Theory & History Flashcards
(40 cards)
What are the main parts of a social institutions?
Ideological, economic, political-legal arrangements
When the social structures change, like when the countries were changing from feudalism to modernity, what also changed?
The conceptions of individuals in society, the cultural norms, and attitudes and practices.
What are some examples of social institutions?
Families, schools, governments
Are societies different around the world?
Yes, for example Sweden’s government is different from Congo’s government.
What is the definition of ideology?
An ideology attempts to organize conceptions of authority and shared commitments in ways that justify the existing social structure. An ideology claims that societies have equality of opportunity and permits people to pursue their interests.
What are the two types of ideology?
Particular ideology and total ideology
What is particular ideology?
Particular ideology hides or denys one’s personal interests, a set of beliefs of a group or individual that may seem good but in reality benefits certain people more than others.
What is total ideology?
While total ideology is the thought and ways of thinking that affect how we view the world. An example the topic of college is different around the world. In the U.S. it is expensive and in Sweden it is free, which may alter how the citizens of each country think about the other.
What are the two dimensions of ideology?
Positive and Negative
How would you describe a negative ideology?
A negative ideology places limits on what can be thought, which could lead to a stable society.
How would you describe a positive ideology?
A positive ideology encourages individuals to question the legitimacy of its existing social structure thereby contributing to social change.
What are the critiques associated with ideology?
Equality of opportunity does not acknowledge that a person’s position in the social structure affects “equality of opportunity”
What events preceded modernity?
Imperialistic expansion and enlightenment
What was the imperialistic expansion?
Also known as colonialism, countries that are more developed seize underdeveloped countries.
What is enlightenment?
Also known as the Age of Reason, a period when people questioned religion and realized laws exist in the universe and therefore there is reason.
What is the difference between Reason and reason?
Reason refers to the laws of the universe and reason refers to the way philosophers think to explain Reason.
What events happen during Modernity?
Anti-Aristocratic Revolutions and Industrial Revolution
What characterizes Anti-Aristocratic revolutions?
Peasants, emerging capitalist, and emerging working class uniting to rebel against the aristocrats
What characterizes the Industrial Revolution?
Countries began importing many products to begin their industries.
How did Enlightenment progress, what were the core ideas?
1: Things happened in the social and physical world that could only be explained by religion or magic.
#2: The beginning of Enlightenment explains #1 by saying the physical and social world occur in a natural order (Reason).
#3: Enlightenment develops and states Reason can be explained by philosophical investigation (reason).
What was the concept behind the enlightenment in relation to progress?
Enlightenment maintained that social progress and perfectibility of humankind could occur by understanding Reason.
Why did Enlightenment benefit society?
Enlightenment could help society progress and become more organized.
What kind of worldview does Enlightenment have?
Secular (non-religious)
What inspired classical social theories?
They were in response to unwarranted optimism of the Enlightenment Philosophy. Enlightenment philosophy assumed that social progress would follow economic progress.
