Sociology 101 Midterm Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is Sociology?
Sociology is the systematic study of human society, social structures, and how they influence individual and group behaviors. It focuses on societal patterns, unlike psychology, which focuses on individual thoughts and behaviors.
What is Social Structure in Sociology?
Social Structure refers to the organized patterns of relationships, institutions, and social arrangements that shape interactions.
Examples include family structures, government systems, and education.
Define Sociological Imagination (C. Wright Mills).
Sociological Imagination is the ability to see the connection between personal experiences and broader social forces.
For example, choosing a baby’s name is influenced by cultural norms, historical trends, and family expectations.
What are the Key Historical Influences on Sociology?
1) The Industrial Revolution: Led to urbanization, economic shifts, and new social problems.
2) The Enlightenment: Encouraged scientific inquiry into human behavior.
3) The French & American Revolutions: Influenced sociologists’ interest in democracy, social change, and inequality.
What is Functionalism?
Functionalism, developed by Émile Durkheim, views society as a system where different parts work together to maintain stability.
Example: The education system ensures societal stability by teaching skills for the workforce.
What is Conflict Theory?
Conflict Theory, developed by Karl Marx, focuses on power struggles and inequality, particularly class conflict.
Example: The wage gap between CEOs and workers highlights power imbalances in capitalism.
What is Symbolic Interactionism?
Symbolic Interactionism, developed by George Herbert Mead and Charles Cooley, examines how people create meaning through interactions, symbols, and language.
Example: A handshake can symbolize greeting, respect, or an agreement.
What are Social Roles and Status?
Social Roles are behaviors expected in a given social position, while Status refers to the social position itself.
Achieved Status: Earned through effort (e.g., college graduate).
Ascribed Status: Assigned at birth (e.g., race, gender).
What are Social Facts?
Social Facts, according to Durkheim, are patterns of behavior that exist beyond individual control, such as crime rates or marriage trends.
What is the Racial Wealth Gap?
The Racial Wealth Gap refers to the economic disparities caused by historical injustices like slavery and segregation, which continue to affect racial groups.
Who is Karl Marx and what is his contribution to Sociology?
Karl Marx developed Conflict Theory, focusing on class struggles and capitalism. He also introduced the idea of Alienation, where workers feel disconnected from the products they create due to industrial labor.
What did Émile Durkheim contribute to Sociology?
Émile Durkheim introduced the concept of Social Facts and studied the Division of Labor. He also identified four types of suicide: egoistic, altruistic, anomic, and fatalistic.
What did Max Weber contribute to Sociology?
Max Weber focused on Rationalization, Bureaucracy, and Life Chances. He also introduced the concept of Verstehen, understanding social behavior from the perspective of those experiencing it.
What is Cultural Capital (Pierre Bourdieu)?
Cultural Capital refers to the knowledge and skills that provide a social advantage, such as education, manners, and tastes, which are valued in a society.
What is Code-Switching?
Code-Switching is adjusting behavior based on social context, such as acting differently in school versus in street environments.
What are Formal and Informal Norms?
Formal Norms: Written laws and policies (e.g., speed limits).
Informal Norms: Unwritten social rules (e.g., shaking hands).
What are the Components of Socioeconomic Status (SES)?
SES is determined by:
Income: Money earned.
Wealth: Total assets.
Education: Level of schooling.
Occupation: Type of job held.
What is Upward Social Mobility?
Upward Social Mobility refers to moving up the social ladder, such as achieving The American Dream. However, barriers like structural inequalities (e.g., racism, gender discrimination) can hinder mobility.
What is the Impact of Education on Income Inequality?
Higher education generally leads to higher earnings. However, racial and gender disparities persist in access to education and income.
What are the Ethical Concerns in Sociological Research?
Tuskegee Syphilis Study: Major ethical violation where participants were misled and denied treatment.
Informed Consent: Researchers must inform participants about the study before they agree to participate.
