Social Structure and Interaction Review

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to social structure and social interaction, providing definitions and context for each topic.

Macrosociology

Analysis of social life that focuses on broad features of society such as social class. Typically Functionalist and Conflict Theorist

Microsociology

Analysis of social life that focuses on social interaction. Typically Symbolic Interactionaist

Social Structure

The framework of society that surrounds us consists of the ways that people and groups relate to one another. Gives direction and sets limits on behavior (professor vs. student)

Culture

A group's language, beliefs, values, and behaviors and even gestures

Social Class

A large group of people who rank close to one another in property, power, and prestige.

Status

The position that someone occupies in a social group.

Status Set

All the statuses or positions that an individual occupies.

Ascribed Status

A position an individual inherits at birth or receives involuntarily later in life.

Achieved Status

Positions that are earned, accomplished, or involve effort on the individual’s part.

Status Symbols

Indicators of a status; items that display prestige.

Master Status

A status that cuts across other statuses that an individual occupies.

Status Inconsistency

Ranking high on some dimensions of social status and low on others. aka status discrepancy

Roles

The behaviors, obligations, and privileges attached to a status. You occupy a status, but you play a role
Status: Student
Role: Attend Class, Participate and complete assignments.

Group

People who interact with one another and believe they have something in common. ex democrat

Social Institutions

The organized, usual ways by which society meets its basic needs.

Functionalist Perspective- how does a society meet it basic needs for survival

1. Replacing members (reproduction

2. Socializing new members

3. Producing and distributing goods and services

4. Preserving order

5. Providing a sense of purpose

Conflict Perspective

Critiques social institutions as serving the interests of a small elite. Do not view social institutions as working harmoniously for the common good

Symbolic Interaction

It focuses on how individuals view things and, in turn, how they affect their behavior. like stereotypes, eye contact

Dramaturgy

Pioneered by Erving Goffman. Analyzes social life in terms of drama or the stage.

Impression Management

Controlling how one presents oneself to others.

Role Performance

How an individual carries out the expectations associated with their role.

Role Conflict

When a person faces competing demands from different roles.

Role Strain

Difficulty in fulfilling the obligations of a single role.

Ethnomethodology

The study of how people use background assumptions to make sense of life. Harold Garfinkel.

The Construction of Reality

How background assumptions and experiences define what is considered real.

Rituals

Formal and ceremonial behaviors that structure life in society.