Crash Course Sociology

Question 1

American sociologist that focused on technology as the main source of societal change

Answer 1

Gerhard Lenski

Question 2

The changes that occur as society gains new technology.

Answer 2

Sociocultural Evolution

Question 3

What are the different types of societies?

Answer 3

• Hunting and Gathering Societies
• Horticultural and Pastoral Societies
• Agrarian Society
• Industrial Society
• Postindustrial Society

Question 4

30,000-40,000 thousand years ago
- These are small, simple societies in which people hunt and gather food. Because all people in these societies have few possessions, the societies are fairly egalitarian, and the degree of inequality is very low.

Answer 4

Hunting and Gathering Society

Question 5

12,000 years ago
- Grow crops with simple tools
- First human settlements
- Staying put to remain close to reliable food sources

Answer 5

Horticultural Society

Question 6

12,000 years ago.
- Focus on raising livestock
- Nomadic, moving from place to place to keep animals fed

Answer 6

Pastoral Society

Question 7

More resources than needed to feed the population. First occurred in horticultural and pastoral societies. Allows societies to grow.

Answer 7

Material Surplus

Question 8

• Led to the first real instances of specialization in society, with separate political, religious, and military roles coming about.
• Real social inequality for the first time.

Answer 8

Horticultural and Pastoral Societies

Question 9

These societies grow great numbers of crops, thanks to the use of plows, oxen, and other devices. Compared to horticultural and pastoral societies, they are wealthier and have a higher degree of conflict and of inequality.

Answer 9

Agrarian/Agricultural Society

Question 10

feature factories and machines. They are wealthier than agricultural societies and have a greater sense of individualism and a somewhat lower degree of inequality that still remains substantial.

Answer 10

Industrial Society

Question 11

These societies feature information technology and service jobs. Higher education is especially important in these societies for economic success.

Answer 11

Postindustrial Society

Question 12

What’s the difference between Industrial Societies and Postindustrial Societies?

Answer 12

Industrial societies focused on raw materials and manufacturing while Postindustrial Societies focuses on information, services, and technology.