Module 1: Anthropology, Sociology, & Political Science

Question-and-answer flashcards covering key concepts from the notes on sociality, culture, anthropology, sociology, and political science.

What is Sociality?

The categories that we possess and assigned to us by society at large.

What function do Labels serve in social life?

Labels function as tags by which society reads our worth and value.

What does it mean that Sociality is socially constructed?

The categories and identities are created by society rather than arising naturally.

What is Cultural Variation?

Differences in social behaviors that cultures exhibit around the world.

What influences Cultural Variation?

The influence of a particular culture in various places around the world.

What does Social Differences refer to?

Discrimination based on economic status, social characteristics, and qualities.

What are Political Identities?

Political position based on the interests and perspective of social groups with which people identify.

How is Anthropology defined?

Scientific study of humans—body, behaviors, and values—in time and space.

What is the scope of Anthropology?

Study of humans’ past and present to understand the full sweep and complexity of cultures across all human history.

What sources does Anthropology draw upon?

Knowledge from the social and biological sciences, humanities, and physical sciences.

What information does Anthropology provide?

Concerning man’s behavior in relation to his social environment.

What is an example of what Anthropology explains?

Strange aspects of past or present societies that some people find difficult to comprehend.

Goals of Anthropology (1)

Describe and analyze the biological evolution of mankind.

Goals of Anthropology (2)

Describe and assess the cultural development of our species.

Goals of Anthropology (3)

Describe, explain, and analyze present-day human cultural similarities and differences.

Goals of Anthropology (4)

Describe and explain human biological diversity today.

What is Sociology?

Systematic study of social behavior and human groups; focuses on social relationships, how these relationships influence behavior, and how societies develop and change.

What is another way to describe Sociology?

Scientific study of patterned and shared behavior.

What does sociology analyze about culture?

Analysis of human interaction in understanding cultural make-up.

How does sociology affect prejudices?

Broadens the experience as one learns to discard prejudices.

What does it mean that truth is relative in sociology?

Realize that truth is relative.

What role do norms play in behavior?

Good or bad behavior depends on the norms of conduct of the society.

Goals of Sociology (comprehensive)

Understand us better; build a better understanding of mankind; help with decision-making; provide insights into what is going on in a situation.

What is Political Science?

The systematic study of government and politics.

What does Political Science do with data?

Makes generalizations and analyses about political systems and political behavior, and uses these results to predict future behavior.

What is the theory and practice of politics?

The determining factor in the distribution of power and resources.

What does Political Science assess?

Asymmetrical power relations of members of society and the unjust effects of such relations manifested in governance.

Who is Turner and how does he define politics?

Turner describes politics as the theory, art, and practice of government.

What does polis mean?

City-state.

What does politics refer to?

Exercising of power, rule, authority, and influence over others; reflects the struggle among actors with conflicting desires and the allocation of values.

What is Power?

The ability to exercise authority over others.

What is Authority?

A feature of a leader or institution that compels obedience; the ability to control or direct the action of others.

What is Rule?

Regulation of law-governing procedures in a public or private body.

What is Influence?

The act or process of producing an effect without apparent exertion of tangible force.

What are the goals of Political Science?

Be immersed in current affairs; build understanding of local, national, and international politics; learn how political activities are organized; provide critical and scientific contribution to government and society.