SOC exam 2

false consciousness vs class consciousness

False consciousness is a way of thinking that prevents a person from perceiving the true nature of their social or economic situation. Class consciousness is awareness of ones place in a system of social classes, especially as it relates to class struggle.

Describe Emile Durkheim's thoughts on mechanical social integration.

Members of society who have common values and beliefs.

Describe labeling theory.

When a person is categorized based on people's reaction of them, not necessarily what they did themselves.

How does labeling explain crime?

When people have a "deviant" label, it leads to deviant behavior and crime.

Four types of alienation

1) from products of ones labor 2) from process of ones labor 3) from others 4) from ones self

Erving Goffman's theory of dramaturgy

A person is like an actor on stage playing a specific role

What is the "looking glass self"?

A theory that describes other people as your mirror. They communicate information to you that helps you view and perceive yourself.

Explain Merton's strain theory. How does it explain crime?

Access to socially acceptable goals plays a part in determining whether a person conforms or deviates. A person who is lacking the right resources to achieve a goal is more likely to commit crime.

What is the difference between ascribes and achieved status?

Ascribed: something out of your control (race, gender) Achieved: acquired on the basis of merit (lawyer, athlete)

What did C. Wright Mills mean by the term "power elite"?

Describes a relatively small, loosely knit group of people who tend to dominate American policy making.

What is impression management?

Describes how we present ourselves to others as we hope to be perceived

What do sociologists mean by social control?

External sanctions enforced by government to prevent the establishment of chaos in society. (Create regulation)

Compare and contrast functionalism with conflict theory. How do they differ in the way they describe society?

Functionalism views deviance as a key component of a functioning society. Conflict theory looks at social and economic factors as the causes of crime and deviance.

Describe Emile Durkheim's thoughts on suicide.

He believed social factors had a greater influence than personality.

Explain differential association theory.

Individuals learn deviant behavior from those close to them who provide models of and opportunities for deviance.

How did Karl Marx view alienation?

It is natural and unavoidable

Describe Emile Durkheim's thoughts on organic solidarity.

Social intervention that arises out of the need of individuals for one another's services.

What does the "looking glass self" tell us about socialization?

Socialization is mainly done through interaction with other people.