Introduction to Sociology

A set of flashcards covering foundational concepts, key figures, and various theoretical perspectives in sociology.

What promoted the development of sociology as a discipline in the 19th century?

The Enlightenment, which emphasized non-religious institutions, rule of law, free economic markets, and mass literacy.

Who are the three founding figures of sociology?

Émile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and Max Weber.

What is 'anomie' as defined by Émile Durkheim?

A state of normlessness or breakdown in social order that affects individuals' behaviors and attitudes.

What does Karl Marx's 'The Communist Manifesto' assert about capitalism?

It divides society into two opposing classes: the bourgeoisie, who control production, and the proletariat, who do the work.

What was Max Weber's focus in sociology?

Understanding subjective meanings and interpretations of social phenomena and the cultural and historical contexts that shape social behavior.

What role did women like Harriet Martineau and Ida B. Wells play in early sociology?

They addressed social injustices and the experiences of marginalized groups, advocating for equality.

What is the sociological perspective on personal troubles?

They are connected to larger social structures and patterns, revealing how social factors influence individual experiences.

What were the three levels of social structure described in sociology?

Microstructures (intimate relationships), Macrostructures (institutions), and Global Structures (international relations).

What is the 'Sociological Imagination'?

The ability to see the connection between personal circumstances and larger social issues, as proposed by C. Wright Mills.

What is the significance of the Scientific Revolution to sociology?

It encouraged evidence-based conclusions about societal issues, marking a shift from natural philosophy to scientific methods.

What does 'Cultural Hegemony' refer to?

The dominance of upper-class values that are accepted as common sense by the majority.

What is the main goal of sociologists regarding social issues?

To identify and explain how personal troubles are connected to broader social structures.

What is 'Symbolic Interactionism'?

A theory emphasizing that social life is constructed through the interactions and meanings that individuals attach to symbols.

How does Max Weber relate religion to capitalism?

Through the Protestant Ethic, which suggests that diligent work and ascetic living led to capitalist growth.

What is the concept of 'cultural capital'?

The non-financial social assets like education, intellect, and style that promote social mobility.

What is the process of resocialization?

A powerful socializing agent deliberately causes rapid change in people's values, roles, and self-concepts.

Define 'ethnocentrism'.

The tendency to judge other cultures based solely on the standards of one’s own culture.

What does the 'looking-glass self' imply about self-concept?

We develop our self-concept by how we think others perceive us and how we imagine they evaluate us.

What are 'folkways', 'mores', 'taboos', and 'laws' in cultural norms?

Folkways are informal norms with mild consequences; mores are essential norms for survival; taboos evoke strong aversion; and laws are codified norms enforced by the state.

What does cultural jamming entail?

Creative methods used to challenge dominant cultural beliefs and norms, often through subversive means.

Explain 'postmodernism' in sociology.

The belief that social relations and cultural norms are unstable and cannot be categorized cleanly into binary opposites.