sociology foundations mcat

What are the four major sociological theories?

1) Functionalism (Structural Functionalism)
2) Conflict Theory
3) Symbolic Interactionism
4) Social Constructionism

Which sociological theory views society as a complex system composed of many individual parts working together to maintain solidarity and social stability?

Functionalism

Is Functionalism a macro- or micro-level theory of society?

Macro-level

What does it mean to be a macro-level theory of society?

The theory focuses on the elements that shape society as a whole

Which sociological theory is Emile Durkheim associated with?

Functionalism

Who are the three founding fathers of modern sociology?

Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, Karl Marx

What is dynamic equilibrium?

When multiple interdependent parts in a society work together toward societal stability

What sociological theory is associated with manifest function and latent function?

Functionalism

What is a manifest function?

the recognized and intended functions of any institution

What is a latent function?

The unintended and unforeseen consequences of an institution

What sociological theory views society as a competition for limited resources?

Conflict Theory

Is Conflict Theory a macro- or micro-level theory of society?

Macro-level

Which sociologists are associated with Conflict Theory?

Karl Marx and Max Weber

What sociological theory is class struggle associated with?

Conflict Theory

Which sociological theory analyzes the subjective meanings that people impose on objects and behaviors?

Symbolic Interactionism

Which sociological theory believes that society is socially constructed through human interpretation?

Symbolic interactionism

What theory encompasses these assumptions: 1) Humans ascribe meaning to things
2) Communication via language allows humans to generate meaning through social interaction
3) Humans modify meanings through an interpretive thought process

Symbolic interactionism

Is Symbolic interactionism a macro- or micro-level theory of society?

Micro-level

Which sociological theory suggests that we actively shape our society through social interactions?

Social Constructionism

What is a concept or practice that is created by a group?

A social construct

"The study of how individuals and groups participate in the construction of society and social reality" is a major focus of what sociological theory?

Social constructionism

Is Social Constructionism a macro- or micro-level theory of society?

Micro-level

What is a theory that suggests that individuals make decisions by comparing the costs and benefits of various courses of action?

Rational Choice Theory

What is a theory that suggests that individuals assign rewards (benefits) and punishments (costs) to interactions and prefer those with the greatest personal benefit?

Social Exchange Theory

Is Rational Choice Theory a macro- or micro-level theory of society?

Micro-level

Is Social Exchange Theory a macro- or micro-level theory of society?

Micro-level

What is a theory encompasses a variety of perspectives on the different experiences and treatment of women vs. men?

Feminist Theory

When did first-wave feminism start and what did it focus on?

Around 1900; it focused on women's suffrage

When did second-wave feminism start and what did it focus on?

In the 1960s and 1970s; it focused on women's liberation (gender equality, sexual rights, reproductive rights etc.)

When did third-wave feminism start and what did it focus on?

1980s to present; focused on the areas of concern left untheorized (by first and second wave feminists, who were mostly white, middle class, heterosexual and American or European)

What is the study of overlapping systems of oppression (used to understand how systemic injustice and social inequality occur on a multidimensional basis)?

Intersectionality

Is Feminism Theory a macro- or micro-level theory of society?

Both

What is a critique of Functionalism?

It does not account for the many rapid sociological advances that have taken place in the past several decades

What is a major criticism of Conflict Theory?

It doesn't focus on the co-operative altruistic actions that people sometimes take (too narrow and only focuses on conflict)

What's a major criticism of Symbolic interactionism?

It neglects the macro level of social interpretation (miss the big picture; also neglects how social forces and institutions impact individual interactions)

What is a major criticism of social constructionism?

It neglects the macro level of social interpretation (similar to symbolic interactionism; also neglects how social forces and institutions impact individual interactions)

What is a state of few to no moral or social guidelines (therefore, anomie is most likely to occur in societies in which individualism and autonomous decision-making predominate)?

Anomie

What is a social process whereby human conditions come to be defined and treated as medical conditions?

Medicalization

What theory suggests that individuals who are ill have certain rights and responsibilities in society (Includes sick person is exempt from normal social roles, sick person is not responsible for their condition, sick person should try to get well, sick person should seek treatment and cooperate with the medical professional)?

The sick role theory

Which sociological theorist would argue that religion promotes social solidarity and a collective consciousness?

Emile Durkheim

What is the unintentional lessons taught in school about norms, values, and beliefs?

Hidden curriculum

What is unequal distribution of academic resources that reinforces class differences?

Educational segregation

What term refers to the unjust and discriminatory treatment committed by institutions as a whole?

Institutional discrimination

What are the five major functions of family?

1) Reproduction (& Monitoring of sexual behaviors)
2) Social status
3) Affection (& Companionship)
4) Socialization
5) Protection

What is the concept that we have an image of ourselves based on what you believe others think of us? Who proposed this concept?

Looking-Glass Self; Cooley