Social Theory Test one

Karl Marx- The General Formula for Capital

-"Surplus value" one of the central concepts underpinning his assessment of capitalism as an inherently exploitative system. Trade commodities for money, moneys for commodities. Surplus value-- C-M-C---consumption value M-C-M—exchange value How surplus is created M'= surplus value M-C-M'—capital Circulation -we accumulate M' until becomes capital

Max Weber- The Sociology of Charismatic Authority

-Adapting it from the realm of religion, Weber used the term "charisma" to describe a form of political authority characterized by an intense emotional bond between the leader and followers. 3 kinds of legitimate authority: charismatic, traditional, and legal-rational Are very disruptive revolutionary, anti-institutional Instability Charismatic leader—profoundly emotional bond between the leader and the followers Charismatic justice—it's rule free Two examples of communism: household community; charismatic community--monastery

Gilman- The Dependence of Women

-Assesses some of the negative implications of consigning women to the realm of household labor and child rearing The result of confining women to household chores. Women are economic factors in society, but they lack independence. Women's status is not determined by the work she does, but her status is dependent on where her husband stands in society. Unpaid women's work— Marriage is not a business partnership—men and women are partners in duty/obligation to children, common love, duty, service How does a woman earn food, clothing shelter? Housework Housework has real value As domestic workers wives are entitled to wages as cooks, housemaids, nursemaids, seamstresses, housekeepers, therapist, Motherhood is exchangeable as acommodty

Veblen- Conspicuous consumption

-Depicts as a characteristic means by which the leisure class makes status claims. Individuals vicariously consume in terms of others with dependence. Visibly consuming beyond one's simplest needs is a means of attaining status. Influenced by populism: critique of economic power of giant corporations and banks—undermines democracy and economic justice Capitalist class—lives off of industrial society rather than contributing to it Extensive spending (ostentatious) on luxury goods to achieve status Gain repute, reputability through this form of consumption Tradition of gift giving— Leisure class: gifts as a form of control Pecuniary strength: your name your prestige—based off of how much spend

Georg Simmel-The Stranger

-Discusses a type of person-the Jew in the European society being his key example-who is both connected to and marginalized by society. Strangers that we don't see help keep society going. Unlike a wanderer, a stranger does not come and go, he comes and stays. His example are Jews Part of society but always separate Spatial distance---is symbolic of relationships. Distance determines relationships among people, They are physically close, but also remote Mobility: never allowed to put down roots

Karl Marx- Alienated Labor

-Early critique of capitalism The more puts into something the less of themselves they become. Man loses humanity in his work while another man benefits. Alienation: 1. from ourselves 2. the goods we produce (product) 3. other people 4. nature 5. our labor Commodity: anything that can be bought or sold The more we produce the less we get the poorer we become and the richer the capitalist becomes Slaves to production? 1. the object or the act of labor 2. survival or subsistence 3. we actually do it to ourselves Labor produces wonder for the rich and nakedness for the worker Labor what we produce -what makes us human, it fulfills us 3 places where Marx says we can be freely ourselves: 1. eating, 2. drinking, 3. having sex Every relationship comes out of a system of labor; everything we are is based on our position as a worker

Georg Simmel- Fashion

-First keen sociological analyst of consumerism, discusses the reasons that fashions come into and go out of style so quickly in modern life. Fashion is a social object that is used to express oneself as an individual while also reinforcing societal cohesion. Fashion is a source of differentiation between the elite and the masses. Leisure and consumption Fashion is not just an individual choice: it is directed by class, race, gender, regional location Upper classes abandon fashion as soon as lower classes adopt it Power of exclusion/ inclusion: demonstrate unity, separation Socializing impulse; differentiating impulse

Emile Durkheim- On Mechanical and Organic Solidarity

-How the division of labor in modern society serves to simultaneously promote individual autonomy while making more people dependent upon others. Solidarity: social cohesion: dependence on others: glue Mechanical solidarity is in traditional societies Organic solidarity is in modern societies Two kinds of social order the glue or social cohesion is based off of the division of labor. Mechanical sameness Organic interdependence difference Durkheim argues is organic stronger As society develops the division of labor is the link that holds together

Alexis de Tocqueville-On Individualism

-Locates the phenomenon in relatoin to democratic societies, depicting America as the lead society in this regard. Democracy in America 1835, 1840 Individualism is the separation from one person from the group, of whom creates their own mini society including family and friends. Despotism grows out of individualism. Democracy tends to leave men to isolate themselves from society. Difference individualism and selfishness? Individualism causes the public virtues to disintegrate People at the top make the decisions for people at the bottom. We have a duty as people to be useful to society.

Dewey-The Eclipse of the Public

-Major theorist of democracy, Dewey argues that democratic practice entails the opportunity to engage in public discourse. Here he expresses his concern that the autonomy of public opinion is eroding. -Democracy has become a blanket that falsely comforts the public that they the people rather than the elites rule. The public is remote from the government and big business fills the void between the two. Individuality is eroding due to the extensive influence of institutions. In reality no one cares about government, don't know our representatives, What difference does it make if I vote? Big business has eclipsed the interest of the public and government. The eclipse of the public happened when the public had less leisure time, competition between entertainment and politics, and lastly the changes in production.

Emile Durkheim (and Marcel Mauss)-Note on the Notion of Civilization

-Make a case for a level of sociological analysis that operates at the civilizational level and takes into account intercivilizational encounters. Linking civilizations to their fundamental source is how societies are connected. Even when independent you find yourself as part of the whole. Cultural universals: funerals, family, jokes, humor, emotions Methodology: macro unit (level of analysis) Reoccurring patterns that develop and create civilizations But how civilizations interact with each other How civilizations borrow from each other Beyond the nation: supranational level

Georg Simmel- The Metropolis and Mental Life

-Modern industrial society is seen most starkly in urban settings, and in this classic essay Simmel links the themes of inter-dependency and rationalization specifically to metropolitan spaces. The first consequence for over stimulus from city life is we shut down. An individual will always have society finding a way to decipher their very own life. The blasé attitude; as we become modern individuals our consciousness changed Individual needs to maintain independence and individuality against the forces of society Emotional relationships—to intellectual relationships The modern mind is more calculuating How money functions—the great leveler—homogenizes everything Practiced inattention life becomes impersonal

Georg Simmel- The philosophy of Money

-Money is instrumental, abstract, and impersonal character makes it possible to expand considerably the range and types of social interaction. He concludes by examining what he terms "The surplus of wealth" Money is a new superior tool, but creates social distance. Money is not related to any specific purpose. It facilitates exchange of goods and services—it's a mediator It transforms culture and the relationships we have with others Money: is an institution through which the individual concentrates his activity and possessions in order to attain goals that they otherwise would not be able to. As a tool it has various and extensive uses—it is neutral and colorless Money has the greatest number of unpredictable uses It can be moved—workers labor cannot be Money has no specific use Wealth buys privilege

Emile Durkheim-The Human Meaning of Religion

-Not only emphasizes its socially constructed nature but also asserts that religion is a mirror to society. Religion is a product of society calling us to action. Society cannot make its influence be felt unless there is action and for there to be action individuals must act together with similar purpose. Religion as social cohesion; brings together groups but also defines and separates groups Structure; in group/out group Sacred/profane Religion is a mirror of society Ideas and beliefs--individual is just the endpoint of social consciousness Collective action What is society? What is religion? God==totality, all encompassing

James-What Pragmatism Means.

-Offers a straightforward definition of pragmatism and then suggests how such an orientation shifts the thrust and focus of philosophy. The pragmatic method is an attitude of looking away from necessities and principles and focusing towards the consequences and facts. Reality influences our practice and the meaning for us. Tool for answering the question: What are the implications or consequences of a theoretical position? Distinguish between ideas, beliefs, paradigms, theories based on their real consequences not their imagined ones If there is no difference between alternatives then they are the same. Pierce—beliefs are rules of action The purpose of philosophy: to find out if it makes a difference in my life or your life Theories are instruments not answers

Emile Durkheim- Anomic Suicide

-One of the four types of suicide he identifies. Contends that anomie is a characteristic social pathology of modern society. If our needs are not proportionate to our means there is less motivation to live. In not conforming to the conventions of society you can isolate yourself. Anomie: normlessness, rulelessness The role that social structure plays: feeds us but limits us More likely to commit suicide: Divorce , upper class, protestants.

Max Weber- The Spirit of Capitalism

-Refers to distinctive mentality that weber determined was intricately linked to the formative period of capitalist development Protestant asceticism helped in developing an economy rooted in acquisition. Those that don't adapt to societal norms will economically flounder. Protestants: predestination: how do you know you are going to heaven? $$ Capitalism and Protestantism work really well together Duty of an individual is to increase his/her wealth Virtues are only virtues if they are useful to the individual Acquisition is the purpose of life—guiding principle of capitalism Iron cage of capitalism: born into a system of capitalism have to live in it

Max Weber- Bureaucracy

-Saw it as an essential ingredient for the expansion of capitalism; here he offers an ideal typical portrait of bureaucracy. Bureaucracy is what keeps business and office officials running. Where important decisions are made by a higher government or more important group. Bureaucracy has a fixed structure, higher positions have more power, and positions are filled based on qualifications. Strict hierarchy, supervisors and subordinates The bureau=office and it should be kept separate from private life Modern management is thorough and requires expert training; Working capacity is a product of long development, but official business is discharged as a secondary activity. Bureaucracy ingrains social behavior and establishes a hierarchy The Position of the Official Modern loyalty to the functions of society not to individual persons. Holding an office: life-long positions Social esteem: from rank; expertise, credentials, qualifications for an office To be official have to be appointed not elected Tenure for life The official receives a secure income based on status An official position is based on status as opposed to merit

Cooley-Social and Individual Aspects of Mind

-Self and society are intricately intertwined. Looking-glass self: I am who I think you think I am Precursor to S.I. American pragmatism: Connection between Self and society The unity of social mind is not in agreement, but in organization, whereas every influence is connected with everything else, thus producing an outcome of the whole. Society and the individual are not independent from each other, but in reality are interconnected and work together. Two kinds of mind: social and individual "every thought we have is linked with the thought of our ancestors and society" Social consciousness is inseparable from self consciousness The individual exists only as a part of the whole separateness is an illusion social organism: Durkheim 3 aspects of consciousness: 1). Self-consciousness, 2). Social consciousness, 3). Public consciousness

Georg Simmel-The Adventurer

-Social type that seeks to exit from the routinized and rationalized world of everyday life, not temporarily-as is the case with most people-but by seeking to create a life that is in its totality an adventure. Adventure is a form of experiencing where the content is not the most important aspect but what is learned from the content is. Adventure is separate and organic from people's societal routine. Analyzing social types An adventurer : separating the mundane (profane life) Adventure: is an ahistorical moment—present outside of time Adventures have beginnings and ends—separating from profane—stands out (not inside the linear experience of time) 1. meaning beginning and end 2. in spite of being accidental it has to still connect to the individuals character Artist: attracted to the adventure Gambler: embraced chance as the norm of life Adventurer: embraced unpredictability as the norm of their life Builds their life out of the synthesis , antagonisms, or compromises between chance and necessity Life is the adventure Adventure pulls the outside world into our experience combining passivity and activity Is the adventurer treats the uncalculable the same way as we treat the calculable Is a love affair: the risk of rejection or of getting caught; unpredictable: spontaneous

Harriet Martineau-On Marriage

-Surveys the institution of marriage cross-culturally, and notes that everywhere women are treated unequally, seen most starkly in their limited occupational opportunities. Marriage allows us to gain access to hidden social relations that better help us understand community. Women are geared towards marriages that lack equality. Gender relations and marriage as an institution No social norms/laws about marriage anywhere in the world have been successful in accomplishing goal control morality and sexuality Equality can never exist because honor is defined deferently Honor: Men: bravery courage; women: chastity, purity Women are exposed to the waste of men Men and women should be equal partners in a contract that they are equally invested in If you look at any society and if you look the level to which women degraded/respected—good reflection of the moral values of that society and its family values Women have been raised that the goal is marriage and kids If women had the same options as men in terms of education and jobs, then marriage could be based on love peace, and family without problems Socialization: men and women make new men and women with the same ideas of gender

Karl Marx (and Engels) - The German Ideology

-Takes issue with idealistic philosopphy and ahistorical philosophy of Feuerback. Makes a case for a historical materialist account of human consciousness Human consciousness is distinguished by divided labor and segmented ownership. The form of material production utilized by society directly shapes human consciousness. Ideology: set of beliefs and values Circumstances make men just as much as men make circumstances Consciousness: woke If our consciousness is determined by our social location and our point in history, as well as the relations between people (economics) how do we go about changing our level of consciousness? Be aware of surroundings and self Until those who aren't oppressed stand with those who are there will not be change -class suicide Unity "Education"—reading Freire—theory-practice=praxis Break away—step outside—exposure, Travel, getting involved--empathy

Mead-The Fusion of the 'I' and the 'Me' in Social Activites

-The "I" and "me" are two aspects of the self that must work together to make acting in social life possible. Two aspects of self I—spontaneous, dynamic, autonomous aspects of selfhood Me—socialized self, shaped by external social conditions, responsive I-initiative, creativity, novelty, Me- stability, continuity Individual and the group Fusion of the I and the me—intense emotional experiences, religious or patriotic attitudes—complete identification of individuals with the group, sense of abandoning ourselves to the group, Me-social object, taking the roles of others The attitudes of others, or of the group-expressed in our own gestures—social cooperative activity—we are participating and carrying the groups wishes Me—the response to others, but only in the way that we are taking on the attitudes of others, evaluating the social responses of others before we act through the I

Nietzsche-The Madman

-The Gay Science proclaims the death of God and our responsibility for it, contending that we are only beginning to appreciate the full implications of the end of theistic religion. Truths are always fluid in the light of new discovery. Belief in truth rather than in science or religion is what gives people comfort and guidance. Science and facts can only fulfill so much. Man will still rely on faith even after God is dead. The death of God leads to the death of science because the sense of truth provided by faith gives science its morality. To find truth one must understand the scientific process, the application of such to life, and the morality of faith. We are responsible for the death god: the religious grounding for a meaningful, purposeful, and moral life has disappeared. Both God and Science are based in faith This end of God is also the end of metaphysics (fundamental nature of reality) Faith in truth. Why do we need truth? What can we believe in? can we have convictions if we have to mistrust everything? God is Truth To believe means we don't question. To question means we no longer believe. Therefore God is dead and we killed him.

Adams-Utilization of Women in City Government

-The emergence of the modern welfare state brings with it opportunities for women to enter the public arena in order to perform jobs for which they are uniquely qualified due to their nurturing and caring roles in the home. Addams—founder of Hull House in Chicago/ social work It is wise to utilize women for specific nurturing and caring jobs needed in a welfare state. Women historically hold the same positions and education is needed to change. Human city—need a welfare state to address social problems in urban environments Why not use women? It logically makes the most sense. Housekeeping of cities has failed because women have not been consulted Women have always been responsible for the health communities Freedom from income: connections relationships--organize

Du Bois- The Conservation of Races

-There are significant spiritual an psychical differences among the major races and, as a result, various races have contributed in different ways to civilizational development. Ignoring or denying the inevitable differences between races—culturally, physically, etc. pushes us further away from social and lawful equality. Those of all races must unite as one body while also recognizing and appreciating each other as a unique culture. Is a critique of assimilation—we all have something unique to offer And in favor of pluralism Race: social construct Racial differences aren't physical appearances: differences are at the level of the spirit and the soul Differences of law, history, religion, habits, ideals Double consciousness (the veil): Need or an importance to having black organizations

Freud- Civilization and Its Discontents

-View of life is succinctly presented in this passage, wherein he discusses both the value of civilization and the steep psychological price we pay for it. Civilizations are held together by selfish individual desires and selfless desires for group stability. The things we do in life are mostly for the greater good. We pay a very steep price for civilization because it demands that we repress our instincts and this limits our capacity for human happiness. Why is it hard for people to be happy? 3 sources of suffering: 1. superior power of nature 2. feebleness of our own bodies 3. the inadequacy of regulations—adjust the mutual relationships of humans in the family, state, and society The 3rd it is the social source of suffering—the rules of society do not protect everyone, they don't function to the benefit of everyone What we call civilization is responsible for our misery We develop our mental illness due to the frustration created by society as we try to live up to cultural ideas What is the point of a long life, if it is difficult, barren of joys, and full of misery? Civilization: everything that separates us from our animal ancestors and which protect humans from nature and adjust us to human relationships Man has become a prosthetic God; civilization is measured by soap—engaged fully in cleanliness and orderliness Social order-a compulsion to do things in the same way over and over again—causes discontent because we are careless, irregular, unreliable It takes a lot of work for us to learn to follow an example Beauty, cleanliness, order The outliers of the system (we as society have identified as bad)—but there is no bad, instead this is the group exerting their force and power over others

Max Weber- Class, Status, Party

-Weber's understanding of three discrete but interconnected realms; economics, politics, and culture. Classes, status groups, and parties have a political framework in which they operate for societalization and reach beyond the frontier of politics. People can be grouped under economic, honor, lifestyle and power and these constitute social order. 3 distinct areas: 1. economic-class; 2. social-cultural status; 3. power-political Power: the ability to force others to do something as a group against their will Prestige: social honor Power is distributed through class, status groups and parties Life chances: distribution of property and the lack of property define a class

Max Weber- 'Objectivity' in Social Science and Social Policy

-Weber's view of sociology is one of concern both with causal explanation and with interpretation, the latter being particularly important in inquiring into the cultural significance of social phenomena. Data is critical but anecdotes must be factored into sociology. A cultural phenomenon such as religion and money are things that have value to us based on how it indirectly or directly affect us. Objectivity: removing personal bias Cause and effect explanations are nice, but interpretation is crucial Being aware of our biases; aspiration We can strive to be as objective as possible 'verstehen'—understanding We can never know a cause effect in social sciences because there are so many causes (influences) We are biased by our cultural beings (cultural locations) we pay attention to what we think is important We can't reduce social reality to laws We give meaning and significance to things

Karl Marx-Commodities

-What Marx understands of what he means by the term "commodity" Commodity: something that can be bought or sold Use value: how do we actually use something/ level of consumption Exchange value: what is it worth in the market? How is value determined? Labor time Labor is this determining factor that creates wealth

Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy is like a machine Efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control Reflects a scientific and rational worldview An approach to analyzing the state, bureaucracy, and power Bureaucracy is power: a power relationship that is practically unshatterable; once in place becomes political force that can rarely be taken apart Large-scale impersonal organizations in which power relations are organized in a top-down hierarchical manner for the purpose of efficiently attaining centrally defined goals "the consistently rationalized, methodically prepared and exact execution of the received order, in which all personal criticism is unconditionally suspended and the actor is unswervingly and exclusively set for carrying out the command" Generates social alienation For Weber, bureaucracy and political power are the real social forces that dominate the socioeconomic structure of society Based on written documents

Durkheim

Defining sociology He is the first sociology professor You base it on hard science Importance of morals : moral code is foundation of society Social control Individuals must be controlled because their interests are not the interests of the group Goal: harmony between individual and society (integration and conformity) The good citizen must tolerate oppression Superiority of society over the individual

Adams

Is there a bigger underlying issue outside of proper education? Why does the general public statistically see men as more qualified to lead or decide on their community's behalf - is it bc women are not voting or that we normalize leadership roles with men. Why does our society often hold the charisma and reputation of a man in higher regard than the merits of a woman? Does Addams' theory perpetuate restrictive gender stereotypes?

Veblen

Is vicarious consumption demeaning? Is the leisure class able to be the leisure class bc of generational wealth or bc they have a college degree and a high paying job? Even though people can be very prestigious, could owning too much hurt one's reputation? What would Veblen think of people in lower classes using credit cards today to purchase things above their means? All classes participate in conspicuous consumption.

Social theory

Social theory: as a tool of analysis, lens to understand aspects of social reality Interpretive vs explanatory Structure vs agency Individual vs society Structure vs culture Social philosophy vs mathematical models Praxis (theory + practice) Ritzer sociology is a multiple paradigm science Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Simmel Roots (Classical) 1840-1920 Branches (contemporary) 1920- present Who decided what theory was important? Gate keepers who decide what goes into the cannon. Cultural prejudice present Theory is written within a socio-historical location.

Kivisto- Social Theory

Sociology and social theories Relationships between Concepts Explanation of phenomena, events, social changes How do we end oppression? Why do we care what others do? Why are people treated differently? LGBTQ adoption rights? Who is allowed to live here? 3 main families: 1. symbolic interactionism, 2. conflict theory, 3. structural functionalism

3 main social theory families

Structural-functionalism: organic whole working together (a machine, a body) Symbolic interactionism: meanings people assign to objects or cultural practices Social conflict: class struggle (proletariats vs bourgeoisie) struggle over resources and power

Karl Marx (and Engels)- The Manifesto of the Communist Party

The proletariat sell their labor power to feed the bourgeoisie. The enslaved will stay enslaved while providing wonder/power/surplus for the rich. History is the history of class conflict-constant tension between oppressors and oppressed Memmi -everyone is at the same time oppressor and oppressed Family relations are mere money relations: The bourgeoisie is the revolutionary class—constantly have to revolutionize production Workers sell themselves a piece at a time as commodity labor Workers of the world Unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains

Freire-The Act of Study

We must analyze the study understand the sociological and historical conditioning and investigate the content. Study must be more of a critique than just simple reading for memorization. Subject-reader Create and re-create knowledge Study? "a systematic critical attitude and intellectual discipline" Praxis—practice & theory

Emile Durkheim-What is a social Fact?

You must know the social facts if you want to be a member of that society. Social facts are particular to a society (sometimes) We must abide the act or lose the accomplishment of the act. Social fact: this is the subject of sociology A social fact is ways of acting, thinking, and feeling that exist outside the individual conscious The collective or the social Unwritten rules: the public conscience controls us; surveillance and penalization Society coerces us and acts as a police force for social control Social currents: the trends, fashions, fads, We as individuals are under the illusion that we have created or chosen what is forced on us from society Education: socialization