Sociology Ch.4 Social Structure and Social interaction

Macrosociology

analysis of social life that focuses on broad features of society such as social class, and the relationships of groups to another. Usually studied by functionalists and conflict theorists.

Microsociology

analysis of social life that focuses on social interaction; typically used by symbolic interactionists

social interaction

one person’s actions influencing someone else.

Social class defined by Max Weber

a large group of people who rank close to one another in property, power, and prestige.

Social class defined by Carl Marx

one of two groups: capatalists who own the mean of production or workers who sell their labor.

Role

behaviors, obligations, and privileges attatched to a status

Social Institution

the organized, usual, or standard ways by which society meets its basic needs

Mechanical solidarity

Durkheim’s term for the unity that people share as a result of performing the same or similar tasks

organic solidarity

durkheim’s term for the interdependence that results from the division of labor; as part of the same unit, we all depend on others to fulfill their jobs

Gemeinschaft

a type of society in which life is intimate; a community which everyone knwos everyone else and people share a sense of togetherness

Gesellschaft

a type of society that is dominated by impersonal relationships, individual accopmplishments, and self-interest.

Dramaturgy

an approach, pioneered by erving goffman, in which social life is analyzed in terms of drama or the stage; also called dramaturgical analysis

face-saving behavior

techniques used to salvage a performance (interaction) that is going sour.

ethnomethodology

the study of how people use background assumptions to make sense out of life