Soc 302 - Structuralist Approaches to Health/Sociobiology/Socialization/Conflict Theory/Bureaucracy - Exam 1

Flashcard 1:

Q: What is the US healthcare paradox?
A: The US spends significantly on healthcare yet has some of the worst health outcomes.

Flashcard 2:

Q: What are Supply and Demand Side Health Policy Interventions?
A:

1. Reducing Demand: Tackles fundamental causes driving people to need healthcare.

2. Increasing Supply: Focuses on health-oriented interventions.

Flashcard 3:

Q: What is the McKeown Theory?
A: Medicine improvements do not explain early reductions in diseases like tuberculosis; initial declines were due to non-medical factors, though some declines (e.g., polio) are due to medical advances.

Flashcard 4:

Q: Define the Biomedical Industrial Complex.
A: A network of private corporations, healthcare personnel, and pharmaceutical companies that profit from healthcare services and products.

Flashcard 5:

Q: What is Specific Etiology?
A: The specific cause of a disease or abnormal condition.

Flashcard 6:

Q: What is the Epidemiological Transition?
A: A shift in a population’s primary causes of death from infectious to non-communicable diseases.

Flashcard 7:

Q: What is a structural issue versus a non-structural issue?
A:

• Structural: Rooted in social systems (e.g., systemic racism, income inequality).

• Non-Structural: Arises from individual behavior or personal circumstances (e.g., drug use).

Flashcard 8:

Q: What is Sociobiology?
A: An attempt to explain human physiology and behavior through biological, evolutionary, and social/cultural mechanisms.

Flashcard 9:

Q: What is Herbert Spencer’s Social Darwinism?
A: Ideologies using Darwin's theory to justify social inequalities, based on "survival of the fittest."

Flashcard 10:

Q: What is Scientism?
A: Trusting seemingly scientific but actually non-scientific explanations, often because they use scientific terms.

Flashcard 11:

Q: Define Biological Reductionism.
A: The tendency to explain complex phenomena solely through biology.

Flashcard 12:

Q: How does Sapolsky define "Us/Them"?
A: "Us" refers to an in-group showing loyalty, while "Them" refers to out-groups, often viewed with suspicion or hostility.

Flashcard 13:

Q: What factors amplify Us/Them divisions?
A: Resource scarcity, perceived threats, dehumanization, group polarization, language barriers, authoritarian leadership.

Flashcard 14:

Q: What are the effects of intergroup contact?
A: According to contact theory, increased intergroup contact can reduce prejudice and hostility if certain conditions are met.

Flashcard 15:

Q: Describe the warmth and competence dimensions in Us/Them perceptions.
A:

• High warmth, high competence (Us): Pride

• Low warmth, high competence: Envy

• High warmth, low competence: Pity

• Low warmth, low competence: Disgust

Flashcard 16:

Q: What is the Honorable Enemy phenomenon?
A: Showing respect or admiration for enemies who follow shared codes of conduct, such as during warfare.

Flashcard 17:

Q: Define Concerted Cultivation and Natural Growth.
A:

• Concerted Cultivation: A structured, involved parenting style.

• Natural Growth: Less structured, typical in working-class families, fostering a sense of constraint.

Flashcard 18:

Q: What are the three theories of socialization?
A:

1. Structuralist: Integrates people into society.

2. Conflict: Resisted roles can lead to change.

3. Symbolic Interactionist: Sense of Self guided by social interactions.

Flashcard 19:

Q: What is Habitus in sociology?
A: Internalization of societal values, behaviors, and logic so deeply that it becomes subconscious.

Flashcard 20:

Q: What are Carr’s views on socialization?
A:

• Socialization: Learning to be functional in society.

• Resocialization: Adjusting previous socialization.

• Anticipatory Socialization: Preparation for a future role.

Flashcard 21:

Q: What did Keefe discuss about Arthur Sackler and marketing medications?
A: Sackler used aggressive marketing and gifts to influence doctors, a tactic repeated later by Richard Sackler for OxyContin.

Flashcard 22:

Q: Explain Marx’s concepts of Base and Superstructure.
A:

• Base: Economic arrangement (production relations).

• Superstructure: Society's institutions (e.g., religion).

Flashcard 23:

Q: What is Commodity Fetishism according to Marx?
A: The perception of a direct relationship with products rather than recognizing the social relations involved in production.

Flashcard 24:

Q: Summarize Marx’s predictions about capitalism.
A:

1. Expanding markets will eventually reach limits.

2. Workers feel alienated from product, process, and each other.

3. Creative destruction continuously pushes new production methods.

Flashcard 25:

Q: Define Weber’s Life Chances.
A: The likelihood that one can achieve their will, often determined by social standing.

Flashcard 26:

Q: What is an Ideal Type according to Weber?
A: A conceptual model of something in its purest form, used for comparative analysis.

Flashcard 27:

Q: What is the Switchman Analogy?
A: Social structures and conflicts drive change, but ideas, values, and beliefs also shape society.

Flashcard 28:

Q: Explain Rationalization and Demystification in Weber’s theory.
A: Rationalization strips away creativity and mystery, leading to disillusionment similar to Marx’s alienation and Durkheim’s anomie.

Flashcard 29:

Q: What is the Iron Law of Oligarchy?
A: All bureaucracies, regardless of values or systems, will eventually become oligarchies.

Flashcard 30:

Q: What are Weber’s Three Types of Authority?
A:

1. Traditional: Based on long-standing customs.

2. Charismatic: Based on personal qualities.

3. Rational-Legal: Based on established laws and regulations.