Ch. 1 Flashcards
Define sociology
The study of development, structure, and functioning of human society
Define agency
An individuals capacity to make choices that impact themselves, other people, and society
Micro vs Macro level forces
Micro - Level of individual experiences and choices
Macro - Level of broader social forces
Define sociological imagination
The ability to connect individual experiences to the larger social forces
Define social statics
Forms of social organization
Define social dynamics
Processes of social change
Define social facts
Observable social phenomena external to individuals that excersise power over them
Material social facts
Have a tangible reality. (Ex. Currency/ education system)
Nonmaterial social facts
Are intangible, taking the form of values, morals, norms
Define anomie
A state where traditional norms deteriorate, processes of social control decline, and institutions become dysfunctional. (Ex. After French Revolution)
Manifest function
Function that an institution has intended to fulfil
Latent function
Unintended function that has still had a positive outcome on society
Significant others
Specific people who are most important to us. Play a big role shaping us into adults whom are well rounded.
Total institution
Place where people are segregated/ isolated from the outside world. Uses intense bureaucratic processes to dismantle people’s identities and build new identities that are appropriate to their roles in society. Creates challenges when ppl leave institution and adapt to life again.
Sceptical postmodernism
Proposes that social changes have created inescapable chaos and meaninglessness
