Sociology Exam 1 (Chapter 1-2)

Max Weber

To comprehend behavior, one must learn subjective meaning

Charles Horton Cooley

Used sociological perspective to examine face to face groups

Ideal type (Max Weber)

construct for evaluating specific cases

Theories are not...

final statements about behavior

Durkheim's studies on suicides suggested that...

suicides are related to group life

The Communist Manifesto encouraged who to do what?

the working class to overthrow the existing class system

Verstehen (Max Weber)

understanding; insight

2 types of Science

1) Natural- study of physical features of nature and the ways they interact and change 2) Social- Study of social features of humans and how they interact and change

What is the focus of Sociology?

1) relationships (and how they influence people's attitudes and behavior) 2) how societies develop and change

What do sociology and the social sciences study?

1) the influence society has on people's attitudes and behavior 2) seek to understand ways in which people interact and shape society 3) Examines social relationships scientifically (global recession, marital patterns, Virginia Tech)

Emile Durkheim

Believed behavior must be understood within larger social context, did not limit interests to one aspect

W. E. B. Du Bois

Black sociologist who assisted struggle for a racially egalitarian society. Stressed KNOWLEDGE as essential in combating prejudice. Studied Urban Life (focused on religion at community level)

Auguste Comte

Coined term "sociology"

Jane Addams

Combined intellectual inquiry, social service work, and political activism. Co-founded Hull House

Robert Merton

Combined theory and research, developed explanation of deviant behavior

Double Consciousness (Du Bois)

Division of individual's identity into two or more social realities

What do effective theories have?

Explanatory and predictive power

Anomie (Emile Durkheim)

Loss of direction felt in a society when social control of individual behavior becomes ineffective

Sociology

Scientific study of social behavior and human groups

Theory

Set of statements that seeks to explain problems, actions, or behavior

Karl Marx

Society divided between two classes that clash in pursuit of interests, Emphasized group identification and associations that influence one's place in society

What is C. Wright Mills known for?

Sociological Imagination: An awareness of the relationship between an individual and wider society. An ability to view society as an outsider would. Looks beyond limited understanding of human behavior

Sociology and Common Sense

Sociologist do not accept something as fact because "everyone knows it", it must be put to the test (ex. Women tend to be chattier than men)

Herbert Spencer

Studied "evolutionary" change in society

Harriet Martineau

Studied social behavior in Britain and US, emphasized impact of economy, law, trade, health, and population on social problems