sociology - theory Flashcards
(13 cards)
Social theory
Is a framework used to analyze and explain patterns of social relationships, institutions, and behaviors in human societies.
Structural functionalism
is a theory that views society as a complex system composed of interrelated parts, that contribute to the function of the whole society.
Herbert Spencer (Body manifest)
compared society to a living organism, in which if one part fails it affects the entire organism.
When was Spencers theory popular?
Mid to 19th century, appealed to industrial societies and had clear structure and order.
Intended consequence (Spencer)
institutions maintain social stability.
Unintended consequence
Disruption in one part can affect others.
Social stratification
Is the structured and ranking of people in a society based on factors like wealth, income, education, occupation, race, gender, or social status.
Davis and more theory
Belief in social stratification—the ranking of people into social classes or layers—is a universal and necessary feature of society.
Social Conflict theory
Is a perspective in sociology that focuses on the inequalities of social groups and the conflicts that arise due to these inequalities.
Conflict theory - social change
Social Change is Inevitable: Conflict theorists believe that conflict between groups inevitably leads to social change. For example, revolutions, often stem from social conflict.
Symbolic interactionism
is a theory that focuses on how individuals create and interpret symbols and meanings through social interactions.
Symbolic interactionism - premise
People create reality through social interaction and the use of symbols (e.g., language, gestures, objects).
Dramaturgy
Is a sociological perspective that views social interaction as a theatrical performance where individuals play roles and manage impressions in front of an audience (others in society). This approach draws on the metaphor of theater to understand how people present themselves in everyday life
