Intro/Theory Flashcards
what is sociology?
the study of how societies are organized and how that organization affects the behavior of the people who live in them
what is the sociological imagination?
the capacity to think about our own personal expirences in relationship to the larger set of forces that influence every aspect of our lives
what is the difference between troubles and issues?
troubles are specific to individuals; issues are specific to groups of people
what is the division of labor?
the belief that people in the city trade thier wages for food, clothing, shelter and other items for survivial
what is free will?
the concept that individuals have the ability to make decisions and choices independetly
what is functionalism?
the belief that society is composed of various parts, each with a specific function
society is made up of different types of functions
what are manifest functions?
things you do know (recognized and intended consequences)
what are latent functions?
things you dont know (unintended consequences)
what are dysfunctional behaviors?
elements of social life that disrupt or challenge the established order
what are the critiques of functionalism?
it neglects social change and conflict, it only focuses on stability
what are the conflict theories?
the belief that those in power hold the greatest political, economic, and social resources
what is marxism?
the upper class (bourgeois) hold all the power and influence in comparison to the lower class (proletariat)
what is feminism?
the belief that gender inequalities are important determinants of life
what is symbolic interactionism?
the belief that symbols and language are core elements in all of human interactions
what is rational choice theory?
the idea that individuals make decisons by weighing out the pros and cons of a situation
