U3 - Sociology Flashcards
(108 cards)
What is Sociology?
Sociology is the study of society and human behaviour
Auguste Comte
Auguste Comte is the father of sociology and believed society can be studied scientifically, advocating for positivism
Harriet Martineau
Harriet Martineau is the mother of sociology. She emphasized studying both political economy and society and was one of the first to advocate for women’s rights and social reform.
What are the goals of Sociology?
To understand and explain social behavior, and to study the structure and dynamics of society.
Schools of Thought in Sociology (Paradigms)
Structural Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Symbolic Interactionism
Macrosociology vs. Microsociology
Macrosociology looks at large-scale social processes, like the economy.
Microsociology looks at small-scale interactions, like those between individuals in families or groups
Big Three Sociological Paradigms (Perspectives)
Structural Functionalism (Macro), Conflict Theory (Macro), and Symbolic Interactionism (Micro)
Paradigm #1: Structural Functionalism
Emile Durkheim
MACRO
Society works best when everything is stable and balanced
Influenced by the French and Industrial Revolutions
Society is stable when institutions meet the needs of its members
Paradigm #2: Conflict Theory
Karl Marx
MACRO
Society is full of inequalities based on things like class, race and gender
Powerful groups use social systems to stay in control
Paradigm #3: Symbolic Interactionism
MICRO
People create meaning through their everyday interactions
We use words, signs and symbols that shape how we see the world
What are social institutions?
Social institutions are structured systems in society that organize fundamental activities.
What are the purposes of social institutions?
They serve to socialize individuals, regulate behavior, and maintain stability in society.
5 main types of social institutions
Family, education, religion, economy, and government.
What is Structural Functionalism?
It’s the theory that society works like a machine, with each part (like family, education) helping to keep things stable.
Structural Functionisim is Macro or Micro
Macro
What are the 3 main purposes of social structures/institutions according to Structural Functionalism?
Socialization, regulation, and stability—teaching societal rules, controlling behavior, and keeping society functioning smoothly.
Status
A position within a group or institution (e.g. student, teacher)
Role
The expected behaviours associated with a status (e.g. students attend class, complete work)
Role Strain
When someone struggles to meet the expectations of one role
Role Conflict
When expectations from two different roles clash (e.g. being both a supervisor and a friend)
Analogy of Society
Society functions like a machine, with each part (or institution) contributing to the whole
What are the 4 types of suicide according to Emile Durkheim?
Egoistic, Altruistic, Anomic, and Fatalistic.
Egoistic suicide
Results from too little social connection (isolation)
Altruistic suicide
Results from too much connection (sacrifice for the group)