Untitled Flashcards Set

What is sociology?

The systematic and scientific study of human society and social interaction.

What is the sociological perspective?

A way of looking at the world that emphasizes the social context in which people live.

What does 'beginner's mind' refer to in sociology?

Approaching the world without preconceptions or biases.

What is culture shock?

The feeling of disorientation experienced when encountering a radically different culture.

What is sociological imagination according to C. Wright Mills?

The ability to see the connection between personal troubles and public issues.

What does microsociology focus on?

Face-to-face interaction and small-group dynamics.

What does macrosociology examine?

Large-scale social structures, institutions, and societal patterns.

When did sociology emerge and why?

In the 19th century in response to significant social changes like industrialization, urbanization, and the Enlightenment.

Who coined the term 'sociology'?

Auguste Comte.

What is positivism?

A philosophical approach asserting that knowledge can only derive from sensory experience and empirical observation.

What is structural functionalism?

A macro-level theoretical approach viewing society as a complex system of interdependent parts maintaining stability and social order.

What are the main principles of structural functionalism?

Social structures are functional; social stability is normal; shared values and norms foster social cohesion.

What is mechanical solidarity?

Social cohesion based on shared beliefs and values, characteristic of traditional societies.

What is organic solidarity?

Social cohesion based on interdependence and specialization of labor, characteristic of modern societies.

What are empirical methods?

Research methods based on observation and data collection.

What is anomie according to Durkheim?

A state of normlessness where individuals lack clear guidance.

What is the difference between sacred and profane in Durkheim's theory?

The sacred represents the holy, while the profane refers to the ordinary.

What is collective conscience?

The shared morals and beliefs within a group that foster social solidarity.

What is collective effervescence?

The intense energy experienced in group rituals that reinforces shared values.

What are manifest functions?

The recognized and intended consequences of a social pattern or institution.

What are latent functions?

The unrecognized and unintended consequences of a social pattern or institution.

What does social conflict theory focus on?

Inequality and conflict over scarce resources.

Who are some major theorists associated with social conflict theory?

Karl Marx, W.E.B. Du Bois, C. Wright Mills.

What is alienation in Marx's theory?

The feeling of powerlessness and estrangement from one's work and society.

What is class consciousness?

The awareness of one's social class and shared interests.

What is false consciousness?

Accepting the dominant ideology that disadvantages one's own group.

What is capitalism?

An economic system characterized by private ownership and profit pursuit.

What is socialism?

An economic and political system characterized by social ownership and control of the means of production.

What is rationalization according to Weber?

The increasing dominance of logic, efficiency, and calculation in social life.

What are bureaucracies?

Highly rationalized organizational structures characterized by hierarchy and rules.

What is the iron cage?

Webers metaphor for individuals being trapped by the increasing rationalization of social life.

What does verstehen mean in sociology?

Interpretive understanding of the subjective meanings of actions.

What does symbolic interactionism focus on?

How individuals create meaning through social interaction and symbols.

What is dramaturgy according to Goffman?

The perspective that views social life as a theatrical performance.

What is feminist theory?

Perspectives emphasizing social, political, and economic gender equality.

What is queer theory?

Challenges traditional notions of gender and sexuality as fluid and socially constructed.

What does postmodern theory emphasize?

Fragmentation, diversity, and subjectivity of modern life.

What are qualitative methods in sociological research?

Research focusing on in-depth understanding through non-numerical data.

What are quantitative methods in sociological research?

Research that emphasizes numerical data and statistical analysis.

What is the scientific method?

A systematic approach involving posing a question, literature review, hypothesis formulation, data collection, and dissemination of findings.

What is correlation?

A relationship between two variables that change together without one causing the other.

What is causation?

A relationship where one variable directly produces a change in another variable.

What is a variable?

A characteristic or attribute that can vary.

What is spurious correlation?

A false causal relationship caused by a third variable.

What is ethnography?

A qualitative method where the researcher immerses in a social setting to observe culture.

What are the advantages of ethnography methods?

Provides rich, in-depth understanding.

What are the disadvantages of ethnography?

Time-consuming and difficult to generalize findings.

What are interviews in sociological research?

A method where participants are directly questioned on specific topics.

What are the advantages of interviews?

Allows nuanced understanding of individual perspectives.

What are the disadvantages of surveys?

Can lack depth and may be influenced by wording and respondent bias.

What are comparative and historical methods?

Research methods examining societies across different times or places.

What are experimental methods?

Quantitative methods testing cause-and-effect relationships under controlled conditions.

What is a treatment in an experiment?

The independent variable manipulated by the researcher.

What is culture in sociology?

Shared beliefs, values, norms, behaviors, and material objects of a society.

How is culture learned?

Culture is acquired through socialization and interaction.

What is ethnocentrism?

The tendency to view one's own culture as superior to others.

What is cultural relativism?

Understanding a culture on its own terms without imposing one's own standards.

What is multiculturalism?

Recognition and valuing of cultural diversity within a society.

What is material culture?

Physical objects created and used by a society.

What is symbolic culture?

Nonmaterial aspects of culture such as language and beliefs.

What is the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis?

The theory that language shapes our perceptions and understanding.

What are values in culture?

Abstract beliefs about what is good, right, or important.

What are norms?

Specific rules and expectations guiding society's behavior.

What are formal norms?

Written rules enforced by formal institutions.

What are informal norms?

Unwritten rules guiding everyday behavior.

What are mores?

Norms carrying great moral significance with strong sanctions.

What are folkways?

Loosely enforced norms related to customs and etiquette.

What are sanctions?

Reactions used to enforce norms and encourage conformity.

What are taboos?

Norms whose violation evokes disgust.

What is social control?

Methods used by a society to encourage conformity to its norms.

What is subculture?

A group within a larger society with distinct cultural values.

What is counterculture?

A subculture whose values sharply contradict those of the dominant culture.

What is dominant culture?

The prevailing set of beliefs and practices within a society.

What does sociology study?

The systematic and scientific study of society and social interaction.

Main Principles

Meaning arises through interaction; symbols are crucial for communication; individuals act based on the meanings they assign to situations.

Disadvantages of interviews

Can be time-consuming, data analysis can be challenging, potential for interviewer bias.

Surveys

A quantitative research method in which questionnaires are administered to a sample of respondents to gather data on their attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors.

advantages of surveys

Can collect data from large samples, efficient for studying broad trends.

disadvantages of surveys

May lack depth, potential for respondent bias, wording of questions can influence responses.

Advantages of comparative and historical methods

 Allows for the study of long-term social change and cross-cultural comparisons.

Disadvantages of comparative and historical methods

 Reliance on existing data may limit the scope of research, interpretation of historical data can be challenging.

Experimental Group

The group in an experiment that is exposed to the independent variable or the treatment.

Control Group

The group in an experiment that is not exposed to the independent variable or the treatment, used for comparison.

Advantages of treatment

 

can lead to improved outcomes, allows for controlled testing of variables, and can provide insights into causality.

Disadvantages of treatment

May have ethical concerns, potential side effects, or limitations in generalizability.

Sociologists' Interest in Studying Culture

Culture provides the framework for social interaction, shapes our identities, and influences social institutions. Understanding culture is essential for understanding social life.

Culture as Learned

Culture is not biologically inherited; it is acquired through socialization and interaction with others

Reinforcement between Material and Symbolic Culture

Material objects often embody and reinforce symbolic meanings, and symbolic meanings can influence the creation and use of material objects.

Signs and Gestures

Components of symbolic culture used to communicate meaning. Signs are arbitrary symbols with assigned meanings, while gestures are bodily movements that convey specific meanings.

Language

 A system of symbols used for communication and cultural transmission. It is the most important component of symbolic culture.