Chapter 1 Sociology 201 University of Delaware

The 3 basic premises of Symbolic interactionist perspective

1. Human beings act toward things on the basis of the meaning that they attach to them 2. These meanings are derived from, or arise out of, social interaction with others 3. These meanings may be changed or modified through the processes of interaction and interpretation

Ideal type

A conceptual model or typology constructed from the direct observation of number of specific cases and representing the essential qualities found in those cases

Paradigm

A set of assumptions and ideals that guide research questions, methods of analysis and interpretations, and the development of theory

Theoretical perspective

A viewpoint or particular way of looking at things

The marxian approach to conflict

According to marx, these conflicts are determined b economics and are based on social class, and the struggle between the different values and interest of the bourgeoisie and the proletariat is inevitable

Manifest functions

Anticipated of intended consequences of social institutions

Meaningful symbols

Are sounds, objects, colors, and events that represent something other than themselves, and are critical for understanding social interactions

Sociological thinking

Asking questions and questioning answers

Convergence Hypothesis

Assuming that globalization is causing different cultures to continually become more alike

Auguste Comte (1798-1857)

Coined the term "sociology" and launched the positivistic approach to the study of sociology + identified social statics and social dynamics

Social media

Computer-facilitated tools that allow people to create, share, or exchange information, ideas, and pictures/videos in virtual communities and networks

Labeling Approach

Contends that people attach various labels to certain behaviors, individuals, and groups that become part of their social identity and shape others' attitudes about and responses to them

Herbert Spencer (1820-1903)

Developed a theoretical approach to understanding society that relied on evolutionary doctrine also to explain both social structure and social changes he used an organic analogy

Macro-level analysis

Examines broader social structures and society as a whole

Lester F. Ward (1841-1913)

First systematic american sociologist + pure sociology + applied sociology

Social dynamics

Focuses on social change

Social statics

Focuses on social structure or the relatively stable elements foreign in every society

Micro-level analysis

Focuses on the day-to-day interactions of individuals and groups in specific social situations

Karl Marx (1818-1883)

Founder of the conflict perspective in sociology even though his academic training was in history, economics, and philosophy

The neoconflict approach

From this perspective, conflict necessitates negotiation and compromises and also contend that class conflict in industrialized countries is not so much a struggle over the means of production as a result of the unequal distribution of authority

Max Weber (1864-1920)

Known for his concepts of Verstehen and the Ideal Type

Emile Durkheim (1858-1917)

Known for his emphasis on social structure and social solidarity provided a strong theoretical basis for the functionalist perspective in sociology

Critical thinking

Objectively assessing ideas, statements, and information

Harriet Martineau (1802-1876)

One of the founders of sociology, helped establish a strong theoretical foundation for sociological research + how to observe manners and morals

Jane Addams (1860-1935)

Put sociological theory into practice with the development of Hull House (not a sociologist) + earned a nobel prize

Sociological Imagination

Quality of mind that provides an understanding of ourselves within the context of the larger society

Definition of the situation

Refers to the idea that "if people define situations as real, they are real in their consequences"

Average time spent at various activities

Sleeping = 36% Work or school 14.5-31.8% Watching television 11.75% Other activities 20%

William E. B. Dubois (1868-1963)

Studied under Max Weber and helped establish African American sociology and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

Feminist theory

Studies, analyzes, and explains social phenomena from a gender-focused perspective

C. Wright Mills

The "power elite" contented that its post-World War 2 society was nominated by powerful military, industrial, and political elite that shaped foreign and domestic policy of the benefit of the wealthy and powerful class

Globalization

The interconnectedness among people around the world; the process whereby goods, information, people, money, communication, fashion (and other forms of culture) move across national boundaries

Pure Sociology

The study of society in an effort to understand and explain the natural laws that govern its evolution

Sociology

The systematic and scientific study of human behavior, social groups, and society

Positivism

The use of observation, comparison, experimentation, and the historical method to analyze society

Latent functions

Unintended or unrecognized consequences of social institutions

Dramaturgical Analysis

Uses the analogy of theater to analyze social behavior

Applied Sociology

Using sociological principles, social ideas, and ethical considerations to improve society

Symbolic interactionist perspective

Views social meaning as arising through the process of civil interaction (often referred to as interactionism)

Structural functionalist perspective

Views society as a system of interdependent and interrelated parts (often referred to simply as the functionalist perspective or functionalism)

Conflict perspective

Views society as composed of diverse groups with conflicting values and interest

Margaret Sanger (1883-1966)

applied sociological theories to problems of population, health, and women's rights + published Woman Rebel

Mass media

forms of communication that transmit standardized messages to widespread audiences (e.g., newspapers, magazines, books, radio, television, and movies)

The looking glass self

refers to the idea that an individuals self-concept is largely a reflection of how he or she is perceived by other members of society