sociology-theory Flashcards
(23 cards)
theory
a set of ideas used to explain how or why certain social patterns occur
theoretical perspective
groups of theories that share certain common ways of seeing how society works
structural functionalism
a view of modern societies as consisting of interdependent parts of working together for the good of the whole
social institutions
sets of statuses and roles that focus on one central aspect of society
micro level of analysis
focuses on either an individual or small groups
macro level of analysis
focuses on the overall social structure of society and large-scale societal forces
latent functions
unintended consequences of an institution
dysfunctions
unintended consequences of an institutions
means of production
the technology and materials needed to produce products
false consciousness
Marx’s theory that the proletariat did not understand how they were being mistreated and misled by the owners of the means of production
alienation
A theoretical concept to describe isolating, dehumanizing, and disenchanting effects of working within a capitalist system of production.
true consciousness
When the proletariat are no longer in false consciousness and are aware of how they are being mistreated and misled.
communism
Under Karl Marx’s conceptualization of communism, all citizens would be equal and able to fulfill their unique potential to imagine and create what we imagine.
symbolic interaction
Viewing society as a social construction, continually constructed and reconstructed by individuals through their use of shared symbols.
self
Sense of self, the knowledge that one is unique, separate from every other human.
culture
The characteristics of a group or society that make it distinct from other groups and society or the way of life of a particular group of people.
primary socialization
Socialization that occurs in childhood, the most intense time for socialization.
primary groups
Small collections of people of which a person is a member, usually for life, and in which deep emotional ties develop.
back stage
where one prepares for an interaction
front stage
where an interaction actually takes place
presentation of self
Efforts to shape the physical, verbal, visual, and gestural messages we give to others to achieve impression management.
social constructionism
Holds that every society creates norms, values, objects, and symbols it finds meaningful and useful
conflict theory/perspectives
A conflict theory perspective that argues that the economic elite are able to dominate society because of their power over the workings of the economy.
