Sociological Theory: Gilman, Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Epistemologies

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering classical and contemporary sociological theories, including Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Talcott Parsons, Robert K. Merton, Lewis Coser, Ralf Dahrendorf, Dorothy Smith, and Patricia Hill Collins.

Gynaecocentric Theory (GT)

A sociohistorical analysis via a gendered lens that analyzes social structures from a feminine point of view.

Typology

The study of patterns; specifically, a historical correspondence between the Old and New Testaments or covenants regarding Persons, Institutions, and Events.

Morbid excess in sex distinction

A gendered abnormality described by Charlotte Perkins Gilman as a 'diseased' organism in which men create patriarchy and make women economically dependent on them.

Accumulation of precedent

The social forces—including art, religion, habits, institutions, and social media filters—that reinforce and legitimize gender inequality over time, making unequal gender expectations appear natural.

Du Bois' general theory of cultural oppression

The theoretical premise that every group that is oppressed structurally (economically and politically) will inevitably be oppressed culturally.

Double-consciousness

A psychological and social condition identified by W.E.B. Du Bois that emerges through erased history, cultural misrepresentation, and the lived experience of being perceived as 'the problem.'

Deduction (Parsons)

A methodological approach centered on making inferences from broad generalizations and applying a universal theory to every individual case, carrying the risk of overgeneralization.

Induction (Merton)

A methodological approach centered on examining particular pieces of empirical data first in order to build generalizations and theories.

Unit act

The foundational element of Talcott Parsons' action theory, consisting of the actor and the specific goals of the action.

Modes of orientation

In Talcott Parsons' functionalism, the motivations and values guiding an actor, which do not necessarily have to align with one another.

Strategic action

One of Parsons' three action types; it is instrumental and driven by a need for information or truth.

Expressive action

One of Parsons' three action types; it is driven by a psychological need for attachment.

Moral action

One of Parsons' three action types; it is driven by a need to evaluate right or wrong.

Homophily

The sociological tendency of individuals to associate and form ties with others based on perceived similarity.

Propinquity

Physical or spatial proximity between individuals that facilitates interaction and social tie formation.

Grand theory

C. Wright Mills' critical designation for Talcott Parsons' functionalism, referring to highly abstract theoretical systems that lack grounding in empirical data.

Cybernetics

The study of complex systems, automatic control, and self-regulation interacting with one another via latent specialization and information exchange.

Functional alternatives

Robert K. Merton's proposition that different structural forms (such as non-traditional gender arrangements) can be equally functional in meeting societal needs.

Role strain (Merton)

A condition occurring when an individual faces conflicting or contradictory expectations within a social location, leading through ambivalence, deviance, and unintended consequences to social change.

Manifest function

A systemic outcome that is overt, explicit, and directly intended by the social actors involved.

Latent function

A systemic outcome or function that is hidden, unrecognized, or represents an unintended consequence.

Conformist

In Merton's deviance typology, an adaptation in which the individual accepts societal goals ($+$) and accepts conventional means ($+$).

Ritualist

In Merton's deviance typology, an adaptation in which the individual accepts conventional means ($+$) but accepts the goals without accomplishing them ($-$).

Innovator

In Merton's deviance typology, an adaptation in which the individual accepts societal goals ($+$) but rejects conventional means ($-$).

Retreatist

In Merton's deviance typology, an adaptation in which the individual rejects societal goals ($-$) and rejects conventional means ($-$).

Rebel

In Merton's deviance typology, an adaptation in which the individual rejects and replaces societal goals while rejecting and replacing conventional means.

Social conflict (Coser)

A struggle over values and claims to scarce status, power, and resources.

Safety-valve theory

Lewis Coser's concept that venting hostility or anger on a powerless displacement target performs a functional role by preserving the existing social system.

Imperatively Coordinated Associations (ICAs)

Ralf Dahrendorf's concept of social organizations and relationships maintained through legitimized authority structures rather than shared values alone.

Quasi groups

Dahrendorf's term for aggregates of individuals with potential common interests who have not yet mobilized into organized, action-oriented interest groups.

Standpoint theory (Dorothy Smith)

A feminist sociology of knowledge and inquiry method that starts from actual lived experiences rather than patriarchal texts and administrative relations of ruling.

Line of fault

Dorothy Smith's term for the rupture felt when an individual's personal lived experience contradicts what is claimed or institutionalized about them in academic literature and pedagogy.

Eurocentric positivism (EP)

A dominant Western academic approach to knowledge claiming objectivity, relying on adversarial debate, and separating emotion and personal ethical responsibility from research.

Black feminist epistemology

A paradigm of knowledge production anchored in intersectionality (race, class, gender) that challenges positivism through lived experience, dialogue, caring, and personal accountability.

Ethics of caring

A tenet of Black feminist epistemology affirming that knowledge production inherently requires empathy, emotion, and compassion.

Personal accountability

A tenet of Black feminist epistemology requiring that researchers and theorists remain personally and ethically responsible for their knowledge claims and beliefs.