Sociology Final Exam
Conflict theory of gender inequality
Because of the traditional division of labor in families, males have had more access to resources and privileges and have sought to maintain their dominance. Ex: Male-dominated occupations generally hold more prestige and are better paid; women may encounter difficulties entering male-dominated occupations, whereas men may more easily succeed in female- dominated occupations.
symbolic interaction of gender inequality
Gender is learned through the process of socialization; gender inequalities are reproduced through interactions with family, peers, schools, and the media. Ex: Girls and boys are socialized differently and may be encouraged to seek out gender-appropriate training, college majors, and career goals, leading them to enter male- and female-dominated occupations.
Symbolic interaction of race and ethnicity
Race and ethnicity are part of our identity as displayed through our presentation of self. Ex: Some individuals (white ethnics and light-skinned nonwhites in particular) have the option to conceal their race or ethnicity in situations where it might be advantageous to do so. This may allow them as individuals to escape the effects of racial inequality but does not erase it from society at large.
structural functionalism of Race and Ethnicity
Racial and ethnic differences are a necessary part of society. Even racial inequality has functions that help maintain social order. Ex: The functions of racial inequality and conflict for society could include the creation of social cohesion within both the dominant and minority groups.
Conflict theory of race and ethnicity
Racial and ethnic differences create intergroup conflict; minority and majority groups have different interests and may find themselves at odds as they attempt to secure and protect their interests. Ex: Some members of majority groups (whites and men in particular) object to affirmative action programs that assist underrepresented groups. This can create conflict among racial groups in society.
structural functionalism of gender inequality
Sex determines which roles men and women are best suited to; it is more appropriate for men to play instrumental roles and for women to play expressive roles. Ex: Women are naturally more nurturing and thus make better nurses and teachers of young children; men are naturally more logical and thus make better lawyers and computer programmers.
Conflict theory of Poverty
Social inequality creates intergroup conflict—poor and rich groups have different interests and may find themselves at odds as they attempt to secure and protect these interests. Ex: Social welfare programs that assist the poor are funded bytax dollars, which some wealthy citizens may be reluctant to provide because taxes reduce their net income. This can create conflict between rich and poor groups in society.
Structural Functionalism of Poverty
Social inequality is a necessary part of society. Different reward structures are necessary as an incentive for the best qualified people to occupy the most important positions. Even poverty has functions that help maintain social order. Ex: Poverty is functional for society: The poor take otherwise undesirable jobs and housing, purchase discount and secondhand goods, and provide work for thousands, including social service caseworkers and others who work with the poor.
Symbolic Interactionism of poverty
Social inequality is part of our presentation of self. We develop everyday class consciousness as a way to distinguish the status of others. Ex: Poor and wealthy persons have differential access tothe "props" used to project particular versions of self. In particular, professional clothing such as business suits can be too expensive for poor individuals to purchase, whichcan put them at a disadvantage in job interviews for which a professional image is necessary. Organizations like Dress for Success provide professional clothing for those who can't afford it, leveling the playing field a bit in terms of impression management
