Beginning Vocabulary Flashcards
(20 cards)
Perspective
A particular point of view influenced by one’s beliefs and values, draws your attention to some things and blind you to others
Perception
The way the brain interprets an image or event
Sociology
The scientific study of social structure, concentrated on patterns of social relationships primarily in modern societies
Sociological perspective
A view that looks at the behavior of groups, not individials
Social structure
The patterned interaction of people in social relationships, people’s behavior within a group setting cannot be predicted from their personal characteristics
Sociological imagination
The ability to see the link between society and self
Auguste Comte
The “father” of sociology, whose main concern was the improvement of society
Positivism
Belief that knowledge should be derived from scientific observation
Social statics
Study of social stability and order
Social dynamics
Study of social change
Harriet Martineau
Best known for her english translation of Comte’s famous book “Positive Philosophy”
Herbert Spencer
Introduced “social darwinism” and believed evolutionary change led to progress
Karl Marx
Social scientist who stressed the importance of conflict in social change
Mechanical solidarity
Social dependency based on a widespread consensus of values and beliefs enforced by conformity and dependence on tradition and family
Organic solidarity
Social interdependency based on a high degree of specialization in roles
Verstehen
Understanding social behavior by putting yourself in the place of others
Conflict perspective
Approach emphasizing the role of conflict, competition and constraint within a society
Rationalization
Mindset emphasizing knowledge, reason, and planning
Symbolic interactionism
Approach that focuses on the interactions among people based on mutually understood symbols
Functionalism
Approach that emphasizes the contributions made by each part of society
