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Sociology is the systematic study of human society through groups,
group interactions, societies, and social interactions at the micro and macro levels (individual)
(trends).
Society refers to people who live in a defined territory (geographical area) and a way of life, common culture
Culture is group shared practices, values, and beliefs, groups way of life from routine to the most important part of a group member’s life, social rules
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Social construction
We tend to think that things are natural and will not change
We are freer than we think
Those things deemed as natural are socially constructed
Social order
We develop an awareness of social norms through
Behavior in the classroom vs behavior at a concert or gathering
Social change
Trends
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Functionalism
The way each part of society functions together to contribute to the whole
Macro level orientation
Complex system parts working together to promote solidarity
Social events can be explained in terms of the function (contribution to society) they perform
How these events provide continuity to society and work in harmony with each other
Promotes sociology as a scientific process
The social process has many functions
Weakness; it fails to address big chances in society and inequality
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Conflict theory
The way inequalities contribute to social differences & perpetuate differences in power
Macro level orientation
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Macro level orientation
See society as an area of inequality that generates conflict and change (coercion and power)
Competition for limited resources
Sociologists look at the ongoing conflict between dominant and disadvantaged categories of people
Social conflict approach- race-conflict theory
Point of view; focuses on inequality & conflict between people of different racial and ethnic categories
People of color important to the development of sociology
Social conflict theory; feminism and feminist theory
A most prominent area of contemporary sociology and the most current movement
Highlighted gender relations and gender inequality as not of nature but of social construction
Currently focuses on the intersection of gender, race, and class
Influenced new fields of study in men’s studies, sexuality, and LGBTQ
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Symbolic interactionism
1 to 1 interactions and communications
Micro level orientation
A micro-level orientation, a close-up focus on relationships among individuals within society
Key elements
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