Introduction to the Social Sciences – Key Concepts (Flashcards)

A set of concise Q&A flashcards covering core concepts from the provided notes on introductory social science topics, including phronetic/social theory, key thinkers, methods, and core terms.

What is phronetic social science?

An approach emphasising practical wisdom (phronesis), context‑dependent truth, dialogue, and praxis to improve society; it focuses on values and power and argues for contextually grounded analysis rather than mimicking the natural sciences.

What is the sociological imagination?

Mills’ idea that we connect individual troubles to public issues by linking personal experiences to broader social structures, incorporating agency and structure across macro and micro levels.

Who is considered the founder of conflict theory?

Karl Marx.

What are Durkheim’s social facts?

External, coercive features of society that shape behavior and can be treated like natural objects in analysis.

Name the four forms of suicide Durkheim identifies.

Egoistic suicide, altruistic suicide, anomic suicide, fatalistic suicide.

Descriptive vs normative claims in the social sciences?

Descriptive claims explain how things are; normative claims explain how things ought to be.

What is positivism in the social sciences?

The view that there are objective truths discoverable through observation, with social facts treated similarly to natural facts.

What is constructivism in ontology?

The view that truths are multiple, subjective, socially constructed, and shaped by context and power.

Define ontology.

The study of reality and being—what exists and how things relate to each other.

Define epistemology.

The study of the origin, nature, and limits of knowledge—how knowledge claims are formed and justified.

Habitus (Bourdieu)

A system of dispositions internalized from history and society that guide regular patterns of thought and action.

Structuration theory (Giddens)

Agency and structure are a duality; people reproduce social systems through routines while also having the power to change them.

What is homo economicus?

The idea of a rational, self‑interested individual who maximises profit; often critiqued for ignoring social reciprocity and systemic factors.

Mauss’ idea of The Gift

Gift exchange creates social obligations and reciprocity, linking individuals and groups beyond pure self-interest.

Culture (in social sciences)

The non‑biological aspects of society—shared beliefs, values, customs, rules, behaviors, and language that are learned and transmitted.

What is ‘Othering’?

A process of marking certain groups as 'Other', leading to marginalization, discrimination, and an us‑versus‑them dynamic.

Sex, gender, and sexuality – basic distinctions

Sex is biological; gender is social/cultural; sexuality refers to sexual orientation and desires (e.g., heterosexual, gay, nonbinary).

Intersectionality

The interlocking nature of social identities (race, gender, sexuality, etc.) that can produce compound forms of oppression or privilege.

Globalization (in the social sciences)

The increasing interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and politics, often framed by power relations and inequality.

World-systems theory (core/semi-periphery/periphery)

A framework (Wallerstein) separating the world into core, semi-periphery, and periphery economies, with unequal relations driving development.

Capitalism (Meiksins Wood)

A system where goods and services are produced for profitable exchange; labour power is a commodity; markets coordinate economic activity.

Borders and bordering techniques

Methods to demarcate territory (maps, boundary markers, fences, walls, passports) tied to imperialism and global capitalism.

Reflexivity in research

Thinking critically about one’s own values, biases, and position in the research process; connected to phronetic social science.

The six steps of the scientific method used in social science

Observation, Question, Hypothesis, Experiment, Analysis, Conclusions.

Phronesis in social science

Practical wisdom that guides action toward the good life; emphasizes context, judgment, and public relevance.

Dialogical approach in phronetic social science

Knowledge is developed through dialogue and conversation with those studied; emphasizes participatory understanding.

What is ‘ontology’ vs ‘epistemology’ distinction?

Ontology asks what exists; epistemology asks how we know and justify what we claim to know.

What is reflexivity?

A process of reflecting on one’s own positionality, values, and biases to understand how they shape research and interpretation.