Sociology Final

Creationism

A literal interpretation of the Bible regarding the creation of humanity and the universe, used to argue that evolution should not be presented as established scientific fact.

Sacred vs. profane

sacred- elements beyond everyday life that inspire awe, respect, and even fear profane- the ordinary and commonplace elements of life, as distinguished from the sacred

sect

relatively small religious group that has broken away from some other religious organization to renew what it considers the original vision of the faith

Secularization of society

religion will survive in the private sphere of individual and family life, other social institutions- such as the economy, politics, and education- maintain their own sets of norms, independent of religious guidane.

Nuclear family

immediate family, core on which larger families are built

Homophobia

important element in traditional views of proper "masculine" and "feminine" behavior, fear of and prejudice against homosexuality, contributes significantly to rigid gender-role socialization, since many people stereotypically associate male homosexuality with femininity and lesbianism with masculinity

single-parent family

in which only one parent is present to care for the children, can hard be viewed as a rarity in the United States

polygamy

individual to have several husbands or wives simultaneously

What is the view of most respondents regarding working parents?

they support them

Main sociological reasons for divorce in U.S.

- most states have adopted more liberal divorce laws in the past three decades. No-fault divorce laws, which allow a couple to end their marriage without fault on either side, accounted for an initial surge in the divorce rate after thy were introduced in the 1970s - Divorce has become a more practical option in newly formed families, since families tend to have fewer children now than in the past - A general increase in family incomes, coupled with the availability of free legal aid to some poor people, has meant that more couples can afford costly divorce proceedings -As society provides greater opportunities for women, more and more wives are becoming less dependent on their husbands, both economically and emotionally. They may feel more able to leave a marriage if it seems hopeless

Gender inequality

..., The social construct that results in women not having the same rights, opportunities, or privileges as men

Sociological perspectives on the family

Functionalist View: The family performs six paramount functions, outlined by sociologist William F Ogburn,Reproduction, Protection, Socialization, Regulation of sexual behavior, Affection and companionship, Provision of social status Conflict view: reflection of the inequality in wealth and power that is found within the larger society. Family has traditionally legitimized and perpetuated male dominance. Also view family as an economic unit that contributes to societal injustice. The family is the basis for transferring power, property, and privilege from one generation to the next Interactionist: focus on the micro level of family and other intimate relationships. They are interested in how individuals interact with one another.

Sociological perspectives on gender

Functionalist view: maintians that gender differentiation has contributed to overall social stability. Sociologists Talcott Parsons and Robert Bales argued that to function most effectively, the family requires adults who specialize in particular roles. They vied the traditional gender roles as arising out of the need to establish a division of labor between marital partners. Women take the expressive role- denotes concern for the maintenance of harmony and internal emotional affairs of family. Men take on instrumental role- emphasis on tasks, focus on more distant goals, and a concern for the external relationship between one's family and other social institutions Conflict response: contend that the relationship between females and males has traditionally been one of unequal power, with men in a dominant position over women. Cultural beliefs about the sexes are long established as anthropologist Margaret Mead and feminist sociologist Helen Mayer Hacker. sees gender differences as a reflection of the subjugation of one group by another group. Interactionist approach: examine on micro level of everyday behavior. We "do gender" by reinforcing traditionally masculine and feminine actions.

Sociological perspectives on religion and education

Functionalist- religion as a source of social integration and unification, religion as a source of social support for individuals Conflict- Religion as a potential obstacle to structural social change, religion as a potential source of structural social change through liberation theology-is a political movement in Catholic theology which interprets the teachings of Jesus Christ in terms of a liberation from unjust economic, political, or social conditions. It has been described by proponents as "an interpretation of Christian faith through the poor's suffering, their struggle and hope, and a critique of society and the Catholic faith and Christianity through the eyes of the poor", and by detractors as Christianized Marxism. Interactionist- Individual religious expression through belief, ritual, and experience

Fundamentalism and new age (2 rapidly growing religious extremes in US)

Fundamentalism is an emphasis on doctrinal conformity and the literal interpretation of sacred texts,new age is a spirituality without borders or confining dogmas

Functions of the family as social institute

Reproduction, protection, socialization, regulation of sexual behavior, affection and companionship, and provision of social status.

Max Weber and the protestant work ethic

The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, Max Weber's term for the disciplined work ethic, this worldly concerns, and rational orientation to life emphasized by John Calvin and his followers

extended family

a family in which relatives- such as grandparents, aunts, or uncles- live in the same home as parents and their children is known as an extended family

monogamy

a form in marriage in which one woman and one man are married only to each other

serial monogamy

a person may have several spouses in his or her lifetime, but only one spouse at a time

religious ritual

a practice required or expected of members of a faith.

Ecclesia

a religious organization that claims to include most or all members of a society and is recognized as the national or official religion, membership is by birth rather then conscious decision

cult

a small, secretive religious group that represents either a new religion or a major innovation of an existing religion

polyandry

a woman may have more than one husband at the same time

What is religion?

according to Emile Durkheim, a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things

What is family?

can be defined as a set of people related by blood, marriage or some other agreed on relationship, or adoption, who share the primary responsibility for reproduction and caring for members of society

Activity theory

comes from symbolic interactionism. It contends that it is the extent to which an individual remains engaged in meaningful social activity that determines the quality of life in old age. An individual's sense of self and social identity depends largely on the statuses and roles he or she fulfills. Consequently, limited social interaction and the loss of social roles lead to lower self-esteem, loss of a sense of self, and decreased life satisfaction. Elderly people who remain actively engaged in desired activities are more satisfied with the quality of their lives.

Main thesis of the author of the book regarding the dynamics in families in the unfinished revolution

don't let it be rigid and give into what the original views of marriage and gender roles are

Education and stratification

education is a social institution that formally socializes members of our society, formal process of learning in which some people consciously teach while ohers adopt the social role of learner

Gender roles

expectations regarding the proper behavior, attitudes, and activities of male and females.

Understand the difference between traditional and flexible marriage arrangements

flexible marriages is one where it does not matter who is breadwinning and who is taking care if of the children

What does the author consider the ideal form of marriage?

flexible, egalitarian one

Functions of religion

integrative and social support

Glass-ceiling

invisible barrier that blocks the promotion of a qualified individual in a work environment because of the individual's gender, race, or ethnicity.

denomination

large, organized religion that is not officially linked to the state or government. It tends to have an explicit set of beliefs, a defined set of authority, and a generally respected position in society.

Types of marriage

monogamy, serial monogamy, polygamy, polygyny, polyandry

How does the woman's workload compare to the men's in the home/work?

more, way more.

Disengagement theory

older persons make a normal and healthy adjustment to aging when they detach themselves from their social roles and prepare for their eventual death

Age stratification in the U.S.

refers to the hierarchical ranking of people into age groups within a society. Age stratification which is based on an ascribed status is a major source inequality, and thus may lead to ageism. Some of the advantages of Age Stratification are labour force calculation, estimating dependants, population growth estimation, forming appropriate government policies & planning (e.g. Budgetting more on health care when ageing population is found, increase university capacity to serve increasing numbers of young children) etc. 0 - under 18 Minor or Child. No direct political power with limited rights. 18 - under 21 Fifth Class. Limited adult with voting rights and cannot hold any upper political offices. 21 - under 25 Fourth Class. Full adult, but still cannot hold any upper political offices. 25 - under 30 Third Class. Full adult that can hold limited political offices. 30 - under 35 Second Class. Full adult that can hold more, but still limited, political offices. 35 and over First Class. Full adult who can hold any political office.

polygyny

refers to the marriage of a man to more than one woman at the same time

The Marxist Critique of religion: an "opiate."

self explanatory

Sex vs. Gender

sex is what you are biologically, gender is the set of expectations that come with being a certain sex

Conflict view of Aging

subculture theory of aging shows how aging is viewed from the conflict perspective. This perspective asserts that the elderly compete with younger members of society for the same resources and social rewards and suffer a variety of disadvantages because of their lack of social power. The subculture theory of aging states that older persons form subcultures in order to interact with others with similar backgrounds, experiences, attitudes, values, beliefs, and lifestyles. This happens not only by choice but because of segregation, social differentiation, and discrimination based on age. This theory assumes that aged people sever social ties with people from other age cohorts and increase them with others of similar age. These result in intensified age consciousness, creating social bond based on age that becomes more important than other variables that differentiate people.

What is the "unfinished revolution?"

the gender revolution

Feminization of poverty

the trend of women making up an increasing proportion of the poor

Gender identity

your identity as it is experienced with regard to your individuality as male or female, sense of being male or female