Term
| Sociological Imagination – C. Wright Mills |
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Definition
Understanding the relationship between social factors and people’s lives
Understanding the true origin of problems that we face |
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Term
| What is the sociological perspective?(4) |
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Definition
1.A way of looking at the world
2.Relies on the scientific method – research
3.Encourages people to question why society is set up the way it is
4.Emphasizes social diversity |
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Term
| What are the benefits of using the sociological perspective?(4) |
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Definition
Helps us assess the truth of “commonsense”
Helps us assess opportunities and constraints in our own lives and the lives of others
Empowers us to effectively participate in society
Helps us live in a diverse world |
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Term
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Definition
Sociologists talk about patterns in collectives or groups
Because an individual is a member of a particular group, that person does not necessarily exhibit all traits that characterize the group as a whole |
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Term
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Definition
| Life-long process through which we learn our culture, develop a sense of self, and become functioning members of a society |
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Term
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Definition
A predictable, established way to provide for one or more of society’s basic needs
Education, health care, political, economic, family |
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Term
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Definition
The Industrial Revolution
The Growth of Cities
Political Change
Rapid Expansion of Colonialism |
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Term
| 2 different ways of explaining social relationships: |
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Definition
Theological – Using religion to explain social structure and group differences
Science – Scientific laws can explain human behavior and social structure |
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Term
| Structural Functional Approach |
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Definition
Macro-social approach
Focuses on large groups, whole societies
Emphasizes stability, solidarity
Interdependence
Organic Analogy – Society is like a body |
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Term
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Definition
| Everything is related, so a change in one aspect of society necessarily changes everything else in that society |
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Term
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Definition
Intended function of some aspect of society
Example: Prisons, education |
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Term
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Definition
Unintended function of some aspect of society
Example: Prisons, childcare |
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Term
| Structural Functional Approach |
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Definition
In a stable society, change would not occur frequently
Views change as a sign that things are not functioning properly
Causes of change are often viewed as dysfunctions because they prevent stability |
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Term
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Definition
Macro-social approach
The philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways; the point, however, is to change it.
Explicitly focuses on inequality and differences in power
Argues that all people are equal
Differences exist because of unequal opportunities
Conflict is inevitable – there will always be clashes over limited resources
Change is inevitable – predicted revolution |
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Term
| Symbolic Interaction Theory |
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Definition
Micro-social approach
Focuses on small group interactions |
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Term
| Symbolic Interaction Approach |
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Definition
Social Construction
We create our world through interactions
There is no one objective reality when it comes to how a society should function
Thus, change is quite possible |
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Term
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Definition
Developed out of the critique that sociological research was androcentric
Like conflict theory, emphasizes power, inequality and the need for change
Not just concerned about gender biases
Explicitly emphasize how race, class, gender, and sexuality impact behavior and life experience
Also try to give voice to underprivileged groups |
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Term
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Definition
| Broad generalizations about all of society would be made based on research conducted only on white males |
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Term
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Definition
| Consists of beliefs, values, behaviors and material objects that together form a people’s way of life |
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Term
| What is the difference between material and non-material culture? |
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Definition
Material culture in tangible
Non-material culture consists of ideas |
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Term
| Cultures vary, but we can talk broadly about all of them in terms of five components |
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Definition
Symbols
Language
Values
Beliefs
Norms |
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Term
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Definition
| Anything that carries a particular meaning for members of a certain culture |
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Term
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Definition
A system of symbols that allow for communication between individuals within a society
sometimes used to determine how many distinct cultures there are in the world – by this measure, there are thousands |
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Term
| What do we mean by cultural transmission? |
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Definition
| We pass down culture from one generation to the next |
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Term
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Definition
Language shapes how we understand and behave in the world
Example 1: Inuit words for snow
Example 2: Orwell’s Newspeak and freedom |
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Term
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Definition
| Culturally defined standards by which we judge what is good/bad, moral/immoral, desirable/undesirable |
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Term
| What’s the difference between a value and a belief? |
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Definition
| Beliefs are specific statements about what we believe to be true and are based on our values |
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Term
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Definition
Rules of conduct that guide people’s behavior in specific situations.
Norms are an expression of culture |
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Term
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Definition
Norms that are widely observed and have high moral significance
Example: Monogamy |
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Term
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Definition
Norms that are more casual
Example: No suit jacket to a wedding |
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Term
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Definition
Penalties for violating norms
Rewards for conforming to norms |
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Term
| Hunting and Gathering Societies |
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Definition
Characterized by use of simple tools to hunt animals and gather vegetation for food
Everyone’s survival depends on the process of gathering food, therefore everyone who is capable participates in this activity
There are excesses, there’s nothing to accumulate. These societies tend to be very egalitarian. |
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Term
| Horticulture and Pastoralism |
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Definition
Use of simple hand tools and domesticated animals
Allows for more permanent settlements |
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Term
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Definition
Now use animal labor in the fields
Permanent settlements
Allowed for great population growth
Used money, instead of bartering system |
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Term
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Definition
Production of goods was now accomplished using complex machinery
Changed cultural values of the family
Raised living standards, increased life span
Decreases in inequality, expanded personal freedom |
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Term
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Definition
Rely on information technology
Rather than creating things, we create and share ideas and information |
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Term
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Definition
Segment of the culture that shares characteristics that distinguishes it from the broader culture
Examples: Surfers, college students, teenagers, ethnic groups |
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Term
| How does multiculturalism address critiques of the subculture approach |
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Definition
Embraces the cultural diversity within the U.S
Perhaps instead of melting pot, we should aim to be a big salad |
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Term
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Definition
We tend to view our own culture as ‘natural’
We also tend to view our own culture as superior to other cultures |
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Term
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Definition
All cultures are valuable
Each culture must be evaluated and understood according to its own standards
Practical considerations
Ethical considerations |
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Term
| How is a counterculture different from a subculture? |
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Definition
Counterculture are far more extreme
Actively oppose cultural norms widely accepted in larger society |
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Term
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Definition
Every society has to find a way to meet basic needs
Aspects of culture function as a means towards meeting those needs
Example: Sacred cows in India |
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Term
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Definition
Dominant group determines what constitutes mainstream culture
Disadvantaged/oppressed groups buy into dominant culture
Ex. Individualism |
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Term
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Definition
Remember, functionalism highlights how all cultural customs work to allow society to function smoothly
Symbolic interaction highlights dysfunctional practices and focuses on subjective meaning
Example: Tanning |
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Term
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Definition
Lifelong process whereby we learn our culture, develop our sense of self, and learn to function in society
It’s a learning process! |
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Term
| Freud: Psychological Perspective |
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Definition
Like animals, humans have powerful drives or instincts
Unlike animals, we only have two drives |
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Term
| Freud: Psychological Perspective |
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Definition
Personalities are composed of three distinct parts:
1. Id
2. Ego
3. Superego |
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Term
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Definition
Unconscious, biological drives
Selfish, irrational, pleasure-driven
Represents individuals at their most self-centered |
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Term
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Definition
Social norms, values, and morals learned by the individual
Demands of society
Represented by the individuals’ conscience |
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Term
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Definition
Mediates the conflict between the id and the superego
Conscious and reality-based
Provides plans for the individual to get what he/she wants in a way that is acceptable to society |
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Term
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Definition
| Contrasts with psychoanalytic theories by focusing on observable behaviors |
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Term
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Definition
Children learn by imitating those around them
Learning behaviors become habitual |
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Term
| Piaget: Cognitive Development |
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Definition
A person’s behavior depends on their perception of a social situation
Stresses child’s active role in development |
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Term
| Cognitive abilities develop in four stages |
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Definition
1. Sensorimotor stage
2. Preoperational stage
3. Concrete operational stage
4. Formal operational stage |
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Term
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Definition
Infants learn about their world through their senses – sight, sound and touch
Form attachments to their parents |
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Term
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Definition
| Cognitive structures (shortcuts) used to understand the world and process new information |
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Term
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Definition
Children start to use language and symbols
Start to use their imagination
Generally rely on schema that they’ve already developed |
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Term
| Concrete Operational Stage |
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Definition
Begin to use logic and reasoning to solve problems
Mental images of the world are more complex
Start to develop wide range of schema with which to understand the world |
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Term
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Definition
Children learn cultural definitions of gender
This gender schema tells children what they can and cannot do as boys/girls |
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Term
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Definition
Individuals can think abstractly
12 years to adult |
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Term
| Kohlberg’s Moral Development |
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Definition
| Corresponds to cognitive development |
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Term
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Definition
Rightness is based on self-centered motives
Seeks to avoid punishment and gain rewards |
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Term
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Definition
| Consider an ethical dilemma… |
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Term
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Definition
Now considers abstract ethical principles like equality or justice
Conscience may win out over law |
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Term
| Gilligan – Gendered Moral Development |
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Definition
Males: Justice perspective
Females: Care and responsibility perspective |
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Term
| How does your social identity differ from your personal identity? |
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Definition
Personal identity is based on individual sense of uniqueness
Social identity is the part of yourself built up through social relations |
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Term
| What is the looking-glass self? |
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Definition
How we think others see us
Self-image is based on what we think other people think |
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Term
| Mead’s Two Component Self |
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Definition
I: Subjective impressions of ourselves
Spontaneous, impulsive, unpredictable
Immediate emotional reactions
Me: Socialized self
Concerned about others’ impressions
Tailored reactions |
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Term
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Definition
We desire their approval and affection the most
Ex. Parents |
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Term
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Definition
| Broad cultural norms- not a specific person |
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Term
| What do we mean by role-taking? |
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Definition
We imagine what it is like to be other people
Increases our social connectedness and empathy
Allows us to anticipate others’ behaviors |
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Term
| Mead’s Stages of Development |
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Definition
Preparatory Stage
Imitation without understanding
Play Stage
Acting out imagined roles
Game Stage
Taking on multiple roles at once |
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Term
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Definition
Language learned, sense of self developed, occurs in early years
Later experiences modifies sense of self |
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Term
| Anticipatory Socialization |
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Definition
Practicing what we want to achieve
Ex. Excelling in college, getting good job |
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Term
| Erikson’s Life Course Approach |
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Definition
Socialization occurs throughout the lifetime
Eight stages
During each stage we face a challenge
Example: Adolescence and the Challenge of Self-Identity vs. Confusion |
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Term
| How does the family socialize children? |
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Definition
Cognitive skills, values and beliefs
Unintentionally teach through environment |
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Term
| How does the school socialize children? |
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Definition
Expands social world
Learn norms about race/gender etc…
Knowledge and skills
Hidden Curriculum- informal norms, values
Bureaucracy |
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Term
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Definition
| Composed of people of same age, interests, social position |
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Term
| What do we learn from peer groups? |
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Definition
How to form relationships
Hierarchies |
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Term
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Definition
Concept of childhood cultural
Parents are main source of socialization until children start attending school |
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Term
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Definition
| Acts as a buffer between childhood and adulthood |
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Term
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Definition
| Social standing of the elderly tends to be lower in industrial/post-industrial societies, compared to agrarian societies |
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Term
| What is a total institution? |
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Definition
Places of residence that exert complete control over the people living there
Examples?
Prisons, mental health hospitals |
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Term
| What is meant by resocialization? |
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Definition
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Term
| What is meant by resocialization? |
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Definition
Drastically changing patterns of behavior by controlling the environment
Might have to change because of societal norms
Might have to change for personal goals |
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Term
| In sociology, what do we mean by status? |
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Definition
A person’s social position
Not only referring to high status positions |
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Term
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Definition
All of the statuses that a person holds
Status sets change over time |
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Term
| What is an ascribed status? |
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Definition
Status assigned to a person
Examples: Korean-American, female, child |
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Term
| What is an achieved status? |
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Definition
A status that a person takes on or earns
Examples: Spouse, doctor, parent, teacher |
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Term
| What is meant by a master status? |
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Definition
A status that is especially powerful in shaping a person’s life experiences
Often so powerful that other status are ignored
Example: Racial/ethnic category, convict, Catholic priest |
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Term
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Definition
Ascribed status often treated as master status
Example: First female executive dealt with on basis of gender, rather than executive status |
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Term
| What do sociologists mean by role? |
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Definition
Behavioral norms associated with a particular status
We occupy a status; we play a role |
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Term
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Definition
Different roles associated with a single status
Example: Parent |
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Term
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Definition
| Formal expectations of a social actor |
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Term
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Definition
| How the role is actually played |
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Term
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Definition
| Constantly negotiating how we will play our roles |
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Term
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Definition
Difficulty meeting all the roles of one status
Example: Police Internal Affairs
Loyal member of police
Expected to root out corruption |
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Term
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Definition
Roles from multiple statuses clash
Example: Teacher who knows a student |
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Term
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Definition
| Playing different roles in different places |
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Term
| Dealing with role strain/conflict |
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Definition
Prioritizing your roles
Compartmentalization- Playing different roles in different places
Role distance- Indicating that you’re more than just the role you play
“I’m really an actress, but I’m waitressing right now to make ends meet.”
Role exit |
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Term
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Definition
Reality is not as “fixed” as we may think
We bring social and subjective personal definitions to situations
Through social interaction we negotiate those definitions and we create our reality
Example: Teacher handing out grades |
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Term
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Definition
“Situations that are defined as real are real in their consequences.”
Power is the ability to control and shape the definitions of reality
Example: Teacher’s expectations of students |
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Term
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Definition
| Sees social interaction as based on assumptions that are often taken for granted |
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Term
| Goffmans’ Dramaturgical Approach |
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Definition
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Term
| Goffmans’ Dramaturgical Approach |
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Definition
Social interaction is similar to a theatrical performance
Individuals act out certain roles |
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Term
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Definition
all the “small behaviors” that make up interactions
Every gesture has meaning
Civil inattention – we don’t stare strangers down |
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Term
| What is impression management? |
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Definition
| We try to create specific impressions of ourselves |
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Term
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Definition
| Behaviors performed in public situations |
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Term
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Definition
Behaviors performed in relative privacy
“Being yourself” |
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Term
| Defining situations and Self-Fulfilling Prophecies |
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Definition
Your expectations about others lead them to behave in ways that confirm your expectations
Predictions shape actions
Examples: Taking exams,
pursuing love interests |
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Term
| What is nonverbal communication |
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Definition
| Made up of body movements, gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, use of personal space, and touching |
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Term
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Definition
How we say things
Length and rate of speaking
Tone of voice
Loudness
Hesitation
Amount of interruption |
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Term
| Body language as a polygraph test |
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Definition
Our emotions ‘leak’ out
Nervous movements, dilated pupils, eye contact
Genuine happiness is hard to fake
Spontaneous smiles and laughter |
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Term
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Definition
Nonverbal communication is largely learned through socialization, so there’s variation
Some emotional expressions are expressed similarly – fear and joy
Emotions aren’t always expressed in the same way by different cultures
Ex. Korean retailers in the U.S. are viewed as hostile by non-Korean customers because they don’t smile (Dresser 1994) |
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