introduction to sociology chapter 1-4

sociology

The scientific study of human group behavior.

external factors that influence human behavior?

Economy, culture, race, religion, and family.

structure and agency in sociology?

Agency refers to free will and individual choices, while structure refers to norms, laws, and institutions.

When did sociology begin as a field of study?

In Europe during the mid-1800s, influenced by the Industrial Revolution.

Who is considered the founder of sociology?

Auguste Comte, who named the field and promoted positivism.

positivism

The application of the scientific method to study society.

two main classes identified by Karl Marx?

Bourgeoisie (owners/capitalists) and Proletariat (workers).

What does Marx believe leads to social change?

Class conflict between the haves and have-nots over scarce resources. B will exploit P until we come together, gain class consciousness

Protestant work ethic according to Max Weber?

A belief that hard work and frugality are signs of being among the elect destined for heaven.

What did Emile Durkheim study in relation to suicide?

He found higher suicide rates among men, unmarried individuals, and Protestants due to less social integration.

three major sociological theories?

Macro (large scale), Micro (small scale), and Social Construction.

structural functionalism

How interrelated parts of society function together like a living organism.

conflict theory

A macro theory that examines the struggle between groups over scarce resources.

symbolic interactionism

The importance of symbols and shared meanings in understanding social interactions.

sociological imagination?

C. Wright Mills' concept of understanding the intersection of personal experiences and historical context.

quantitative research methods?

Methods that yield numerical data, such as statistics and percentages.

qualitative research methods?

Methods that yield meanings and understand experiences, often through open-ended questions.

random sample

A subset of the population where each member has an equal chance of selection.

snowball sample?

A qualitative sampling method that builds on previous respondents to gather more data.

advantages of surveys in research?

They are quick, easier to analyze, accessible, and generalizable.

disadvantages of surveys?

They may lack specificity, have selection bias, and not capture deeper meanings.

rapport in the context of interviews?

The relationship and comfort level established between the interviewer and interviewee.

importance of question design in surveys?

To avoid bias, ensure clarity, and facilitate easy responses.

fieldwork in ethnography?

involves going out in the field to observe and take notes on the subject being researched.

pros of participant observation in ethnography?

Pros include first-hand observation and a deeper understanding of the subject.

cons of participant observation in ethnography?

Cons include risks, potential bias, and the danger of becoming too involved (going native).

classic experiment?

tests the effect of an independent variable on a dependent variable, such as whether watching MMA increases violent behavior.

control group?

does not receive the independent variable, allowing researchers to compare results against those who do.

pros of conducting classic experiments?

Pros include replicability, generalizability, and straightforward methodology.

cons of conducting classic experiments?

Cons include potential for misleading results due to other variables, high costs, and a sterile environment.

secondary analysis

involves analyzing data that has already been collected to answer research questions.

pros of secondary analysis?

Pros include being cost-effective, easy, and quick.

cons of secondary analysis?

Cons include potential issues with data fit, misinformation, and dated information.

ethical guidelines in research?

include doing no harm, obtaining consent, protecting identities, and being honest in reporting results.

culture?

encompasses the beliefs, values, norms, and practices that are socially constructed and passed down through generations.

difference between material and non-material culture?

Material culture consists of tangible objects, while non-material culture includes intangible ideas and practices.

values in the context of culture?

are the principles that individuals hold as important, guiding decisions on right and wrong.

norms?

are rules of behavior that dictate what is socially acceptable, with sanctions for breaking them.

difference between folkways, mores, and taboos?

Folkways are norms not strictly enforced, mores are laws that are strictly enforced, and taboos are norms that are unthinkable to break.

ethnocentrism?

is the belief that one's own culture is superior and judging other cultures by that standard.

cultural relativism?

is the practice of understanding another culture based on its own values and beliefs.

cultural diffusion?

is the spread of cultural elements from one culture to another.

cultural lag?

refers to the period of time it takes for non-material culture to adjust to changes in material culture.

cultural appropriation?

is the act of borrowing elements from another culture without understanding their significance.

socialization?

is the ongoing process through which individuals learn about human behavior and societal norms.

agents of socialization?

are people or institutions that influence our social development, such as family, schools, and peers.

nature vs. nurture debate?

debate concerns whether human behavior is determined by genetics (nature) or environment (nurture).

Cooley's looking glass self theory?

Cooley's theory posits that self-concept is developed through social interactions and feedback from others.

stages of Mead's child development model?

model includes imitation (0-3 years) child mimics significant other, play stage (3-6 years) pretend to be generalized other, and games stage (6-12 years), where children learn social roles and organized play.

Piaget's stages of cognitive development?

stages include sensorimotor (0-2 years) learn by 5 senses, pre-operational (2-6 years) pretend play is egocentric, concrete operational (7-11 years) math skills and lack abstract thought, and formal operational (12+ years) can abstract thought and moral reasoning.

resocialization?

is the process of relearning norms and values, often occurring in total institutions like prisons or the military.

difference between ascribed and achieved status?

Ascribed status is assigned at birth, while achieved status is earned through actions or accomplishments.

stratified random sample

You take a layer (age,race,sex), then a random sample

subculture

smaller culture within larger society members adhere to the non-material culture of society

Counter culture

smaller culture, members go against/ challenge the non-material of larger society, can be positive or negative

Self- fulfilling prophecy

Something becomes true because it is expected

Significant other

primary care giver, parents, siblings

generalized other

coaches, friends, teachers, television media, religion

How do you know if a child is fully socialized

When they realize they are not the center but part of larger society

master status

one status that is deemed the most important- occupation, race, sex/gender, doctor/taylor swift, societal view

Total institution

An environments that is highly controlled, military, cult, prison

Role

Are duties associated with a status, EX-homework, dishes,