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