Introduction to sociology Flashcards
(41 cards)
What is sociology?
Sociology is the systematic study of society and human behavior, focusing on social structures, relationships, and institutions.
Who is the father of sociology?
Auguste Comte is considered the father of sociology for introducing the scientific study of society.
What is society?
Society is a group of people who share a culture and a defined territory.
What is the primary focus of sociology?
Sociology focuses on understanding human behavior within a broader social context.
What is social structure?
Social structure refers to the organized pattern of social relationships and institutions that make up society.
What does ‘socialization’ mean in sociology?
Socialization is the lifelong process through which individuals learn the norms, values, and roles of their society.
What is culture in sociology?
Culture encompasses the beliefs, behaviors, objects, and other characteristics common to the members of a group or society.
What is a social institution?
A social institution is an organized and established social system that meets basic human needs, like family, education, religion, and economy.
Give an example of a social institution.
Examples include the family, education system, religious organizations, and the legal system.
What is a social norm?
Social norms are the rules and expectations by which society guides the behavior of its members.
What is the sociological imagination?
Coined by C. Wright Mills, it is the ability to see the relationship between individual experiences and larger social influences.
Why is sociological imagination important?
It helps individuals understand how personal problems are connected to public issues and larger social structures.
What is a social fact according to Émile Durkheim?
Social facts are values, cultural norms, and social structures that transcend the individual and can exercise social control.
Give an example of a social fact.
Laws, moral regulations, religious beliefs, and customs are examples of social facts.
Who is Herbert Spencer and what was his contribution to sociology?
Herbert Spencer applied the concept of evolution to societies, coining the phrase ‘survival of the fittest.’
What does ‘positivism’ mean in sociology?
Positivism, promoted by Auguste Comte, is the belief that knowledge should be derived from scientific observation.
How does sociology differ from psychology?
Sociology focuses on groups and social structures, while psychology focuses on individual behavior and mental processes.
How is sociology similar to anthropology?
Both study human behavior and culture, but sociology emphasizes contemporary societies while anthropology often studies past or tribal societies.
What is functionalism?
Functionalism views society as a complex system with parts working together to promote stability and social order.
Who is associated with functionalism?
Émile Durkheim is a key figure associated with functionalism in sociology.
What is conflict theory?
Conflict theory views society as composed of groups competing for scarce resources, highlighting inequality and power struggles.
Who is associated with conflict theory?
Karl Marx is most commonly associated with conflict theory.
What is symbolic interactionism?
Symbolic interactionism focuses on small-scale, day-to-day interactions and how individuals create meanings through symbols.
