SOC Exam #2

Structural functionalism

Idea that all parts of society have a role and they all work together to keep society stable

Conflict theory

Society is made of groups competing for power and resources

Symbolic Interactionism

People create meaning through everyday interactions and shared symbols

Basic ideas of Marx

1. Conflict Theory

2. Society is divided into classes

3. Wealthy have control over workers

4. Leads to conflict and inequality1

Basic Ideas of Durkheim

Structural Functionalism. Society holds together through shared values and norms. These all create order and stability.

Basic Ideas of Parsons

Structural functionalism. Society is a system of parts working together to maintain stability and order

Basic Ideas of Weber

Peoples actions are shaped by meaning, ideas, beliefs. Society is also influenced by power, status, and bureaucracy

Social movements

Organized groups of people that come together to create social change

Social movement examples

Civil rights movement, women’s rights, labor rights

Free rider

A person who benefits from society but doesn’t pay or contribute to it

Riot

A violent and uncontrolled group that damages property or fight. This is normally due to social and political issues

Labeling

People become what they are labeled, especially when society starts to treat them in a certain way

Self-fulfilling prophecy

When a belief or expectation causes someone to act in a way that makes the belief come true

Discrimination

Unfair treatment of people based on race, gender, age, religion, etc

Durkheim’s theory on religion

Religion brings society together by creating shared beliefs, values, and sense of belonging

Islam

Monotheistic religion that follows the book from the prophet Muhammad. Five pillars: faith, prayer x5, charity, fasting (ramadan), pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj)

Christianity

Monotheistic religion based on Jesus Christ who is the son of God and saved humanity from sin. It is characterized by beliefs in the Holy Trinity, the Bible as the sacred text, and practices such as prayer, worship, and sacraments.

Religion rates

• Christianity 31%

• Islam 25%

• Hinduism 15%

• Buddhism 7%

• Judaism 0.2%

• Other religions 6%

• No religion 15–16%

Marriage & religion

• Christianity: sacred commitment in a church ceremony

• Islam: religious contract with rules about rights and responsibilities

• Hinduism: arranged marriages influenced by family and religious customs

• Judaism: religious and cultural contract with specific rituals

Weber’s theory on religion

Religion can influence people’s behavior, values, and even the economy by shaping how they think about success, work, and meaning in life

Symbols

Things (words, objects, or actions) that represent a shared meaning in society

Rituals

Formal, repeated actions or ceremonies that have special meaning, often in religion or culture

Profane vs sacred

• Sacred: things considered holy or special

• Profane: ordinary, everyday things not considered religious/special

Life expectancies

• World average: 73

• High-income countries: 83

• Low-income countries: 63

• United States: 78

• Japan: 85

Race and education

Gaps in educational outcomes between racial groups. College: Asian- 59% White- 42% Black- 28%

Hidden curriculum

The unwritten lessons in school that teach values, behaviors, and norms

Health care goals

The main purposes of the health care system: to prevent illness

Health outcomes

The actual results of health in a population, such as life expectancy and disease rates

Miscegenation laws

Laws that made it illegal for people of different races to marry

Gendered division of labor

The idea that work in society is split based on gender.

Media and gender

How media shapes ideas about gender role and reinforce stereotypes about how we should behave

Wage gap

Women earn about 80-84 cents for every $1 earned by men

US medical system- general overview

A largely private healthcare system where most people get medical care through insurance and government programs like medicare

Obesity rates in the US

42% obese and 70% overweight or obese

Medicalization of mental illness

Treating mental health conditions as medical problems that often medication

Sick role

Societal expectations for how a sick person should behave (excused from duties)

Environmental risks for medical outcomes

Health problems caused by environmental factors like pollution

Formation of formal schooling

Organized education systems with structured schools, teacher and grades

Hinduism

Religion that believes in many Gods, originated in India, ultimate reality of Brahman. Karma, reincarnation, dharma (moral duty)

Buddhism

Religion based on teachings of Buddha. Practices such as meditation and mindfulness

Judaism

Monotheistic religion that follows the Torah. No pork, Bat Mitzvahs, Friday to Saturday sabbath, Rabbi

Primary function of Education

The main purpose of education (knowledge)

Secondary function of Education

Other benefits of education (friends)

Manifest function of Education

Intended functions of education (learning)

Latent function of Education

Unintended/hidden effects of education (social)

Nuclear Family

A family made up of two parents and their children living together

Extended Family

A family that includes relatives beyond the parents and children

Endogamy

Marriage within a specific group

Exogamy

Marriage outside one’s own group

Morbidity

The rate of illness or disease in a population

Mortality

The rate of death in a population

Marriage through Structural functionalism

Marriage helps society stay stable by providing roles and raising children

Marriage through Conflict theory

Marriage can reflect inequality like gender roles

Marriage through Symbolic interactionism

Marriage is shaped by meanings and daily interactions like how couples define love

Medicaid

government program that provides health insurance for low-income people

Medicare

government program that provides health insurance mainly for people aged 65+ and some people with disabilities