The Sociological Eye: Skepticism and Functions

Flashcards covering key sociological concepts such as skepticism, manifest functions, latent functions, and dysfunctional consequences as discussed in the lecture notes.

Skepticism

An important foundation of scientific curiosity, leading individuals to question commonly accepted explanations and inquire further into social phenomena.

Manifest Function

According to Robert K. Merton, the intended and obvious consequences of social things or actions.

Latent Function

According to Robert K. Merton, the unintended and frequently hidden consequences of social things or actions.

Functions (Merton's concept)

The term used by Robert K. Merton to describe both the manifest (intended and obvious) and latent (unintended and frequently hidden) consequences of social actions or institutions.

Dysfunctional

A term used by sociologists to describe unintended consequences of an action that have a negative impact on society's usual functioning.

Skepticism

An important foundation of scientific curiosity, leading individuals to question commonly accepted explanations and inquire further into social phenomena.

Manifest Function

According to Robert K. Merton, the intended and obvious consequences of social things or actions.

Latent Function

According to Robert K. Merton, the unintended and frequently hidden consequences of social things or actions.

Functions (Merton's concept)

The term used by Robert K. Merton to describe both the manifest (intended and obvious) and latent (unintended and frequently hidden) consequences of social actions or institutions.

Dysfunctional

A term used by sociologists to describe unintended consequences of an action that have a negative impact on society's usual functioning.

Functionalism

A theoretical perspective in sociology that views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.

Social Structure

The organized pattern of social relationships and social institutions that together constitute society.

Social Institution

An established and enduring pattern of social behavior organized around particular purposes or functions, often involving social roles, norms, and values (e.g., family, education, government).

Skepticism

An important foundation of scientific curiosity, leading individuals to question commonly accepted explanations and inquire further into social phenomena.

Manifest Function

According to Robert K. Merton, the intended and obvious consequences of social things or actions.

Latent Function

According to Robert K. Merton, the unintended and frequently hidden consequences of social things or actions.

Functions (Merton's concept)

The term used by Robert K. Merton to describe both the manifest (intended and obvious) and latent (unintended and frequently hidden) consequences of social actions or institutions.

Dysfunctional

A term used by sociologists to describe unintended consequences of an action that have a negative impact on society's usual functioning.

Functionalism

A theoretical perspective in sociology that views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.

Social Structure

The organized pattern of social relationships and social institutions that together constitute society.

Social Institution

An established and enduring pattern of social behavior organized around particular purposes or functions, often involving social roles, norms, and values (e.g., family, education, government).

Emile Durkheim's contribution to Functionalism

A foundational sociologist who emphasized social solidarity and the idea that societies function as stable, integrated systems, contributing significantly to functionalist thought.

Organic Analogy (Functionalism)

The concept within functionalism that likens society to a living organism, where each part (social institution, structure) works interdependently to maintain the overall health and stability of the whole.

Social Solidarity

The cohesion and integration of members within a society, often based on shared beliefs and values, which is a core focus in functionalism as a mechanism for societal stability.