Society and Culture Part 1

What are examples of institutions?

- state - education - economy - religion - family - media

How does social constructionism depict society?

Everything is created from the minds of society. Things of value are valuable because we place the value on them

What can macrosociology tells us about society?

Gives patterns; find effects that large groups have on individuals and small groups

How was the society put together based on Durkheim's thinking?

Held together by similarities and individual was self-sufficient -but actually all interdependent

For each theoretical approaches listed below, what is the primary thesis or idea of the theory? symbolic interactionism:

Humans communicate through words, gestures, and other symbols to which we attach meaning

What's an example of conflict theory?

Workers wanted to make change in their work while factory workers were content in how things worked. Eventual compromise -> things got better for workers slightly while things got worse for factory workers slightly

How does the conservative view differ from the progressive view of institutions?

conservative: sees institutions as natural positive aspects of society progressive: institutions are artificial creations that need to be redesigned to benefit humanity

Compare weak social constructionism vs strong social constructionism.

weak: based on brute facts (basic and fundamental and can't be explained) and institutional facts (created by social conventions and do rely on other facts) strong: whole of reality depends on language and social habits

What's an example of secularization?

secularization: weakening of social and political power of a religious organization, as religious involvement and belief declines ex. church leaders lose authority and influence on society

What does hidden curriculum refer to?

the unrecognized lessons and values that children learn at school -how to treat peers - standing in line -wait to ask a question -internalize gender inequalities -different expectations

What topics can macrosociology entail?

war, poverty, national institution

What is an example of social facts?

social facts: ways of thinking and acting formed by society that existed before any one individual and exist after as well; cannot be influenced by an individual; coercive effect when resist against them -ex. law: exists always but don't know consequences until break or work against them -ex. moral regulations, religious faiths

How does functionalism depict society?

society is always trying to come to an equilibrium with stability The institutions stay constant and only CHANGE WHEN GREATLY NECESSARY when society loses stability.

What is the opposition of conflict theory?

status quo

What are the four key tenets of American medical ethics? Provide a brief explanation of each.

-Beneficence: the physician has a responsibility to act in the patient's best interest -Nonmaleficence: do no harm; responsible in avoid treatments or interventions where harm is more likely than benefit -Respect for patient autonomy: the physician has to respect the patients' decisions and choices, can refuse life saving therapies -Justice: has the responsibility to treat similar patients with similar care and distribute healthcare resources fairly

What are some criticisms of rational choice theory?

-Why would people act to benefit people more than themselves? Why would someone follow social norms that are not their interest? -Can all social structures be explained through the social interactions? -How can social interactions be reduced to rational theory?

How can conflict theory relate to medicine?

-accessibility to medical care varies by class -income level, SES, household living can lead to limited access to healthcare ex. factories: closer people can have health problems but can be expensive (not beneficial for further people)

Explain the assumptions of rational choice theory.

-completeness: All actions can be ranked -transitivity: if one thing is better than another thing which is better than another, one thing is better than another -independence of irrelevant alternatives: if an additional choice is available, it would not change the ranking of the previous choices

How can symbolic interactionism be related to medicine?

-doctor-patient relationship: meaning given to lab coat or stethoscope, lab coat can be symbol of authority -medicalization: depression (everyone seems to be depressed but actually just sad which is normal)

What are the criticisms of functionalism?

-focuses completely on the institution with no importance toward the individual -unable to explain social change and conflict; only adapts until stability again

How is health and medicine considered an institution?

-medicalization: human conditions get defined and treated as medical conditions and become subject to medical study, diagnosis, treatment (con: sad ->x depression, short attention span ->x ADD) -sick rule: allows to take a break from society to get better when you're sick; if don't get better, seen as dangerous and deviant to society

How does rational choice exchange theory relate to medicine?

-purpose of medical system maybe capitalist competition, benefit private companies

Explain the three components of symbolic interactionism using the sandcastle example.

1) We act based on the meaning of something. ex. I join the kids to make the sandcastle. 2) We give meaning to things based on our social interactions. The same thing can mean something different for someone else. ex. An adult can say you're too old for sandcastles. 3) The meaning we give something is not permanent. Can change due to everyday life ex. The kids make the castles more childish and make you lose interest, thinking all kids will be the same in making sandcastles.

Discuss the assumptions of exchange theory through examples

1)People seek to rationally maximize their profits (seek rewards) ex. More likely to listen to mom if you get your favorite food in the end 2) behavior that results in a reward is likely to be repeated 3) the more often the reward is available, the less value the reward has 4) keeps within social norms 5) people have access to info required to make rational choices 6) human fulfillment comes from other people; need for other people comes from interdependence and social exchange 7) standards change over time and vary per person

Match the founders with the school of thinking of society. 1. Functionalism 2. Conflict theory 3. Symbolic Interactionism A. Karl Marx B. George Herbert Mead C. Emile Durkheim D. Max Weber

1. Functionalism->C. Emile Durkheim 2. Conflict theory->A. Karl Marx 3. Symbolic Interactionism-> B. George Herbert Mead 2. Conflict theory->D. Max Weber

Describe Karl Marx's approach on society functioning.

A society where one group exploited another group economically would lead to destruction. -there is a thesis versus antithesis (come from any sort of unrest to oppose thesis) two opposing components->synthesis (agreement in the middle)

What is social constructionism? A) A micro-level theory of society that is interested in how individuals and groups participate in the construction of society and social reality B) A macro level theory of society that looks at how humans ascribe meaning to things and behave according to those meanings C) A macro level theory of society that emphasizes the ways in which members of a society develop jointly constructed understandings of reality D. A micro level theory of society that looks at how various individuals and groups compete for resources within society

A) A micro-level theory of society that is interested in how individuals and groups participate in the construction of society and social reality Social constructionism is a micro-level theory of society that is interested in how individuals and groups participate in the construction of society and social reality. While social constructionism also emphasizes the ways in which members of a society develop jointly constructed understandings of reality, it is not a macro-level theory. Conflict theory (not social constructionism) looks at how various groups compete for resources within society; conflict theory is also a macro-level theory, not a micro-level theory. Symbolic interactionism (not social constructionism) is a micro-level theory of society that looks at how humans ascribe meaning to things and behave according to those meanings.

Which of the following theorists would argue that religion promotes social solidarity and a collective consciousness? A) Durkheim B) Marx C) Weber D) Mead

A) Durkheim Durkheim was an advocate of functionalism and argued that religion promotes social solidarity as well as a collective consciousness, making individuals feel a part of an entity greater than themselves. Weber and Marx are both affiliated with conflict theory, which would suggest that religion is associated with conflict in society, rather than with solidarity. Mead is most associated with symbolic interactionism (a micro-level theory) and the development of the social self.

Which of the following has not traditionally served as a function of the family? A) Education B) Social status C) Reproduction D) Affection

A) Education

Rational choice and social exchange theories: A) assume that individuals weight the costs and benefits of potential actions, and always behave according to whichever outcome will be most favorable B) are macro-level sociological perspectives C) view society as striving toward dynamic equilibrium D) are sociological theories because they are the most accurate

A) assume that individuals weight the costs and benefits of potential actions, and always behave according to whichever outcome will be most favorable Rational choice and social exchange theories assume that individuals weigh the costs and benefits of potential actions, and always behave according to whichever outcome will be most favorable. They are both micro-level sociological perspectives, which focus on individual interactions rather than larger social structures. Structural functionalism views society as striving toward dynamic equilibrium. None of the sociological theories are considered "the best" because each has its own shortcomings. Rational choice and social exchange theories both assume that people will behave in rational, logical ways, and that is a shortcoming for these theories. Sociologists prefer to use different theories for different perspectives on society.

Alex and Pilar were both infected with the Chikungunya virus. While Alex had good health insurance and received excellent treatment for his condition, Pilar had to suffer the symptoms without medication because she could not afford and did not have health insurance. Which of the following would be concerned about this disparity in access to the healthcare system? A) social epidemiology B)feminism C) social cognitive perspective D) social constructionism

A) social epidemiology

Exploration of the latent functions of social institutions such as the media is most characteristic of the approach of: A. Emile Durkheim B. Karl Marx C. George Herbert Mead D. Max Weber

A. Emile Durkheim

Which of the following is NOT true regarding macro and micro sociological perspectives? A) Both perspectives emphasize individual interactions. B) Macrosociology focuses on society as a whole, as something that is prior to, and greater than, the sum of individual people C. Macrosociology looks at large-scale social structures and how these affect individuals D. Microsociology looks at the smallest building blocks of society and works up to larger social structures

A. Both perspectives emphasize individual interactions.

Which theorists are associated with the macro-level theory of society known as Conflict Theory? I. Karl Marx II. Max Weber III. Emile Durkheim A. I and II only B. I only C. III only D. II only

A. I and II only Karl Marx and Max Weber are the two sociologists most associated with Conflict Theory (I and II only are correct). Marx believed that societies progress through class struggle between the working class and the upper class (or capitalists, those who own the means of production). Weber asserted that conflict in society arises due to a struggle over resources between dominant and subordinate groups. Unlike Marx, Weber argued that there are many different groups in a society that possess varying degrees of social power, while Marx asserted there were only two groups, the capitalist class and the working class. Emile Durkheim is not affiliated with conflict theory, but rather with functionalism, another macro-level theory of society, which suggests that society is composed of many different individual parts which work together to maintain stability and function.

Anomie is most likely to occur in societies in which: A. individualism and autonomous decision-making predominate. B. social ties are more pronounced. C. there is a significant level of moral guidance. D. there are firm guidelines regarding norms and values.

A. individualism and autonomous decision-making predominate. Anomie is a state of few to no moral or social guidelines; therefore, anomie is most likely to occur in societies in which individualism and autonomous decision-making predominate. Anomie occurs when a society does not provide individuals with firm guidelines in relation to norms and values, and there is little moral guidance or social ethic. Each of the remaining choices describes conditions opposite those related to anomie.

How can the institution of education bring up residential segregation and stratification?

As each school system is dependent on the property taxes of the district, towns with lower taxes will have a lower advantage in advancing education

Which of the following is likely to view the institution of marriage as a means for consolidating power and wealth? A) Functionalism B) Conflict Theory C) Symbolic Interactionism D) Social Constructionism

B) Conflict Theory

Which of the following are all social institutions? A) economy, family, language, medicine B) medicine, religion, education, family C) government, language, religion, economy D) family, divorce, religion, and education

B) medicine, religion, education, family

The modern sociological perspective is concerned with both micro- and macro-level considerations. Which of the following statements LEAST applies to those considered macrosociologists? A. These sociologists might also be described as functionalists or conflict theorists but not interactionists. B. These sociologists are interested in how social interactions shape meanings in our societies. C. These sociologists are most concerned with studies of large-scale social factors. D. These sociologists have been criticized for focusing too much on the broad features of social structure.

B. These sociologists are interested in how social interactions shape meanings in our societies.

George Herbert Mead is often considered the pioneer of symbolic interactionism. Which of the following is NOT true of this perspective? A. Interactionism contends that societies are constructed through communication. B. Interactionism is most concerned with macro-level considerations. C. Interactionism argues that language is fundamental in the thought process. D. Interactionism is interested in subjective meanings associated with objects.

B. Interactionism is most concerned with macro-level considerations.

Modern conflict theorists are interested in the structured inequalities inherent in capitalist societies. This sociological paradigm is most associated with which of the following founding fathers of the field? A. The French sociologist Émile Durkheim B. The German sociologist Karl Marx C. The American sociologist George Herbert Mead D. The German sociologist Max Weber

B. The German sociologist Karl Marx

What is medicalization? A) A way to reduce the costs of medicine B) A way to provide better access to healthcare for lower-income individuals C) A social process whereby human conditions come to be defined and treated as medical conditions D) A medical process meant to standardize the practice of medicine

C) A social process whereby human conditions come to be defined and treated as medical conditions

What is the purpose of a social institution? A) To maintain a dominant class B) To reduce class conflict C) To preserve a basic societal value D) To increase knowledge transmission between cultures

C) To preserve a basic societal value

The economics-based rational choice and social exchange theories are similar in their basic tenets. The fundamental difference between these theorists is explained in which of the following? A. Rational choice theorists are also interested in emotional exchanges with the individual as the basic unit of research. B. Rational choice theorists have an exclusive interest in financial exchanges with the relationship as the basic unit of research. C. Exchange theorists are also interested in emotional exchanges with the relationship as the basic unit of research. D. Exchange theorists have an exclusive interest in financial exchanges with the individual as the basic unit of research.

C. Exchange theorists are also interested in emotional exchanges with the relationship as the basic unit of research.

Which of the following types of theorists is LEAST likely to be concerned with the unfair treatment of women with respect to men in society A. Feminist Theorists B. Social Constructionists C. Functionalists D. Conflict Theorists

C. Functionalists

Emile Durkheim (1958-1917) was a French sociologist who was interested in the social effects of the modern state. For example, he is credited with the concept of anomie, which is defined as the disintegration of the influence of social norms on individuals. Which of the following is NOT true of Durkheim? A. He is considered one of the pioneers of modern social research and cited as the principal architect and founding father of the field of sociology. B. He believed that modern societies were complex and composed of interdependent parts that functioned together to maintain social stability in a dynamic equilibrium. C. He made a distinction between manifest functions and latent functions, defining the two concepts as the unintended and intended consequences of social structures, respectively. D. His theories used a macro-sociological approach, in line with his supporting holistic studies of social functions.

C. He made a distinction between manifest functions and latent functions, defining the two concepts as the unintended and intended consequences of social structures, respectively.

Which of the following is NOT a right or an obligation of a sick person, according to sick role theory? A. The sick person is exempt from normal social roles B. The sick person should seek treatment and cooperate with the medical professional C. The sick person is responsible for not getting anyone else sick D. The sick person should try to get well

C. The sick person is responsible for not getting anyone else sick The sick role theorizes that individuals who are ill have certain rights and responsibilities in society; if an ill individual cannot fulfill the same duties that a person in good health can, society allows for a reasonable amount of deviant behavior. Sick role theory includes two rights and two obligations of a sick person: the sick person is exempt from normal social roles (right), the sick person is not responsible for their condition (right), the sick person should try to get well (obligation), the sick person should seek treatment and cooperate with the medical professional (obligation).

How does the symbolic interactionism depict society?

Emphasizes the individual and how they behave What meaning is placed on things is based on past experiences in society We interact with world to give it meaning

Patrick will be attending kindergarten this September. Which of the following is/are latent functions of Patrick's attending school: I. Patrick's mother will no longer have to worry about childcare during the day. II. Patrick will socialize with children his own age. III. Patrick will learn basic reading skills. A) III only B) I,II,and III C) I only D) I and II only

D) I and II only

Shortly after a state legalizes gambling in casinos, a formal coalition forms to oppose the building of any casinos in the major cities of the state. This scenario includes: I. conflict theory II. social institutions III. a social movement A) I only B) I and III only C) II and III only D) I, II, III

D) I, II, III

In the movie Avatar, individuals can wear a mask, which puts them inside a virtual world. Some people might argue that our lives are much like this in which the things around us may not actually be real. Which theory is most relatable to? (A) Conflict Theory (B) Symbolic Interactionism (C) Functionalism (D) Social Constructionism

D) Social Constructionism Reality is real only if society makes it real

Feminist theory is one of the modern sociological theories, and is used to understand the societal differences between men and women, as well as the sources of these differences. This aligns with the purposes of sociologists following which theories of social understanding? A. Structural functionalist theories B. Social constructionist theories C. Symbolic interactionist theories D. Conflict theories

D. Conflict theories

How can social constructionism be related to medicine?

Different meanings for different people; different preconceptions for different people (Stereotypes) -patient may not think the symptom is not worth mentioning or doctor can make a false assumption based on patient appears -can say people who don't have health care don't deserve it because don't work hard enough

Which of the following is not a macro-level theory of sociology? I. Symbolic interactionism II. Conflict theory III. Functionalism A. I and II only B. III only C. II only D. I only

D. I only Symbolic interactionism is not a macro level theory of sociology, it is a micro-level theory of sociology (I only is correct). Symbolic interactionism concerns interactions between individuals rather than interactions between groups or institutions; therefore, it is not a macro-level theory (which focus on the larger elements that shape society as a whole). Functionalism explains how social processes work on a broad scale, focusing on the distinct purposes of individual structures and their contribution to society at large, and is therefore a macro-level theory. Conflict theory explains revolutions and other aspects of socio-political systems, focusing on the competition for limited resources, which also makes it a macro-level theory.

There is a significant amount of evidence supporting the fact that minorities are at a greater risk for chronic diseases, such as heart disease. The persistence of such racial inequalities in health is a consequence of the fact that minorities often experience: I. less access to health care facilities based on their geographic locations. II. less access to health insurance based on their socioeconomic statuses. III. more subjection to dangerous environmental exposures based on their communities. A. I only B. II only C. I and III only D. I, II, and III

D. I, II, and III

Give an example of symbolic interactionism.

I spent all my life playing by the beach and making sandcastles. Now I am on vacation and I see kids making a sandcastle wanting to make myself

For each theoretical approaches listed below, what is the primary thesis or idea of the theory? social constructionism:

Individuals and groups make decisions to agree upon a given social reality

How does feminist theory impact society?

It emphasizes the gender inequalities in a patriarchal capitalist society. Women are oppressed, subordinated, discriminated, marginalized and objectified in society.

How does exchange theory relevant to society?

It is the application of rational choice theory on social interactions. People involve themselves in social interactions based on subjective (ex. approval) maximum rewards and minimum punishment

How does conflict theory depict society?

It states how societies change and adapt over time through conflict. Conflict creates a new society

What are manifest and latent functions?

Manifest functions are actions that are intended to help some part of a system. Latent functions are unintended, unstated or unrecognized positive consequences of these actions on society

What's an example of social constructionism?

Money: has no value on its own just made through computers Because of society, it has value and shapes society

How does microsociology observe society?

Observes interactions individuals or small groups to apply to large scale society through interpreting means

Describe rational choice theory.

People take rational actions weighing pros and cons of every action ensuring self benefit

What is an example of conservative view of institutions?

Police stations exist naturally due to the activities of humans and naturally maintains order

How is family considered an institution?

Teaches you different values and matures you different ways based on the household (divorce, neglect, abuse, security)

How do institutions play a role in society? What is an example that can happen if institutions didn't exist?

They impose structure on how individuals in a community should behave. stealing, invading private space

You want to observe how discrimination may play out during job interviews, so you ask your friend if you can shadow them in their job as a manager. Should you approach this research project using a Macrosociology or Microsociology perspective? Why?

You should utilize a Microsociology perspective because Microsociology looks at small scale everyday interactions between individuals and small groups.

example of brute fact

brute fact: a fact that has no explanation. of a book: the actual paper of a page or the explanation of the paper

How can feminist theory relate to medicine?

disparity in jobs and salary between male and female doctors -women found in family medicine rather than specialized fields

For each theoretical approaches listed below, what is the primary thesis or idea of the theory? feminist theory:

explores the ways in which one gender can be subordinated, minimized, or devalued compared to the other

Determine whether the following are macro level or micro level of sociology 1. feminist theory 2. symbolic interactionism 3. functionalism 4. conflict theory

feminist theory: macro symbolic interactionism: micro functionalism: macro conflict theory: macro social exchange theory: macro rational choice theory: micro

For each theoretical approaches listed below, what is the primary thesis or idea of the theory? functionalism:

functionalism: each part of society serves a function; when the functions work together correctly, society overall can function normally

How is government considered an institution?

give power and authority to manage the country ex. democracy allows for citizen involvement in law making ex. autonomous follow authoritarian system ex. capitalism based on profits and private ownership of production -society is functionalist: every person expected to have a responsibility in society (however, some valued more such as specialized and educated than others)

For each theoretical approaches listed below, what is the primary thesis or idea of the theory? rational choice exchange theory:

individuals will make decisions that maximize potential benefit and minimize potential harm

How can functionalism apply to medicine?

medicine ensures people can return to functional state so they can contribute to society comes from assumption that you should not participate in society when you're sick -can stabilize systems through natural disasters -more equality in life

example of institutional facts

paper that used for money giving value

For each theoretical approaches listed below, what is the primary thesis or idea of the theory? conflict theory:

power differentials are created when groups compete for economic, social, political resources, which contribute to maintenance of social order