Chapter 1 – The Sociological Perspective and Research - Study Guide

Flashcards covering key terms, theories, and figures from the chapter on The Sociological Perspective and Research, including differences from psychology, foundational thinkers, major theories, and core concepts.

What is the main difference between psychology and sociology at the level of factors studied?

Psychology focuses on internal factors and mental processes at the individual level; sociology focuses on external social factors such as groups, organizations, and social institutions.

Which psychology subfield is most akin to sociology and why?

Social psychology, because it examines how people perceive themselves in relation to others and how that affects choices, behavior, and beliefs.

According to Peter Berger, what does sociological inquiry help us see about social reality?

That things are not what they seem; it reveals hidden structures and patterns and broad social forces shaping behavior.

What is a social construct versus a 'fact' in sociology?

Social constructs (race, ethnicity, class, gender) are socially conferred meanings; sociologists use scientific standards and systematic research to study society, not myths.

What did Auguste Comte mean by social statics and social dynamics?

Social statics are forces for order and stability; social dynamics are forces for conflict and change.

Who was Harriet Martineau and what were her contributions to sociology?

An active sociologist who translated Comte, studied British and American social customs, and highlighted class, race, and gender distinctions.

What is Social Darwinism and why is it controversial?

Herbert Spencer’s idea that society evolves through struggle and ‘survival of the fittest’; critics argue it wrongly equates society with biology and can justify inequality.

What are social facts and who emphasized them?

Durkheim’s concept of external, coercive social forces that shape behavior; foundational to functionalism.

Which university established the first sociology department in the United States, and who were notable figures associated with it?

The University of Chicago; Park studied urbanization and Mead developed the symbolic interactionist perspective.

Who founded Hull House and why is it significant for sociology?

Jane Addams; linked sociology to social reform and earned the Nobel Peace Prize.

What is double-consciousness and who introduced it?

The internal tension of African Americans who view themselves through two conflicting perspectives: their own identity and a prejudiced white gaze; introduced by W. E. B. Du Bois.

What is macro-sociology and what are two example perspectives?

Macro-level analysis of whole societies; examples: functionalist perspective and conflict perspective.

What is micro-sociology and which theory exemplifies it?

Focus on small groups and face-to-face interactions; exemplified by symbolic interactionism.

Define the sociological imagination and name its founder.

The ability to see the relationship between personal experiences and the larger society; introduced by C. Wright Mills.

How do Durkheim, Marx, and Weber differ in their views on society?

Durkheim emphasized stability and social order; Marx emphasized class conflict and change; Weber emphasized bureaucracy and rationalization.

What are manifest and latent functions, and who introduced these concepts?

Manifest functions are intended and recognized; latent functions are unintended and hidden; introduced by Robert K. Merton.

What are dysfunctions in the functionalist view?

Undesirable consequences of a social system, such as the perpetuation of inequality through education.

What is alienation, and which theorist discussed it in relation to capitalism?

A feeling of powerlessness and estrangement from work and others; associated with Karl Marx’s critique of capitalism.

How does Weber define power, and what is the idea of the power elite?

Power is the ability to carry out one’s will despite resistance; Weber also noted prestige as a source of inequality; Mills described a small group of top leaders (power elite) who control key decisions.

What is Symbolic Interactionism?

A microlevel perspective focusing on day-to-day interactions; society is the sum of interactions, with symbols and shared meanings shaping reality.

What characterizes Postmodernism in sociology?

A view that contemporary society is shaped by postindustrialization, consumerism, and global communication; emphasizes ambiguity and social life as interpretations and simulations.

What is the central debate between sociobiology and feminism as presented in the MindTap article?

Sociobiology links behavior to biology and evolution; feminism argues gender roles and inequality are socially constructed; the article suggests they are unlikely to be reconciled.

What is the Conflict Theory perspective on society?

Society is a continuous power struggle among groups over scarce resources; focuses on inequality and exploitation, with attention to race, ethnicity, and gender.