sociology

theory

A lens or frame from which to interpret information

Three major sociological paradigms

STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM, SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM, CONFLICT THEORY

Structural Functionalism

Macro level- looks at society as different parts that work independently and together to
fulfill the functions of society

Symbolic Interaction

Micro level- symbols, words, and gestures gain meaning through social interactions

Conflict Theory

Macro level- society is a competition for resources that are not evenly distributed in society

culture

symbols, language, beliefs, values, and artifacts (material objects) that are part of a society

Ideal Culture

would LIKE to embrace and are considered ideal

Real Culture

what people actually embrace and do

ETHNOCENTRISM

evaluation of other cultures according to the standards and customs of one's own culture.

CULTURAL IMPERIALISM

the imposition of a dominant nation’s values, media, and practices upon a less powerful society, often replacing local traditions

CULTURAL RELATIVISM

Understanding a person’s beliefs, values, and practices based on their own culture, rather than judging them against the standards of another

XENOCENTRISM

the belief that another culture’s products, ideas, and styles are superior to one's own

Formal

established, often written, and support institutions
◼Laws
◼School handbooks
◼Work employee guides

Informal

casual behavior that is conformed to but is not written; can be difficult for an outsider to learn
◼Handshaking
◼Please/thank-you
◼Opening doors
◼Covering nose when sneezing

Invention

things are constructed in a novel way that changes or replaces former way

Discovery

Previously unknown is made known

Culture Lag

coined by Ogburn in 1957 and is the time between introduction and acceptance

STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALIST

Durkheim

Conflict Theory

Marx

Symbolic Interaction

Mead

Hunter-Gatherer

Nomadic; smallest groups; rely on wild plants/animals; most egalitarian

Pastoral

Nomadic/Semi-nomadic; domestication of animals; starting to see social inequality.

Horticultural

Settled; hand tools to grow crops; "slash and burn" method.

Agricultural

Permanent settlements; the PLOW; large food surplus; complex social hierarchy.

Feudal

Strict hierarchy; Land ownership; Lords vs. Serfs; power is inherited.

George Herbert Mead

The theory of the self posits that the self is not present at birth but is constructed over time through social experiences and interactions

Gilligan’s Theory of Moral development and Gender

women's moral reasoning centers on an "ethics of care"—emphasizing relationships—rather than the justice-based ideas favored by men

Kohlberg

moral development outlines how moral reasoning evolves across the lifespan in 3 levels and 6 stages

Stratification

System that categorizes people and ranks in a hierarchy; it exists in
every society –the categorization can be done in many ways

Closed System

Little to no change in social position, No social relationships between levels,
Ascribed status you inherit at birth

Open System

Based on achievement. Ascribed status has some influence, Can move up and down, No legal restrictions

3 Dimensions of Social inequality

Status/Prestige, Class (income/wealth), Power

Wealth

value of assets owned minus debt

Income

Amount of money one makes

Culture

Knowledge, skills, and education that can be exchanged for economic success or status (e.g., a college degree).

Social

Resources gained through networks and relationships that provide access to economic or social advantages (e.g., "who you know").

Embodied State

the form of knowledge that resides within us

Objectified State

material objects we use to indicate social class

Institutionalized state

The way that society measures social class