Sociological Perspectives and Current Issues

Practice flashcards covering key sociological perspectives, their main concepts, and examples relevant to current issues.

What is the functionalism perspective in sociology?

Functionalism views society as a working machine with interconnected parts that maintain stability and order.

Who is considered the father of sociology?

Emile Durkheim is widely regarded as the father of sociology.

What happens when one part of the functionalist system fails?

Dysfunction occurs, affecting the stability of the entire system.

What are social institutions according to functionalism?

Institutions like family, education, and religion that pass norms and values shaping behavior.

What theory did Talcott Parsons compare society to?

He compared society to the human body, where institutions are like organs, interconnected and interdependent.

What is conflict perspective in sociology?

Conflict perspective views society as an arena of inequality and competition over resources.

Who developed the conflict theory focusing on class conflict?

Karl Marx developed conflict theory with a focus on the conflict between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.

What is an example of conflict theory in current society?

The disparity in wealth where the top 1% of people own a significant portion of the world's wealth.

What does the feminist perspective argue about society?

It argues that society is structured by gender inequality and that women's roles are often undervalued.

What is intersectionality in feminist theory?

The concept that race, class, and gender combine to deepen inequality.

How does the conflict perspective view the situation in Gaza?

It sees the conflict as stemming from deep structural inequalities and domination between powerful Israel and vulnerable Palestinians.

What does symbolic interactionism emphasize in sociology?

It emphasizes micro-level analysis of everyday interactions and how shared meanings are created through symbols.

What is the significance of labels according to symbolic interactionism?

Labels influence identities and can change based on social context.

What do feminist theorists highlight about the impact of war on women?

They emphasize that women uniquely face challenges such as lack of healthcare and increased risk of harassment during conflicts.

How do shared meanings affect behavior, according to symbolic interactionism?

People act based on how they interpret shared symbols and meanings in situations.

What role does religion play in society from a functionalist perspective?

Religion functions as a stabilizing force, offering shared traditions and hope for survival.