Sociology Chapter 1 (PARSONS)
Anomie
"normlessness"; the alienation and loss of purpose that result from weaker social bonds
Structural-Functionalism
-The BASICS -A macro-oriented (large-scale) paradigm -Views society as a complex system with amy interdependent parts -The parts work together to promote social stability and order (ex. Pay student based on grades, pay teacher based on student performance) -Major changes to the system's part is not required or desired; system seeks to maintain its equilibrium
Social-Conflict Paradigm
-The basics: -A macro-oriented paradigm -Views society as a structured system -Based on inequality (Karl Marx) -Social conflict between groups over scarce resources is the norm -Key elements: -Society is structured in ways to benefit a few at the expense of the majority -Factors such as race, sex, class, and age are linked to social inequality
Symbolic Interactionism
-is a micro-oriented paradigm, which means it is effectively used when attempting to understand smaller-scale social phenomena -The view that society is the product of everyday interactions -Society results from the shared reality that people construct as they interact with one another
Structural-Functional Approach, Social-Conflict Approach, Symbolic-Interaction Approach
3 major paradigms
The Scientific Revolution
A belief in science began to replace traditional forms of authority (traditional- belief that God made it better that way). (individualism, freedom)
Auguste Comte
A french social thinker, Coined term "sociology", Applied scientific approach to society- society conforms to laws, like physical world
Helps us Assess the Truth of "Common Sense", Assess Both Opportunities and Constraints (things in the way) in our lives, We have a say in how we lead our lives, but so does society, Empowers us to be active participants in our society, Helps us to live in a diverse world
Benefits of Sociological Perspective
social interaction
Difference between the groups studied by Durkheim was?
The Economic Revolution
Industrialism and capitalism were changing economic patterns. (huge factories, exploding cities)
Females (express feelings), jews and catholics (against suicide) who were poor (have family, can't afford weapons) and married (talk to spouse)
Least likely to commit suicide according to Durkheim?
The Political Revolution
More democratic values and standards were being adopted.
Males, protestants who were wealthy and unmarried had higher suicide rates.
More likely to commit suicide according to Durkheim?
general in the particular
Recognize general social patterns in the behavior of particular individuals
Social structure
Refers to relatively stable patterns of social behaviors found in social institutions (ex. 1980 Buick)
Structural Functionalism
Robert Merton's (died around 2003) work with the paradigm
patterns of social inequality
Sociology's social-conflict approach draws attention to
countries experiencing rapid social change
The discipline of sociology first developed in
seeing the opportunities and constraints in our lives, the fact that it is good preparation for a number of jobs, being more active participants in society
The personal value of studying sociology includes
The operation of society guides many of our personal choices.
What does the sociological perspective tell us about whom any individuals chooses to marry?
Auguste Comte
Which early sociologist coined the term sociology in 1838?
Emile Durkheim
Which early sociologist studied patterns of suicide?
observing two new dormitory roommates getting to know one another
Which of the following illustrates a micro-level focus?
manifest functions
Which term refers to the recognized and intended consequences of a social pattern?
the structural-functional approach
Which theoretical approach is closest to that taken by early sociologists Auguste Comte and Emile Durkheim?
Harriet Martineau
Which woman, among the first sociologists, studied the evils of slavery and also translated the writing of Auguste Comte?
Theory
a statement of how and why facts are related
Positivism
a way of understanding based on science (let's take data and analyze and count)
stereotype
a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.
Symbol
anything that represents something else
Generalize
are not stereotypes, because you're withholding judgement. A broad statement of a group that may or may not apply to individuals
Paradigm
basic image of society that guides thinking and research (way of looking at the world)
Latent Functions
consequences that are largely unrecognized and unintended (not institutional goal of MUHS: make friends at school) - "College as a 'marriage broker'" (not to get married, but meet in college)
Emile Durkheim
did a study on suicide
culture
humans are only specie that operate on this rather than instinct.
scientific stage
modern physics, chemistry, sociology
metaphysical stage
natural rather than a supernatural system
strange in the familiar
not to make generalizations
sociological perspective
offers a unique view of society. (step back and look at things differently) (at the heart of sociology)
theological stage
people took religious view that society expressed God's will
Manifest Functions
recognized and intended consequences of any social pattern. (education → to have a career) (MUHS institutional goal: grad at grad)
Herbert Spencer
said social world is like social darwinism, Much like biological systems, society is interdependent and works together to maintain the system over time. Best aspects of society will survive overtime; best societies will continue to upgrade the world
Thomas Hobbes
suggested that society reflected not the perfection of God so much as the failings of a selfish human nature
Sociology
systematic study of human society
Social Dysfunctions
undesirable consequences (when latent function is negative to MUHS→ lack of female presence, sleep deprivation stress, location) -Focus on unity and stability (family and education), ignores tension and conflict (crime, racism)
