Midterm 1 Theories Flashcards
(32 cards)
Basic assumption of Functionalism
MACRO, Society is a set of interdependent parts
F - define Social Functions
Productive consequences of patterns of behavior, beliefs, and values on societal operations
F - Social Dysfunctions
- Disruptive consequences of patterns of behavior, beliefs, values on societal operations
- caused by disorganization or maladjustment
F - Manifest Functions
The intentional purpose of a social pattern
F - Latent Functions
The unintended consequence of a social pattern
Key Terms of functionalist view
Stability, order, equilibrium, status-quo
Basic Assumption of Conflict Theory
conflict is frequent and social change is certain
Functionalist view of society
- Societal elements function together to maintain equilibrium
- good society = stable / cooperative social system where everything has a function
Functionalist view on change
- Rapid social change is the most frequent cause of loss of equilibrium
- Slow, necessary adjustments will restore the social system to equilibrium
Conflict theorist view on society
- Society is continually engaged in disagreements / tensions
- this is inevitable because societal inequalities create a cycle of instability (new elites arise)
Conflict theorists definition of False Consciousness
a technique by which ruling elites maintain power and control of resources
Conflict Theorists view on change
- Group cohesiveness and struggle against oppression are necessary to effect social change
- change adresses social inqualities
CT - Social Class
A group of people who share a socioeconomic position or status
CT - Subordination
Dominating another person through the use of power
CT - Exploitation
Using other people for personal or collective gain
CT - Oppression
The process by which people with vast social resources make people without them powerless to change their social conditions
CT - Alienation
the process by which exploited and oppressed people are separated from their humanity or their true human potential
CT - Class consciousness
the beliefs that a person holds regarding one’s social class or economic rank in society, the structure of their class, and their class interests
CT - False Consciousness
The state of not knowing that you, and the group you belong to, are being alienated and exploited
Key Terms for Conflict Theory
Class struggle, tensions, competition over resources, inequality, collective action, & revolutionary change
Basic assumption of Symbolic Interactionist Theory
(focuses on micro-social personal interaction patterns), societies and people are guided by the way things are collectively defined and socially constructed
Symbolic Interactionist view on society
- Shared symbols and definitions are the basis for interpreting life experiences
- Internalized social construction of reality, those who adopt it see it as objective fact
Symbolic Interactionist view on intergroup relations
- shared expectations and understandings (or the absence of) explain intergroup relations
- Social problems arise from the interaction of individuals
often learned from other people
SI - Symbols
cultural representations of reality; convey meaning (verbal/non-verbal, written/non-written; language)
