socio aice 111

Functionalism

A consensus theory that sees society as a stable system where institutions work together to maintain social order.

Social facts

External, collective norms and values that constrain individual behavior (e.g., laws, religion).

Value consensus

Shared norms and values that help maintain social stability and cooperation.

Anomie

A state of normlessness during rapid social change, leading to breakdown of social order.

Organic analogy

Society is like a human body—institutions (like organs) work together to maintain the whole.

Manifest function

The intended, obvious purpose of an institution (e.g., education teaches skills).

Latent function

Hidden, unintended effects (e.g., education reproducing class inequality).

Criticism of Functionalism

Ignores inequality and conflict; assumes all institutions benefit everyone.

Class conflict

The main focus of Marxism, which is the struggle between bourgeoisie (owners) and proletariat (workers).

False consciousness

When the working class is misled to believe capitalism is fair.

Ideological State Apparatuses

Schools act to promote obedience in society according to Althusser.

Welfare policies (Marxist view)

Seen as a way to prevent revolution by reducing discontent without real change.

Marxist solution to inequality

Revolution to abolish class and create equality.

Patriarchy

A system where men hold more power and dominate society.

Three waves of feminism

1st – Suffrage, 2nd – Workplace & reproductive rights, 3rd – Intersectionality & modern issues.

Liberal Feminism

Seeks gender equality through laws (e.g., Equal Pay Act).

Radical Feminism

Believes patriarchy is deeply embedded and must be challenged at all levels of society.

Marxist Feminism

Argues capitalism exploits women through unpaid labor and reproduction of workers.

Intersectional Feminism

Recognizes how gender combines with race, class, etc., for complex oppression.

Sylvia Walby’s Six Patriarchal Structures

State, Violence, Domestic Labor, Paid Work, Sexuality, Culture.

Symbolic Interactionism

A micro theory focused on meanings created through everyday interaction.

Looking-glass self

Cooley’s idea that our self-concept develops through how we think others see us.

Labeling theory

Becker’s idea that being labeled (e.g., 'deviant') influences how people act.

Self-fulfilling prophecy

A prediction that causes itself to become true due to the response it triggers.

Labeling career

When a label becomes a person’s master status (e.g., ex-convict).

Goffman's dramaturgy

Life is like a performance with 'front stage' (public role) and 'back stage' (private self).

Criticism of Interactionism

Ignores larger social structures like class or patriarchy.

Verstehen

Deep, empathetic understanding of human behavior from the individual’s point of view.

Weber’s 4 types of social action

Instrumental-rational, Value-rational, Traditional, Affectual.

Weber’s two levels of explanation

1. Structural causes (e.g., capitalism), 2. Subjective meanings (e.g., Protestant beliefs).

Positivism

Belief that society should be studied scientifically using objective, quantitative methods.

Interpretivism

Belief that researchers must understand social meanings through qualitative methods.

Key features of Positivist research

Objectivity, reliability, causality, large samples, surveys.

Key features of Interpretivist research

Validity, verstehen, small samples, interviews, observations.

Triangulation

Using more than one method to increase reliability and validity.

Reliability

Consistency—research can be repeated with the same results.

Validity

Accuracy—research truly reflects what it's supposed to study.

Hypothesis

A testable statement predicting a relationship (e.g., income affects education).

Pilot study

A small-scale test of a research method before the full study.

Ethnography

Immersing in a group to study its culture (e.g., living with a gang).

Case study

An in-depth look at one case/group (e.g., one school’s bullying policy).

Longitudinal research

Study conducted over a long time to track change (e.g., a cohort of students over 10 years).

Informed consent

Participants agree to take part, knowing all aspects of the study.

Covert research

Studying people without their knowledge—raises serious ethical concerns.

Confidentiality

Protects identities and builds trust.

Practical issues in research

Including cost, time, access to subjects, researcher’s skills, danger.