Sociological Research and Economic Inequality

This set of flashcards reviews key concepts in sociological research, economic inequality, and immigration issues discussed in the lecture.

What assertions about research are made by Babbie and Best?

Babbie asserts the importance of gaining empirical data, while Best warns not to trust statistics 100%.

What is the difference between Positivism and Verstehen?

Positivism focuses on objective, hard facts, while Verstehen emphasizes understanding the subject's experience.

What is the key difference between quantitative and qualitative research?

Quantitative research deals with numbers and measurable data, exemplified by surveys, while qualitative research focuses on unmeasurable information, like ethnography.

What are some sectors where sociological research is applied?

Public sector for policy formulation, private sector for marketing, education sector for advancing knowledge, and non-profit sector for improving society.

What is the definition of activism?

Activism is an intentional effort to create change, representing a type of collective behavior.

What are Milbrath’s three levels of political activities?

Gladiatorial activities (active political engagement), Transnational activities (participation and donations), and Spectator activities (discussion and support).

What are Aberle’s types of social movements?

Alternative, Redemptive, Reform, and Revolutionary movements.

What is Resource Mobilization theory?

Resource Mobilization theory explains how social movements gain momentum by effectively obtaining resources.

What is the key trend in the US economy over the past 30 years according to Stiglitz?

Society is growing more divided than at any point since the Great Depression, influenced by government policies.

What is “Trickle Down” economic theory? Does Stiglitz agree with it?

Trickle Down theory posits that benefits for the upper class will eventually trickle down to lower classes; Stiglitz disagrees with this theory.

What is the Gini coefficient?

The Gini coefficient measures income inequality; 0 means complete equality, while 1 indicates complete inequality. The US Gini coefficient is approximately 0.41.

What factors contribute to unequal distribution of healthcare?

The imbalances in primary care vs. specialists, employment-linked health insurance, and distribution by identity groups and regions.

What are three current examples of government-provided health care in the US?

Medicaid for low-income individuals, Medicare for those over 65, and Tricare for service members and veterans.

What is chain immigration?

Chain immigration refers to the process whereby immigrants relocate based on experiences and stories shared by family and friends.

What is DACA? What is its current status?

DACA protects undocumented individuals who arrived as minors from deportation; its status remains uncertain as of Fall 2022.

What are some key proposals by Zeke Hernandez to fix the immigration system?

See immigration positively, increase legal immigration flow, align numbers with US economic needs, and continually update the immigration system.

Why does Zeke Hernandez view immigration as beneficial?

He argues that immigrants contribute economically through investments and innovation, and that low-skilled immigrants create better job opportunities for native workers.