soc101 final review

Auguste Comte

father of sociology/coined “sociology;” founder of positivism

positivism

studying society using scientific evidence (observation, experiments, comparison) rather than speculation or superstition

theological

explained by religion/supernatural beliefs

metaphysical

abstract philosophical reasoning

scientific

observation, logic, empirical data

sociology

scientific and systematic study of society and human behavior, social institutions

Karl Marx

conflict theory, class struggle, historical materialism; society shaped by class conflict, owners exploit workers

conflict theory

society is in constant conflict over limited resources; society is shaped by power struggles and inequality, with laws and norms favoring the wealthy and powerful

Friedrich Engels

expanded Marxist theory; analyzed capitalism and class conflict

structural functionalism

being labeled deviant influences identity and behavior

social facts

norms that shape individual behavior

functionalist theory

deviances reinforces norms and can promote social change

Emile Durkheim

society is a system of interrelated parts, norms maintain order; structural functionalism, social facts, functionalist theory

Max Weber

multidimensional power, rationalization, bureaucracy; rationalization, verstehen

rationalization

the belief that modern society should be built around logic and efficiency rather than morality or tradition

verstehen

understanding from actor’s perspective

George Herbert Mead

self develops through social interactions, society exists through shared meanings; symbolic interactionism, social self

symbolic interactionism

society build through shared meanings and interactions

social self

a distinct identity formed through social interaction

Robert K Merton

functionalism, manifest and latent functions, strain theory

functionalism

society is a system where each part contributes to stability and order; deviance is normal and necessary, it reinforces social norms and promotes unity

strain theory

addresses the relationship between having socially acceptable goals and having socially acceptable means to reach those goals; deviance results from a gap between cultural goals and legitimate means; includes: conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, rebellion

conformity

follow society’s rules to reach goals

innovation

use deviant or illegal means to achieve goals when legitimate ways fail

ritualism

follow rules but lower personal goals; focus on conformity over success

retreatism

reject society’s goals and ways; withdraw from mainstream expectations

rebellion

reject existing goals and create new ones, often using deviant methods

C Wright Mills

elites control institutions; power elite, sociological imagination

sociological imagination

connect'/links personal troubles to public issues

George Homans

social exchange theory; social interactions = costs vs benefits, relationships based on reciprocity

Patricia Holl Collins

intersectionality, black feminist thought; race, class, gender, and sexuality intersect; critiques marginalization in sociology

Edwin Sutherland

differential association theory; deviance is learned from peers, exposure frequency/intensity matters

differential association theory

people adopt the values and behaviors of those around them; crime is learned through interaction with others

Lawrence Cohen and Marcus Felson

deviance occurs when: motivated offender + suitable target + lack of guardian; routine activity theory

WEB Du Bois

key contributions: race relations, double consciousness, African American experience; explanation: studied the social and economic conditions of African Americans

deviance

violation of social norms

norms

social rules that guide behavior; the visible and invisible rules of conduct through which societies are structured

social control

regulation of behavior through norms and sanctions; a way to encourage conformity to cultural norms