Sociology Flashcards
(38 cards)
Sociology
The study of society, human behavior, and social institutions. Focuses on how people interact, how society functions, and how social structures influence lives.
Macro Sociology
The study of large-scale social processes and institutions (e.g., economy, politics, population). Looks at the “big picture” of society. (Conflict Theory)
Micro Sociology
The study of small-scale interactions between individuals or small groups. Focuses on daily behavior, communication, and social roles. (symbolic interactionism)
What do sociologists study?
Social behavior, culture, institutions, roles, norms, social change, inequality, deviance, and group interactions. They attempt to answer key questions about why certain social behaviours exist and how different societies function . They study individual behaviour within the context of groups, the behaviour of groups, and a society as a whole to understand the complex world around us
Socialization
The process by which individuals learn the norms, values, and behaviors of their society. Primary and Secondary.
Four main influences on social behavior
Family
Peers
Media
Culture
Social Group
A collection of people who interact and share similar norms, values, and expectations.
Primary agents of socialization
Family & close friends – teach basic norms, values, language, and behaviors early in life.
Secondary agents of socialization
School, peers, media, religion – influence behavior, values, and roles in broader society.
Norms
Rules or expectations for behavior within a society.
Roles
Socially expected behaviors and responsibilities associated with a status or position.
Values
Shared beliefs about what is good, right, and desirable in a society.
Positivism
The belief that knowledge should be based on observable, scientific facts and evidence.
Functionalism
Society is a system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain stability. (Emile Durkheim)
Conflict Theory
Society is shaped by inequality and conflict between powerful and less powerful groups. (Karl Marx)
Symbolic Interactionism
Focuses on how people interact and create meaning through symbols and language. (George Mead)
Feminist Theory
Examines gender inequalities and how social structures affect women and other marginalized groups. (Dorothy Smith)
Collective Behavior
Spontaneous, unstructured group actions that arise in response to an event or issue (e.g., riots, crowds). The group engages in this kind of behaviour to accomplish a specific goal or outcome.
Convergence Theory
People who share similar needs or beliefs come together in crowds or movements.
Rational Decision Theory
People make decisions by weighing costs and benefits to maximize personal gain.
Mass Hysteria
Widespread irrational fear or anxiety, often spread quickly through a group (e.g., panic over disease outbreaks).
Smart Mob
A group that uses digital communication to organize quickly for a specific action or protest.
Prosocial Behavior
Actions intended to benefit others, like helping, sharing, or cooperating.
Groupthink
When group members conform to avoid conflict, often leading to poor decisions or overlooking alternatives.
