum and biases in educational spaces.

Race (Feminist Theory)

Examines the inseparable relationship between racism and sexism, especially among women of color.

Gender (Feminist Theory)

Understood as a power system (patriarchy) challenging the notion that biological differences justify inequality.

Family (Feminist Theory)

Analyzes how family structures and roles often reflect and reinforce patriarchal norms, impacting gender relations and labor within the household.

Symbolic Interactionism

A theory that emphasizes ongoing everyday interactions in which identities and norms are created and negotiated.

Race (Symbolic Interactionism)

Understood as a social construct that shapes self-identity through interactions and societal labels.

Self/Identity (Symbolic Interactionism)

Formed through social interactions, interpretations of symbols, and the 'looking-glass self' where individuals see themselves as others see them.