Social Theories, Social Structures, Research Method Flashcards
(32 cards)
Micro vs Macro Sociology
Macro level: try to answer fundamental Qs about like why societies form, why they change, why their social structures function in the matter they function
Micro level: interested in small-scale individual considerations, one-on-one or very small group interactions
What is Sociology?
The study of society and individual in relationship to society
What are the four major sociological theories?
Functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, and social constructionism
Which of the four major sociology theories are considered macro-level?
- Functionalism
* Conflict theory
Which of the four major sociology theories are considered micro-level?
• Symbolic interactionism AND..
Which of the four major sociology theories are considered micro-level OR macro-level?
• Social constructionism
Functionalism
Level: MACRO
Person: Emile Durkheim, Herbert Spencer
Defined: Society is a complex system, individual parts working together, Views society as a body with organs that work together
“Dynamic equilibrium” goes with which theory?
Functionalism, stems from common consciousness (if you are a factory worker, you will think like other factory workers etc.)
What is the opposite of dynamic equilibrium?
Anomie, because it affects the “cells”
Manifest vs Latent Functions
Manifest: noticeable affects
Latent: unintended or less recognizable effects
(Ex; manifest function of being a doctor is treating patients whereas latent function is you end up meeting cool nurses)
Conflict Theory
Level: MACRO
Person: Karl Marx & Max Weber
Defined: Society is in competition for limited resources, individual groups compete for social, political and material power
Class consciousness
where people in that class are aware that they are in that class (Marx saw how sucky the working class was being treated, and believed they had to see themselves in that class as one unit, in order to rebel)
Falso consciousness
this is when people would not see themselves as part of a class that they are actually in
Symbolic Interactionism
Level: micro-level
Person: George Herbert Mead
Defined: Individuals communicate with each other using socially/culturally learned symbols
“Generalized other”
refers to that you understand how society looks at you based on what you do/how you look (Ex: you aren’t going to have pink mohawk and face tattoos as an MCAT professor)
The “me” vs the “I”
The “I” is one’s identity and individuality and the “me” is what society wants
- The “I” and “me” are not always in alignment
Social Constructionism
Level: micro and MACRO levels
Defined: what society thinks of things because of constructs we made
What is an example of a social construct?
A social construct includes marriage, gender, everything is a social construct if you think about it. MIND BLOWING.
Feminist Theory
Level: micro and macro level
The social experience between men and women and how they are different, women’s rights
What is ‘Socialization’ in terms of Social Constructionism?
it is how we pass on these “rules” or social constructs (Ex: giving trucks for boys and barbies for girls)
Norm vs Value
Norm – an expected way of behaving vs Value – ideas that people think are valuable
Rational Choice Theory
Level: micro
assumes that people choose the choice that most benefits them
Social Exchange Theory
Level: micro
Individuals interact based on rewards (benefits) and punishments (costs)
What are the different waves of Feminist theory?
1st wave: right to vote, to own property and get paid
2nd wave: right to sexuality
3rd wave: intersectionality* the study of how diff social identities, all the people that get left out b/c first two waves were just white females
