Unit 1 Flashcards
(26 cards)
Perspective
a particular point of view
Sociology
the scientific study of social structure (human social behavior)
Sociological perspective
a view that looks at behavior of groups, not individuals
Social structure
the patterned interaction of people in social relationships
Sociological imagination
the ability to see the link between society and self
Positivism
the belief that knowledge should be derived from scientific observation
Social statics
the study of social stability and order
Social dynamics
the study of social change
Bourgeoisie
class owning the means for producing wealth
Capitalist
person who owns or controls the means for producing wealth
Proletariat
working class; those who labor for the bourgeoisie
Class conflict
the ongoing struggle between the bourgeoisie (owners) and the proletariat (working) classes
Mechanical solidarity
social dependency based on a widespread consensus of values and beliefs, enforced conformity, and dependence on tradition and family
Organic solidarity
social interdependency based on a high degree of specialization in roles
Verstehen
understanding social behavior by putting yourself in the place of others
Rationalization
the mindset emphasizing knowledge, reason, and planning
Theoretical perspective
a set of assumptions accepted as true
Functionalism
approach that emphasizes the contributions made by each part of society
Manifest functions
intended and recognized consequences of an aspect of society
Latent functions
unintended and unrecognized consequences of an aspect of society
Dysfunction
negative consequence of an aspect of society
Conflict perspective
approach emphasizing the role of conflict, competition, and constraint within a society
Power
the ability to control the behavior of others
Symbol
anything that stands for something else and has an agreed-upon meaning attached to it
