Principles of Sociology, HPCS4003

These flashcards cover fundamental concepts in sociology, including definitions, theories, and key figures.

Sociology

The study of human societies with particular focus on modern, industrialized societies.

Sociological Imagination

A quality of mind that allows individuals to understand the interplay between personal troubles and public issues.

Commonsense Knowledge

Unsystematic knowledge formed from commonly held beliefs, learned by being a member of society.

Sociological Knowledge

Knowledge that challenges commonsense beliefs and seeks to understand social settings.

Social Institutions

Structures in society that fulfill specific functions, such as family, religion, economy, politics, and education.

Durkheim - Anomie

A breakdown of social values and norms, leading to feelings of isolation and alienation.

Weber - Verstehen

Understanding the subjective meaning behind individuals' actions, emphasizing empathy.

Conflict Theory

A theory that views social life as a competition for scarce resources and highlights class conflict.

Functionalism

A perspective that analyzes how different parts of society contribute to overall stability.

Feminism

A social movement and theoretical perspective advocating for gender equality and challenging gender roles.

Symbolic Interactionism

A theoretical framework that focuses on the meanings and interpretations that individuals give to social interactions.

Social Constructionism

The idea that knowledge and meaning are produced through human activity and are not fixed.

Max Weber

A German sociologist known for his work on interpretive sociology and the Protestant ethic in relation to capitalism.

Karl Marx

A philosopher who emphasized class struggle and the economic basis of society in shaping social relations.

Emile Durkheim

The first sociologist who studied social facts, focusing on collective phenomena such as suicide.

Ideal Types

Theoretical models that help analyze and compare real social phenomena.

C. Wright Mills

An American sociologist known for introducing the concept of the sociological imagination.

Social Solidarity

The moral force that binds individuals together in society, influenced by social norms and values.

Youth Unemployment

A public issue relating to the broader economic conditions affecting a young person’s ability to find work.

Crisis of Values

A period where societal norms and values are challenged, leading to a breakdown in social cohesion.

Equality of Opportunity

The belief that all individuals should have the same chances for success regardless of background.