Ch. 1 The Sociological Perspective

Question 1

Sociology

Answer 1

The systematic study of human society

Question 2

Society

Answer 2

People who live in a defined territory and share a way of life

Question 3

Sociological Perspective

Answer 3

Sociology’s special point of view that sees general patterns of society in the lives of particular people

Question 4

Global Perspective

Answer 4

The study of the larger world and our society’s place in it

Question 5

High-income countries

Answer 5

Nations with the highest overall standards of living

Question 6

Middle income countries

Answer 6

Nations with a standard of living about average for the world as a whole

Question 7

Low income countries

Answer 7

Nations with a low standard of living in which most people are poor

Question 8

Positivism

Answer 8

Scientific approach to knowledge based on “positive” facts as opposed to mere speculation

Question 9

Theory

Answer 9

Statement of how and why specific facts are related

Question 10

Theoretical Approach

Answer 10

Basic image of society that guides thinking and research

Question 11

Structural functional approach

Answer 11

Framework for building theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability

Question 12

Social structure

Answer 12

Any relatively stable pattern of social behavior

Question 13

Social functions

Answer 13

Consequences of any social pattern for the operation of society as a whole

Question 14

Manifest functions

Answer 14

Recognized and intended consequences of any social pattern

Question 15

Latent functions

Answer 15

Unrecognized and unintended consequences of any social pattern

Question 16

Social dysfunction

Answer 16

Any social pattern that may disrupt the operation of society

Question 17

Social conflict theory (feminist theory)

Answer 17

Study of society that focuses on inequality and conflict between men and women

Question 18

Feminism

Answer 18

Support of social equality for women and men

Question 19

Race conflict theory

Answer 19

Study of society that focuses on inequality and conflict between people of different racial and ethnic categories

Question 20

Macro level orientation

Answer 20

Broad focus on social structures that shape society as a whole

Question 21

Micro level orientation

Answer 21

Close up focus on social interaction in specific situations

Question 22

Symbolic-interaction approach

Answer 22

Framework for building theory that sees society as the product of the everyday interactions of individuals

Question 23

Stereotype

Answer 23

Simplified description applied to every person in some category