9A: Understanding social structure Flashcards
Macrosociology
Focuses on large groups and social structure
Microsociology
Focuses on small groups and the individual
What is social structure?
A system of people within a society organized by a characteristic pattern of relationships
What is Functionalism? Who developed it?
It is the study of the structure and function of each part of society; Emile Durkheim
How does Functionalism view society?
It views society as a living organism & if it’s to function smoothly, the parts and systems must work together in harmony
Function
Beneficial consequences of peoples actions; maintains social equilibrium
Dysfunction
Harmful consequences of peoples actions; disrupts social equilibrium
Manifest Function
Action intended to help some part of a system
Latent Function
Unintended positive consequences on other parts of society
What is Conflict Theory? Who developed it?
It is a competition for power; Karl Marx
How does conflict theory work?
It states that power differentials are created and they contribute to the maintenance of social order
What do power differentials lead to?
It leads to the dominance of a particular group if it successfully outcompetes other groups for
What do people compete for?
People compete for social, political and material resources
What is Symbolic Interactionism?
Study of the ways individuals interact through a shared understanding of words, gestures and other symbols; symbols (things to which we attach meaning) are key to understanding how we view the world and communicate with each other
What do symbols include?
They are concepts in language, hand gesture and body language to the role of certain behaviors
What is social constructionism?
Focuses on how individuals put together their social reality; this arises from humans communicating and working together to agree on the significance of a concept or principle
What can social constructionism be applied to?
Physical objects such as money. Paper money and coinage do not inherently have significant value, however, as a society with imbue them with value and that they can be used to trade for goods and service
What are social institutions?
Well-established social structures that dictate certain patterns of behavior or relationships and are accepted as a fundamental part of culture
What are the 5 social institutions?
Education, Family, Religion, Government, Healthcare & Medicine
What is Education?
It is an institution that aims to arm the population with information
Family
It is a group of people affiliated by marriage and shared ancestors, it’s influenced by culture, value, systems, beliefs, practices, gender, age, race, ethnicity etc.
Religion
A pattern of social activities organized around a set of beliefs and practices that seek to address the meaning of existence; Play a role in patients understanding of diseases so they can impact healthcare decisions and can be an essential component of patients coping mechanisms
Government & Economy
Systematic arrangements of political and capital relationships, activities and social structures that affect rule-making, representation of the individual in society, rights and privileges, division of labor and production of goods and services.
What are the types of government?
Monarchy, Democracy, Authoritarianism, Totalitarianism
