EXAM #1 Flashcards
(82 cards)
August Compte
Coined the term “sociology,” meaning “the systematic study of society and social interaction. Race, ethnicity, class, culture, gender, religion.
The Sociological Imagination
The ability to understand how your own past relates to that of other people, as well as history in general, and social structures in particular. Understanding human behavior by placing it within a broader context.
Resociolization
The process in which old behaviors are removed and new behaviors are learned in their place. The process of learning new norms, values, attitudes, and behaviors. (Ex. Death of a loved one, new job/boss, boot camp.)
Group dyanmics
- Definition
- General principal
Gender Socialization
Social or cultural distinctions of behaviors that are considered male or female.
Social location
A location defined by social factors unique to the individuals or group attached to said location.
Looking-glass self
A process of self-viewing in which the individual views: 1.) How we think our behavior appears to others, 2.) How we think others judge our behavior, and 3.) How we feel about their judgments; develop a self-concept. Accuracy does not matter.
The Sociological Perspective
A way at looking at society and social behavior that involves questioning the obvious, seeking patterns, and looking beyond the individual in an attempt to discern social processes.
Significant other
A person with whom someone has established a romantic or sexual relationship.
Mass media
Distribution of impersonal information to a wide audience, via television, newspapers, radio, and the internet.
Bourgeoisie
In Marxism, these are the owners of the means of production in a society.
Proletariat
In Marxism, these are laborers in a society.
Interviews and focus groups
A one-on-one conversation between the researcher and the subject.
Symbolic Interactionism
A micro-level theoretical perspective through which scholars examine the relationship of individuals within their society by studying their communication (language and symbols.) How do people interpret and understand the social world in their interactions? How do they help shape the reality of the experience? Physical objects / abstract symbols.
Functionalism
A macro-level theoretical approach that sees society as a structure with interrelated parts designed to meet the biological and social needs of individuals that make up that society. (Sees society as a human body, and each independent structure has a key role.)
Conflict Theory
A macro-level theory that looks at society as a competition for limited resources. A struggle occurring day after day as people try to maintain and improve their positions of power. How is inequality structured in society? How are power relations maintained and how can they be changed?
Latent functions
The unrecognized or unintended consequences of a social process.
Social institution
Patterns of beliefs or behaviors focused on meeting societies’ needs. (Family, religion, education, economy, and government.)
Degradation ceremony
The process by which new members of a total institution lose aspects of their old identities and are given new ones.
Resocialization
The process by which old behaviors are removed and new behaviors are learned in their place.
Life-course
The period from birth to death, including sequence of predictable life events.
Culture
Shared beliefs, values, and patterns that characterize a group. Learned through socialization.
Culture shock
An experience of personal disorientation when confronted with an unfamiliar way of life. Wears off as people learn about the culture.
Cultural relativism
The practice of assessing a culture by its own standards, and not in comparison to another culture. Trying to understand a culture on its own terms.
