Sociology Midterm #2

What is the definition of sociology?

The study of human society and behavior, examining large-scale institutions to individual interactions.

What does micro sociology examine?

Small group interactions and their impact on larger institutions in society.

What are the two types of groups in meso sociology according to John Turner?

Categorical groups and corporate groups.

What does macrosociology study?

Large-scale social structures and their impact on groups and individuals.

What is agency in sociology?

The capacity of individuals to act independently and make their own free choices.

Define culture in sociological terms.

The shared beliefs, values, norms, practices, symbols, and behaviors passed down through generations within a society.

What is meant by structure in sociology?

The social institutions, organizations, and systems that create a framework for individuals to live and interact.

What is the sociological imagination?

The ability to see the connection between personal experiences and larger social forces.

What are personal troubles?

Private problems affecting individuals directly, stemming from personal choices or situations.

What are social issues?

Public problems affecting large groups, shaped by larger social structures.

What does the Nested Model illustrate?

The interaction between individuals and society, highlighting self, interaction, socialization, roles, and groups.

What is symbolic interactionism?

A sociological perspective focusing on the meanings people attach to social interactions and symbols.

Define conflict theory.

A perspective that views society as a struggle for power between different groups.

What is structural functionalism?

A theoretical framework that sees society as a complex system of interrelated parts contributing to social stability.

What are social facts according to Durkheim?

External, objective structures and norms that influence individual behavior.

What is the difference between mechanical and organic solidarity?

Mechanical solidarity is based on shared beliefs in small societies, while organic solidarity arises in larger, more complex societies through dependence.

What defines repressive law?

Punitive laws aimed at maintaining order by punishing offenders.

What is the capitalist class referred to in Marxist theory?

The bourgeoisie, who own the means of production.

What is the working class known as in Marxist terms?

The proletariat, who sell their labor to the bourgeoisie.

What is exploitation in the context of capitalism?

The process by which the bourgeoisie profits from the proletariat's labor.

Define alienation in a sociological context.

The feeling of disconnection or powerlessness experienced by workers in capitalist societies.

What does the Thomas Theorem state?

“If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences.”

What is the Looking-Glass Self?

A concept that suggests self-concept is developed based on how we believe others perceive us.

What is deductive research?

A top-down approach that starts with a theory or hypothesis and tests it through data collection.

What is inductive research?

A bottom-up approach starting with observations to develop a theory.

What is the purpose of a survey in sociology?

A research method to collect data through questionnaires or interviews.

What is the difference between correlation and causation?

Correlation refers to a relationship between two variables without necessarily causing the other, while causation indicates a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

What does the Belmont Report provide?

Ethical guidelines for conducting research involving human subjects.

What is meant by social class in terms of helicopter parenting?

The influence of social class on how parents support their children in college, often reflected in different parenting styles.

What is the Tragedy of the Commons?

A theory explaining how individuals' self-interest can lead to the overuse of shared resources, harming the collective.

What is class consciousness?

The awareness of one’s social class and interests.

What is false consciousness?

A lack of awareness of social exploitation due to dominant ideologies.