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Chapter 12 Study Guide
Sociology in our times; The Essentials
13
Sociology
Undergraduate 1
05/04/2014

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Term
Functionalists
Definition
suggest that education contributes to the maintenance of society and provides opportunity for upward social mobility.
Term
Functionalists functions of education
Definition
Manifest functions
socialization
transmission of culture
social control
social placement
change and innovation
Latent functions
restricting some activities
matchmaking and production of social networks
create generation gap
Term
Conflict theorists
Definition
argue that education perpetuates social inequality.
Schools perpetuate class, race, ethnic and gender inequalities and the elite uses education to maintain power

Education reproduces existing class relationships.

Unequal funding is a source of inequality in education.

Access to colleges and universities is determined not only by academic record but also by the ability to pay.
Term
Cultural capital and class reproduction–
Definition
According to the sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, students come to school with different amounts of cultural capital or socially approved dress and manners, knowledge about books, art, music
The educational system teaches and reinforces values that sustain the elite’s position in society.
When children lack the social assets that include values, beliefs, and competencies they have less chance of academic success
Term
Tracking (ability grouping) –
Definition
practice of assigning students to specific groups based on their test scores, previous grades, or other criteria.
Conflict theorists believe tracking affects educational performance, overall academic accomplishments and career choices.
Term
Hidden curriculum
Definition
Transmission of cultural values and attitudes such as conformity and obedience to authority (experience boredom without complaining)
A study of five elementary schools in different communities found:
Schools for working-class students emphasize procedures and rote memorization.
Schools for middle-class students stress the processes involved in getting the right answer.
Schools for affluent students focus on activities in which students express their own ideas.
Schools for students from elite families work to develop critical thinking skills, applying abstract principles to problem solving.
Term
Credentialism
Definition
process of social selection in which class advantage Is linked to possession of academic qualification
practice of requiring degrees for high paying and prestigious jobs
Term
Functionalist perspective religion
Definition
sacred beliefs and rituals bind people together and help maintain social control.

Main functions include:
Provide meaning and purpose to life
Clarifies the world - configures reality and makes it understandable
Aid in critical life stages – provides meaning to birth, adulthood, marriage, death
Helps people deal with guilt by offering way back to constructive life

Promote social cohesion and a sense of belonging
Establishes identity – religion defines relationship with universe and provides self definition as group member

Provide social control and support for the government
Supports social norms and values – connects demands to divine will
Term
Durkheim on religion
Definition
Society differentiates between sacred (unusual and mysterious) and profane (everyday life)
Divine projects image of society and shares with society the following:
it is greater than the individual
the individual depends on it for existence
it governs right and wrong of behavior
is authoritative and demands allegiance
Deities explain forces over which humans have no control
Religion creates social solidarity
Term
Ecclesia
Definition
universal church or official state religion
Term
Civil religion
Definition
describes commingling of political and religious symbols
America as redeemer nation
sanctifies American political systems
sacred legitimation for democratic ideas
gives America transcendent frame of reference
Term
Transcendent idealism
Definition
belief in sacred principles of thought and conduct such as truth, justice, life and tolerance(Buddhism)
Term
Simple supernaturalism
Definition
– belief that supernatural forces affect people’s lives positively or negatively
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