Sociology quiz 1
agents of socialization
(family, peers, mass media, schooling) -social groups, institutions, and individuals (especially the family(most significant), schools--less dependent on parents, peers (peer groups=same age/ similar socially-- spend a lot of time w them--independence from parents and adult control, and the mass media--role is one of the most significant--watching tv helps kids distinguish reality from fantasy) that provide structured situations in which socialization takes place
Saphir-Whorf Hypothesis
(linguistic Relativity) -the idea that language structures thought and the ways of looking at the world are embedded in language The structure of your language affects how you understand the world. Speakers of different languages think differently. -language structures thought Are you unable to think about things you don't have words for, or do you lack words for them because you don't think The Language We Use Shapes What We Pay Attention To--giving directions and blaming others ---"mean girls" --jocks cheerleaders preppies nerds etc -placed into categories-- if these labels did not exist we probably would not perceive former classmates the same way
significant/particular other v. generalized other
- particular/significant other= the perspectives and expectations of a particular role that a child learns and internalizes play at being "mommy" "firefighter" "princess" or "doctor"-- take the role of the particular or significant other - generalized other= the perspectives and expectations of a network of others (or of society in general) that a child learns and then takes into account when shaping his or her own behavior
expressions given vs. expressions given off
-Expressions given= expressions that are intentional and usually verbal, such as utterances most of our speech falls into this category -Expressions given off= observable expressions that can be either intended or unintended and are usually nonverbal happens in situations of extreme emotional response such as fear, pain, or ecstasy ex: eye roll, nod, body language= nonverbal but observable that be intended or not intended - facial expressions, mannerisms, and style of dress are important indicators to others abt the definition of the situation
Feminist theory
-a theoretical approach that looks at gender inequities in society and the way that gender structures the social world -developed alongside the twentieth century women's rights movement -social equality for men and women -awareness of the gendered power-dynamic at play and the oppression that comes with it -allows for new way of understanding social institutions ( family, education, economy or media) and changing role of gender in contemporary society -gender and inequality are linked w/ other social hierarchies such as race, ethnicity, class and sexual orientation -theorists argue that gender and power are inextricably intertwined in our society
cooley's looking glass self (concept)
-devised a simple but elegant way to conceptualize how individual's gain a sense of self Each to each a looking-glass Reflects the other that doth pass -the notion that the self develops through our perception of others' evaluations and appraisals of us. -he believed that we all act like mirrors to each other, reflecting back to one another an image of ourselves. We do this in 3 steps... 1. We imagine how we look to others 2. We imagine other ppl's judgement of us 3. We experience some kind of feeling about ourselves based on our perception of other ppl's judgements -social looking-glass= the way we see ourselves reflected back from others together with the feelings we develop as a result of what we imagine they see us in, forms our concept of self -Cooley said there could be no sense of self without society, for there is no individual self without a corresponding "other" to provide us with our looking-glass self-image
hegemony
-form of control, domination, but it's not explicit or forced (implicit)- demands your spontaneous, voluntary consent. -Hegemonic ideologies= Group of ideas or thoughts that are used by the dominant group to dominate the lower class a term to describe the cultural aspects of social control whereby the ideas of the dominant group are accepted by all. "A historical process in which a dominant group exercises 'moral and intellectual leadership' throughout society by winning the 'voluntary consent' of popular masses" (Kim, 2001) -Getting people to go along with the status quo because it seems like the best course or the natural order of things. -Is not clear to see; hides itself beneath cultural texts. Can be applied to any cultural aspect. What is a "traditional" family? How did we come to know what that is? Dominant American Cultural Hegemonies= capitalism, patriarchy, white supremacy, heteronormativity -theory of hegemony states that mass media can be used by the ruling elite to perpetuate their power, wealth, and status by popularizing their own philosophy, culture, and morality. -Hegemonic negotiation--ex: women holding up equality for women or votes for women signs--The More Things Change the More They Stay the Same? (not sure) Hegemonic negotiation 5+5=10 7+3=10 8+2=10 Ideologies 10=hegemony
Karl Marx's contribution
-german social philosopher cultural commentator, and political activist, and political activist -INSPIRATION FOR THE CONFLICT THEORY (Marxism) -Society is divided into a small number of capitalists (bourgeoisie) and a large number of workers (proletariat) who are exploited for their labor. Popular posthumously in Sociology(in ppoint) -his ideas have become the basis for communism, the political system adopted by numerous countries (China, Cuba, and the former Soviet Union) that have been often viewed as the enemies of democracy and the U.S. -Marx's theory continues to provide a powerful tool for understanding social phenomena -the idea that conflict between social groups is central to the workings of society and serves as the engine of social change is one of the most vital perspectives in sociology today. -wrote stories that antagonized gov officials -During the Industrial Revolution (time of rapid social change, when large numbers of ppl were moving from agricultural life in rural areas to manufacturing jobs in urban areas) -poverty, crime, and disease occurred... Marx believed those problems were due to capitalism= the emerging economic system based on the private for-profit operation of industry. -He preposed a radical alternative to the inherent inequalities of this system in the Manifesto of the Communist Party (his famous book) -argued that the most important thing in social life was a person's relationship to the means of production or in other words whether someone was a worker that have no means of production of their own and are reduced to selling their labor power in order to live (proletariat) or an owner, a member of the bourgeoise-- the class of modern capitalists who own the means of production and employ wage laborers) -believed proletariats suffered from alienation because they were unable to directly benefit from the fruits of their own labor -believed that the oppression against the proletariats would become unbearable and that they would rise up against the bourgeoise, abolishing capitalism for good -once freed from oppression he believed society would be a utopian and egalitarian one --wrote a second book called Das Kapital which talked abt his exposition of his program for social change, which later became the foundation of political systems such as communism and socialism. -conflict theory was the dominant perspective that Marx was truly received as a giant of sociology -PG 23-24 go back
Personal Troubles (Look at ppt)
-life story (biography) -- what makes you you -C. Wright Mills -an essential tool of the sociological imagination Ex: unemployment, war, marriage, and housing -The task of Sociology is to understand the relationship between larger social realities (history, issues) and your intimate reality (biography, troubles). Many things we consider personal often have their beginnings in public issues. Many things we take for granted have much deeper stories/ impacts on people than we realize.
Socialization
-the process of learning and internalizing values, beliefs, and norms of our social group, by which we become functioning members of society -two fold process= it includes the process by which society, culture, or group teaches individuals to become functioning members process by which individuals learn and internalize the values and norms of the group -works on both an individual and social level: we learn our society's way of life and make it our own. 2 goals= -teaches members the skills necessary to satisfy basic human needs and to defend themselves against danger, thus ensuring that society itself will continue to exist -socialization teaches individuals the norms, values, and beliefs associated with their culture and provides ways to ensure that members adhere to their shared way of life Primary socialization= family Secondary socialization= -peer groups (anyone you identify) -schooling. -mass media
Symbolic Interactionism
-theoretical framework -(interactionist theory) a paradigm that sees interaction and meaning as central to society and assumes that meanings are not inherent but are created through interaction -helps explain both our individual personalities and the ways in which we are all linked together --helps us understand the processes by which social order and social change are constructed. -Society is the product of our everyday interactions with people. -All interactions are symbolic because they happen in our mind before manifesting in reality. -Symbolic Interactionists interpret. -Humans shape their realities through the meaning they ascribe to objects and actions. -Nothing has inherent meaning. -This framework explores the differences in and creation of the way individuals perceive their social realities.
Structural Functionalism
-theoretical framework -Analyzes society by identifying the roles that different aspects or phenomena play -paradigm (perspectives) based on the assumption that society is a unified whole that functions because of the contributions of its separate structures. -Functionalism studies social structures, which are stable patterns of human behavior. It looks for the function of these behaviors and how they help society run. -accepts society as it is -social inequality helped answer some of the critiques of structural functionalism 2 main principles= 1. society is conceived as a stable, ordered system made up of interrelated parts, or structures.(social institutions such as family, politics, economy, education system, and religion) 2. Each structure has a function that contributes to the continued stability or equilibrium of the unified whole. - if -(functionalist theory) -dominant theoretical perspective within sociology well into the mid-twentieth century (popular in europe) -still used today- more updated as time went on
Conflict Theory
-theoretical framework . -Karl Marx -a paradigm that sees social conflict as the basis of society and social change and that emphasizes a materialistic view of society, a critical view of the status quo, and a dynamic model of historical change -focused on labor practices and economic reality(materialistic) -proposes that conflict and tension are basic facts of social life and suggests that ppl have disagreements over both resources and power -takes a critical stance toward existing social arrangements and attempts to expose their inner workings -The animating force of any society is conflict among those with competing interests. -Resources are limited, and some groups have more (power), and use this to dominate and exploit other groups. -Social change occurs through revolution and evolution. (ppoint)
3 theoretical frameworks
1. Structural functionalism= Analyzes society by identifying the roles that different aspects or phenomena play -paradigm (perspectives) based on the assumption that society is a unified whole that functions because of the contributions of its separate structures. -Functionalism studies social structures, which are stable patterns of human behavior. It looks for the function of these behaviors and how they help society run. -accepts society as it is -social inequality helped answer some of the critiques of structural functionalism 2 main principles= 1. society is conceived as a stable, ordered system made up of interrelated parts, or structures.(social institutions such as family, politics, economy, education system, and religion) 2. Each structure has a function that contributes to the continued stability or equilibrium of the unified whole. - if -(functionalist theory) -dominant theoretical perspective within sociology well into the mid-twentieth century (popular in europe) -still used today- more updated as time went on 2. Symbolic interactionism= (interactionist theory) a paradigm that sees interaction and meaning as central to society and assumes that meanings are not inherent but are created through interaction -helps explain both our individual personalities and the ways in which we are all linked together --helps us understand the processes by which social order and social change are constructed. -Society is the product of our everyday interactions with people. -All interactions are symbolic because they happen in our mind before manifesting in reality. -Symbolic Interactionists interpret. -Humans shape their realities through the meaning they ascribe to objects and actions. -Nothing has inherent meaning. -This framework explores the differences in and creation of the way individuals perceive their social realities. 3. Conflict theory= a paradigm that sees social conflict as the basis of society and social change and that emphasizes a materialistic view of society, a critical view of the status quo, and a dynamic model of historical change
Ethnocentrism v. Cultural relativism
Ethnocentrism= Using your culture as a standard of measurement against all others -- the principle of using one's own culture as a means or standard by which to elevate another group or individual, leading to the view that cultures other than one's own are abnormal or inferior Cultural Relativism= Judging different cultures by their own standards. --the principle of understanding other cultures on their own terms, rather than judging or evaluating according to one's own culture
practical knowledge
Everyday actors navigate objective reality via practical knowledge Ex:"Movies are just entertainment" "Women are natural nurturers" "Everyone has the same opportunities" "If a man likes how another man looks that makes him gay" "If you're poor you only have yourself to blame" "Hard work is the only way to get ahead" "People do bad things because they're bad people"
public issues (look at ppoint)
Everything or anyone that interacts with you -(history) -an essential tool of sociological imagination -Ex: paying bills, keep up status, debt (student loans) -The task of Sociology is to understand the relationship between larger social realities (history, issues) and your intimate reality (biography, troubles). Many things we consider personal often have their beginnings in public issues. Many things we take for granted have much deeper stories/ impacts on people than we realize.
Verstehen
In order to really understand, you must use empathy.- You can't always rely on the symbols you're comfortable with! -empathic understanding--describes good social research which tires to understand the meanings that individuals attach to various aspects of social reality. --how social scientists should study human action
manifest vs. latent functions
Manifest= intended consequences of social behavior ex: manifest for education is to prepare future members of society by teaching them how to read and write and by instructing them on norms of society, values, and laws Latent= unrecognized and unintended consequence of social patterns-- teaches a hidden curriculum= values or behaviors that students learn indirectly over the course of their schooling. ex: keep kids busy and out of trouble at school for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, for 12 years (or longer)
Material v. symbolic (non-material) culture
Material culture= the objects associated with a cultural group, such as tools, machines, utensils, buildings, and artwork; any physical object to which we give social meaning -- any physical thing that ppl create, use, or appreciate may be considered material culture (tangible) Symbolic culture= the ideas associated with a cultural group, including ways of thinking (beliefs, values, assumptions) and ways of behaving (norms, interactions, and communication) ex: driving on the right side of the road in the U.S. and on the left side in the UK, marriage, large-scale social pattern, democrocy (non tangible)
Mead's self, I, and Me
Mead's theory of the self that develops through three stages (preparatory, play, and game); in role taking the particular or generalized other, we can learn to see ourselves as others do. 1. preparatory- under the age of 3 who lack sense of self so they mimic/imitate others 2. play stage- after age 3 they start to pretend or play at being "mommy" "firefighter" "princess" or "doctor"-- take the role of the particular or significant other 3. game stage- children play organized games and take on perspectives of the generalized other (idk if we have to know what is above) ******-dual nature of self-- the self as both the subject and object -"I"= the subject component= the experience of a spontaneous, active, and creative part of ourselves, some-what less socialized "Me"= object component= the experience of a norm-abiding, conforming part of ourselves, more socialized and therefore reliant on others. (2 components are inseperable and are unites to form a single self in each of us) -it is the process of recognizing the dual nature of the self, taking the role of the particular other, and seeing the perspective of the generalized other that Mead suggests leads to the development of self*************
norms vs. values --look in book
Norms= Rules and expectations- both implicit & explicit, that guide us on what to think and believe, how to behave, and how to interact with others -Folkways= Norms that are only casually observed; come from reputation and routine. loosely enforced norms involving common customs, practices, or procedures that ensure smooth social interaction and acceptance. Rude vs. polite behavior ex: cutting a line -Mores= Norms that determine moral and ethical behavior. Ex: killed someone/cheating-- cary great moral significance and are closely related to core values of a cultural group--involve severe repercussions for violators. -Keeping Norms in Check: Social Control -Norm violation activity=Keeping norms in check: Social Control -positive sanctions getting positive reinforcement to do something bad again -negative sanctions/ negative feedback that signals you to not do it again - Formal sanctions= being processed through the criminal justice system ex: getting pulled over/getting arrested Norms and values back then= Man pays for date. patriarchy Man picks up women Guy asks girl Dating to marry. Christian values
role conflict v. role strain
Role Conflict= experienced when we occupy two or more roles with contradictory expectations -choosing family over work Role strain= experienced when there are contradictory expectations within one role -have to be present and involved as a father but also support the family financially-which requires the dad to be away from home
positive, negative and formal sanctions
Sanctions= positive or negative ways that ppl follow or disobey norms Positive= rewards for conformity/ express approval-- come in forms of a handshake, smile, praise, or an award. Negative= punishment for violations/ express disapproval--may come in the form of a frown, harsh word, or a fine or incarceration. Formal sanctions=being processed through the criminal justice system ex: getting pulled over/getting arrested positive sanctions getting positive reinforcement to do something bad again -negative sanctions/ negative feedback that signals you to not do it again
Ideal vs. Real Culture
What we say we do Vs. What we really do. Ideal culture= the norms, values, and patterns of behavior that members of society believe should be observed in principle. Real culture= the norms, values, and patterns of behavior that actually exist within a society (which may or may not correspond to the society's ideals ex: "all men are created equal" -- we are a nation that believes in equality but doesn't deliver it
sociological imagination
a quality of mind that allows us to understand the relationship between our individual circumstances and larger social forces. -C. Wright Mills -the ability to understand "the intersection between biography and history" or the interplay of self and the world; this is sociology's task and its "promise" Ex: if you cannot find a job you might feel it is because you do not have the right skills, educational background, or experience. It could be the result of problems in the larger economy. Your individual unemployment may be part of a larger social and historical phenomenon -larger social forces influence our lives but individuals can affect society as well Benefits= discover different ways or experiencing life and interpreting reality. Helps us appreciate alternate view points and understand how they came abt. Helps us understand our own values, beliefs, and attitudes.
masterstatus
a status that is always relevant and affects all other statuses we possess. -overrides all other in our identities -carry with them expectations that may blind ppl to other facets of our personalities -people quickly make assumptions about what women, asians, doctors, or alcoholics are like and may judge us according to those expectations rather than our actual attributes -stereotyping
Dominant Ideologies
a system of beliefs, attitudes, and values that directs a society and reproduces the status quo of the bourgeoise -a system of concepts and relationships -an understanding of cause and effect -society arises from the values of the ruling class -beliefs that seem to be widely held are actually a justification that help rationalize and explain the status quo -most ppl readily accept the prevailing ideology despite its failure to represent the reality of their lives
Proletariat
a worker that have no means of production of their own and are reduced to selling their labor power in order to live
Achieved vs. ascribed status
achieved status= a status earned through individual effort or imposed by others. (individual effort=such as occupation, hobby, or skill) (acquired in some other way=such as criminal identity mental illness, or drug addiction) Ascribed status= a status that is inborn; usually difficult or impossible to change. --is one we are born with that is unlikely to change (such as our gender or race)
means of production
anything that can create wealth, money, property, factories, and other types of business, and the infrastructure necessary to run them
goffman's dramaturgical theory
goffman's theory of the presentation of self; we are like actors on a stage whose performance strategies aid in impression management. ex: children act different around their parents than they do around their friends
repressive v. ideological state apparatuses
ideology= A system of concepts and relationships; an understanding of cause and effect. RSA=repressive state apparatus =violence or threat of Ex: prisons, KKK, army, police brutality ISA- ideological state apparatus =ex: media, schools, church
bourgeoise
member of the bourgeoise-- the class of modern capitalists who own the means of production and employ wage laborers
structure
social institutions such as family, politics, economy, education system, and religion
Everyday Actor
someone who approaches the world by using knowledge that is practical or taken for granted. -approaches social world with what is referred to as "reciped," or practical knowledge which allows an individual to get along in their everyday life. EX: smartphones (used in a practical way, probably cannot explain it in a technical or scientific way)
Social Analyst
someone who approaches the world by using reasoning and questions to gain deeper insights. -uses a sociological perspective lense -this way allows one to acquire knowledge about the social world that is systematic, comprehensive, coherent, clear, and consistent -has to "place in question everything that seems unquestionable" to the every day actor -takes perspective of the stranger in society and has to identify what an every day actor might accept as truth Ex: ppl think women talk more than men.... (social analyst would investigate and deliver a more complex conclusion than we would think)
Status vs. Role
status= a position in a social hierarchy that carries a particular set of expectations --formal= "professor" ""president" "parent" --informal= "class clown" role= the set of behaviors expected of someone because of his or her status --provide a kind of script, outlining what we are expected to say and do as a result of our position in the social structure Ex: professors are expected to be responsible teachers and researchers
Alienation
the sense of dissatisfaction the modern worker feels as a result of producing goods that are owned and controlled by someone else
Critical Race Theory
the study of the relationship among race, racism, and power -argues that racism is deeply embedded in American institutions, including our laws -perpetuates white privilege and marginalize ppl of color -adherents of critical race theory are dedicated to studying race and how it interacts with other identities such as sex and class -goal of adherents: to end racial oppression -oppression is not single-sided -oppressions interlock(metaphor for understanding social power)--"oppression olympics"- when the ppl w the most oppression wins What class background did you grow up in? How do you identify your racial or ethnic background? Are you (or one of your parents) an immigrant? What is your gender identity? How do you think of your sexual orientation (who you are attracted to)? Is religion an important part of who you are? How does it "interlock" with other forms of identity? -Matrix of Domination = 3 levels of inequality. Ppl are trapped in this system INDIVIDUAL- ex: man sleeps under American flag 40% of homeless ppl in 2013 were in the LGBTQ community . /GROUPS- ex: fast food workers hold up signs in protest experiencing income inequality /SOCIETIES -common sense -part of MOD