Module 1 Flashcards
What is sociology?
Sociology is the scientific study of human society, social interactions, institutions, patterns, and changes, using systematic methods and theories. It seeks to understand how social forces shape behavior, culture, and institutions.
(Key founder: Auguste Comte – “science of society/social physics”)
Define “social order.”
Social order refers to the patterned, stable, and predictable arrangements of social institutions and relationships that organize society. It is maintained by norms, values, and shared expectations.
social change
Social change is the transformation over time in the structures, institutions, and cultural patterns of society. It may be gradual or rapid and is influenced by factors like technology, cultural diffusion, and economic shifts.
What are “status” and “role” in sociology?
• Status: A position in the social structure (e.g., student, teacher).
• Role: The set of expectations, behaviors, and obligations attached to a status.
What is “culture” in sociological terms?
Culture comprises the shared beliefs, values, norms, symbols, language, and material objects that define a group. It guides behavior and shapes identity.
Define “norms,” “values,” and “sanctions.”
• Norms: Rules and expectations for behavior.
• Values: Deeply held ideas about what is good or desirable.
• Sanctions: Rewards or punishments used to enforce norms.
What is functionalism in sociology?
Functionalism views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote stability and integration. Every social institution serves a function to maintain social order.
Who are the key founders of functionalism?
Emile Durkheim (pioneered the study of social facts and collective conscience) and Talcott Parsons (developed a more systematic model of social action and integration).
What are the main points of functionalism?
• Society is an interrelated system with parts (institutions, norms, roles) that contribute to stability.
• Social order and cohesion result from shared values and consensus.
• Dysfunction in one part can lead to social instability.
What are common critiques of functionalism?
• It tends to overlook social conflict and change.
• It may assume consensus where there is significant inequality or power struggle.
• It can be overly deterministic, ignoring individual agency.
What is conflict theory?
Conflict theory argues that society is characterized by inequality, power struggles, and conflict between competing groups (e.g., classes, races, genders). It sees social order as maintained by domination and coercion rather than consensus.
Which sociologist is most associated with conflict theory?
Karl Marx is central; his work in “The Communist Manifesto” and “Das Kapital” emphasizes class struggle and economic exploitation.
What are the key points of conflict theory?
- Society is structured by power differentials and resource distribution.
- Social change arises from conflicts between dominant and subordinate groups.
- Institutions reflect the interests of those in power.
What critiques are often leveled at conflict theory?
- It may overemphasize economic factors at the expense of cultural or symbolic dimensions.
- It can be reductionist by explaining all social phenomena solely as class struggles.
- Sometimes it neglects the stability and cooperative aspects of society.
What is symbolic interactionism?
Symbolic interactionism focuses on how individuals create, interpret, and negotiate meanings through social interactions. It sees society as constructed through everyday communication and symbols.
Who are the key figures in symbolic interactionism?
George Herbert Mead (the originator of the concept of the “self” through social interaction) and Herbert Blumer (who coined the term “symbolic interactionism”). Erving Goffman is also influential (for his work on impression management).
What are the main points of symbolic interactionism?
- Meanings are created through social interaction.
- The self is a social product emerging from communication.
- Micro-level analysis is essential to understanding larger social processes.
What critiques exist for symbolic interactionism?
- It may overlook broader structural forces such as institutions and power dynamics.
- Its focus on the micro level can limit its ability to explain large-scale social phenomena.
- It can be too subjective and difficult to generalize.
What is the feminist perspective in sociology?
Feminist theory examines how gender inequality shapes society, critiquing the historical male bias in sociology and emphasizing women’s experiences and the power dynamics of gender.
Who are some key feminist sociologists and works?
Ann Oakley (e.g., “Sex, Gender and Society”), Simone de Beauvoir (e.g., “The Second Sex”), and later Caribbean feminists such as those contributing to debates on creolization and identity.
What are the main points of the feminist perspective?
- Gender is a central category for understanding power and inequality.
- Traditional sociology often marginalizes or misrepresents women’s experiences.
- Social institutions are seen as reinforcing gender roles and patriarchal power.
What critiques are aimed at feminist perspectives?
- They may be critiqued for overemphasizing gender at the expense of other variables (race, class, etc.).
- Some argue that feminist theory can sometimes generalize women’s experiences.
- Intersectionality is required to fully capture diverse experiences.
What is positivism?
Positivism is an approach that holds that knowledge is derived from sensory experience and that only “positive” facts (measurable, observable data) are meaningful. It underpins quantitative research.
How is positivism linked to quantitative research?
Quantitative research relies on objective measurement, statistical analysis, and replicable methods to test hypotheses—principles aligned with the positivist view of science.
