Vocab Words: Chapter 1 Flashcards
(23 cards)
Sociological Perspective
Sociology’s special point of view that sees general patterns of society in the lives of particular people.
Global Perspective
The study of the larger world and our society’s place in it.
High-Income Countries
Nations with the highest overall standards of living.
Middle-Income Countries
Nations with a standard of living about average for the world as a whole.
Low-Income Countries
Nations with a low standard of living in which most people are poor.
Positivism
A scientific approach to knowledge based on “positive” facts as opposed to mere speculation.
*Auguste Comge (1798-1857)
Theory
A statement of how and why specific facts are related.
Theoretical Approach
A basic image of society that guides thinking and research.
Structural-Functional Approach
A framework for building theory that sees society as a complete system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.
Social Structure
Any relatively stable pattern of social behavior.
Social Functions
The consequences of any social pattern for the operation of society as a whole.
Manifest Functions
The recognized and intended consequences of any social pattern.
Latent Functions
The unrecognized and unintended consequences of any social pattern.
Social Dysfunction
Any social pattern that may disrupt the operation of society.
Social-Conflict Approach
A framework for building theory that sees society as an arena of inequality that generates conflict and change.
Gender-Conflict Theory (Feminist Theory)
The study of society that focuses on inequality and conflict between women and men.
Feminism
Support of social equality for women and men.
Race-Conflict Theory
The study of society that focuses on inequality and conflict between people of different racial and ethnic categories.
Macro-Level Orientation
A broad focus on social structures that shape society as a whole.
Micro-Level Orientation
A close-up focus on social interaction in specific situations.
Symbolic-Interaction Approach
A framework for building theory that sees society as the product of the everyday interactions of individuals.
Stereotype
A simplified description applied to every person in some category.
Sociology
The systematic study of human society.
