Sociology Lecture: Introduction to Sociology, Research Methods, and Socialization

Vocabulary flashcards covering introductory sociology topics including key sociologists, research methodologies, and theoretical perspectives on socialization.

Emile Durkheim

A founding figure in contemporary sociology from Alsace who stressed empirical research and studied suicide, religion, and the concept of anomie.

Anomie

A concept introduced by Emile Durkheim to describe a state where an individual feels deeply disconnected from their community, neighbors, workmates, or schoolmates.

Empirical Research

Research based on observable data, statistical tables, and large-scale studies rather than personal unverified claims.

Independent Variable

A variable in a research project that influences or affects other variables, often involving fixed demographic characteristics such as age, race, or gender.

Dependent Variable

A variable in a study that changes or is affected by independent variables, such as income, education level, crime, housing, or mental state.

Quantitative Research

Large-scale research methods, such as surveys and statistical datasets, used to make generalizable statements and identify broad social patterns.

Qualitative Research

Small-scale research methods, such as interviews, focus groups, and participant observation, used to gain detailed insights without attempting to make broad generalizable claims.

Participant Observation

A qualitative research method where the researcher observes and records behaviors, actions, and reactions within a specific real-world space.

Content Analysis

A text-based research method involving the analysis of media, archival materials, letters, photos, films, or published scientific articles.

Socialization

The lifelong process through which individuals interact with one another to learn the language, rules, norms, mores, and ideologies of their society.

Structural Functionalism

A major sociological perspective, linked to Durkheim and Spencer, that views social structures as mechanisms guiding individual action to promote social harmony and cohesion.

Herbert Spencer

A British sociologist contemporary of Darwin who coined the phrase 'survival of the fittest' in a sociological context regarding functional competition between societies.

Conflict Theory

A sociological perspective associated with Karl Marx that views socialization as a means to prepare individuals for specific roles within the working or owning classes.

Bourgeoisie

A Marxist term used interchangeably with capitalists or the owning class to describe those who control capital and resources.

Proletariat

A Marxist term referring to the working class whose members must sell their labor within a capitalist society.

Feminist Theory

A theoretical framework associated with early thinkers like Harriet Martineau and Jane Addams that examines power, inequality, and how gender shapes social dynamics.

Harriet Martineau

An early sociological thinker associated with the development of feminist theory.

Jane Addams

An early sociological theorist recognized as a foundational figure in feminist theory.

Symbolic Interactionism

A micro-level sociological perspective focusing on small group or one-on-one interactions, shared meanings, and symbolic communication.

Herbert Blumer

A symbolic interactionist who argued that human actions toward things depend on the social meanings assigned to those things through interaction.

George Herbert Mead

A symbolic interactionist famous for outlining four stages of role-taking and examining how play socializes children into broader society.

Primary Socialization

The foundational stage of socialization that takes place in early childhood, primarily facilitated by family members.

Secondary Socialization

The ongoing process of socialization that occurs outside the home through institutions like schools, sports, peer groups, and media.