Sociological Theories, Socialization, and Culture: Key Concepts and Perspectives

What is the core idea of Structural Functionalism?

Society is like a living organism where every part (institution) has a specific function to maintain stability and order.

Who are the key theorists associated with Structural Functionalism?

Émile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons.

What are manifest functions?

The intended and recognized consequences of an institution, such as schools teaching reading and math.

What are latent functions?

The unintended and unrecognized consequences of an institution, such as schools providing free childcare.

What is the view of change in Structural Functionalism?

Change is gradual; the system seeks stability and consensus.

What is the key question of Conflict Theory?

'Who benefits from this arrangement?'

What is the core idea of Conflict Theory?

Society is a battlefield defined by inequality and competition over limited resources.

Who are the key theorists associated with Conflict Theory?

Karl Marx and Max Weber.

What does inequality refer to in Conflict Theory?

Resources such as money and power are unequally distributed.

What is the focus of Class Struggle in Conflict Theory?

Exploitation and the gap between social classes.

What is the key question of Symbolic Interactionism?

'What does it mean?'

What is the core idea of Symbolic Interactionism?

Society is created through face-to-face interactions and the meanings people assign to symbols and language.

Who are the key theorists associated with Symbolic Interactionism?

George Herbert Mead, Herbert Blumer, and Charles Horton Cooley.

What is anticipatory socialization?

Practicing for a future role, such as a law student dressing professionally before becoming a lawyer.

What is resocialization?

Stripping away an old identity to build a new one, often occurring in total institutions.

What is gender socialization?

Learning gender expectations through toys and clothing, starting at birth.

What are the two types of culture?

Material culture (physical things) and non-material culture (beliefs, values, language).

What are folkways?

Casual rules of behavior with minor violations, such as eating with your hands.

What are mores?

Moral rules with serious violations, such as stealing or violence.

What is the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis?

The idea that language shapes how we think; lacking a word for something may affect perception.

What is ethnocentrism?

Judging another culture by your own standards, believing your culture is superior.

What is cultural relativism?

Understanding a culture by its own standards, crucial for unbiased research.

What is love-bombing in cult recruitment?

Overwhelming individuals with affection and belonging to gain commitment.

What is cognitive dissonance in the context of cults?

The psychological pain of admitting one was wrong after investing time/money, leading to continued commitment.