SO 101 Exam 1

norms

"Rules of behavior or expectations of how people should - or do - behave" Most of our behavior is guided by norms Different types of norms

Structural-functional (or just Functionalist)

-Oldest perspective; consensus perspective; not individual but structural **what is the functional purpose of something?** -Normal state of society is equilibrium Parts operate together Each part has a function (purpose) Body changes over time -assumes stability and conflict is bad Some functions are: Manifest Latent Dysfunctions What are some functions of: college athletics (economics/donors, entertainment, social) gossip (channel of info--who we can trust, social control, bonding)

is social science objective? Detour into theory - postmodernism...

.Detour into theory - postmodernism... Today concern about the nature of reality are there facts we can all agree on? answer appears to be no.... Why? Today's worldview left - middle - right governed by postmodernism no "grand narrative" or progress society is highly pluralistic and diverse individualism and individual identity paramount Social life fragmented, we each have own reality (difficult to agree on anything) -modern perspective implied progress and rose with modernism and post WWII; modernity was renaissance and age of science/scientific method deduction

How is sociology not the study of "the painfully obvious"?

1 we usually see only our own social circle - not representative 2 we think of individual-level explanations rather than structural Another example - age at marriage Decision to marry very personal But impacted by broad social forces such as The economy, war, employment, culture, living longer, taxes, pandemic...

II.Research design for collecting data (observation)

1. Questionnaire (survey research) - phone, mail, internet, in-person, mixed 2. Interviews (in-depth, semi-structured, life history...) 3. Observational, participant-observation, field research 4. Secondary data (Census, GSS, NES, NLSY...) 5. Content analysis: looking at things people create and drawing conclusions about it (bumper stickers. art, grafiti, professors' doors) 6. Experiment

becoming human through symbolic interaction MEAD stages of self

1. imitation stage (Preparatory: < 3) 2. Play stage (~3-5)--Pretend play, Taking role of another (Especially significant others) 3. Game stage ~ >7 Take roles of multiple others Rules, fairness Develop Generalized Other

Structural-functionalism: a macro level perspective on socialization. (3 steps)

1. learn societies norms and values through socialization 2. we internalize norms and values--generalized other 3. so when we act in "own" interest it is also the interest of society (supplement own interests for societies) -reinforces social structure, maintains society, transmits culture -orgs and institutions support each other in task of socialization

dyads

2 person interactions -smallest units studied by sociologists

functionalism on culture

Argues cultural practices serve a function in society - have a reason What part do they play in operation of society? E.g. why are cows sacred (valuable for milk and poop is fuel) or pork taboo? Why do Americans value individual rights? Critique - Overemphasizes consensus Underplays conflict E.g. was slavery functional for everyone? Anyone? Sometimes imposes outsiders' beliefs - Culturally insensitive - Nacirema

beliefs

Assumptions we hold about the social world "TRUE" How society works Often based on tradition - what "everyone knows" NOT necessarily based on "facts" Influence choices we make, values, norms Examples: Child rearing, nature of children Human nature, what people are like Sexuality, what is natural or normal

Example: Gender role socialization

Begins before birth: Gender reveal parties How are boys and girls treated differently? Parents, relatives, school, everyone How do boys and girls experiences of the world differ? Media, books, games Possibility of non-sexist childrearing?

culture

Culture: Way of life shared by group Knowledge, beliefs, values, rules, laws, language, customs, symbols, and material products (HOMEWORK on norms) PROCESSES - guidelines for actions learned, shared (not instinctual; cannot have own culture but can have micro-level culture) evolves, changes to adapt (like changes in interactions based on phones) Your day in culture what have you done today that was guided by your culture?--clothes choices, food for breakfast, music/podcasts, language, evolved b/c of covid

three goals of sociology (DEP)

Description - describe social world Explanation - describe relationship among observations Including hopefully causality (change in one variable leads to change in another) Prediction - what will happen In the future In a different setting

macro conflict theory (works for feminism too) on culture

Dominant groups attempt to impose beliefs/values to maintain position** Cultural groups (religious, ethnic, social class...)-for profit companies, big insurance/pharma/ag/media/NFL/lobbyists **Struggle for power & resources Using cultural symbols We learn values, beliefs and norms of privileged group How? Through control of agents of socialization (ch. 4) media, education, religion Legal system; lobbying

Which comes first, beliefs or values? Can changing your values change your beliefs?

Example of former white supremacists Some got to know people who were different from them, their values changed, and then their beliefs (American History X) Some have their beliefs changed and then their values. Evidence that values change first is more common values tell which facts are important--inform beliefs

the self at micro level, meso, macro

First develop "self" - who we are at a fundamental level Agents of socialization = Family, caregivers, peers Process: Mead - stages Cooley - Looking Glass Self meso: school and day care (direct interaction); sunday school-church; summer camps; first job macro: ads, movies, news

types of norms

Folkways: Not a big deal Mores ("more-ays"): Bigger deal - moral significance - "ought to" "shouldn't" Taboos: Really big deal Laws: Codified by those in power, backed up by formal sanctions (many are informal) All norms backed up by sanctions - many are informal Many are in our heads - internalized EXAMPLES OF ABOVE FROM VIRUS

language

Foundation of culture 1. Nonverbal - body language, facial expressions, gestures, signs 2. Spoken 3. Written Linguistic relativity theory Language shapes reality Controversial, little evidence supports theory BUT - example from book = European heritage association of white/black with good/bad

four elements of immaterial culture

Four elements Beliefs Values Norms Language

generalized other

Generalized other = "a composite of social expectations that a child learns from family, peers, and other organizations (95)."

social groups primary secondary

Group - shares interests, goals, experiences, needs (like carroll students) primary: close intimate relationships Sense of belonging Shared identity Intrinsic value (group of friends) Secondary group Formal, impersonal, businesslike relationships Often temporary Limited purpose or goal - task oriented ex: class group, bball team Behind most successful secondary groups are primary groups (do you belong to a primary group at work?)

Herding and Horticultural Societies

Herding societies: keep herds of domesticated animals for food Horticultural societies: use primitive gardening and some animals for food Semi-nomadic, some material possessions Increased group size (up to 3,000) Produce a food surplus, leading to material inequalities, status and power hierarchies

Body Ritual Among the Nacirema

How does Miner describe the Nacirema? What are their most interesting characteristics? almost presents as irrational, surprising\ How do you think the Nacirema would describe themselves?--normal, not "obsessed" with "magic"-could have a magical belief that drinking water etc., I do these things like eucharist is a body belief What is the difference between Miner's description and their description of themselves? -live b/w US and Canada (written 1956) -shrines with potions: like makeup and teeth brushing lesson to learn: offensive to be described like this--inaccurate in perspective (insider/outsider); no inside voices/collaboration

the power of groups: Asch conformity

How many subjects "went along"? about 37% b/c assumed that others were right or knew something they did not What was their generalized other telling them? How many went along when there was one other person who said the right answer? What about when they could write their answers? Conformity Positives (group think) and negatives to conformity: challenger space shuttle-concern with O rings, but did not voice and it exploded

social processes

How society changes Interactions, conflict, demonstrations and protests ACTION - interactions among individuals - like this class right now - as well as among groups - e.g. trade negotiations, conflict over paying college athletes etc.

Using science to understand social world - planning research

I. Planning research: 1. Refine topic into a research question(s) (ex: connection between mask wearing and social class etc.) 2. Review existing research (ex: why health professionals comply; past global phenomenon) Role of theory - social contagion theory: like FB ads Social control theory

real vs. ideal culture

Ideal culture: desirable, what we are supposed to do/know/believe Real culture: what we actually do/know/believe necessary to resolve tensions among competing values Example ideal: marriage based on true love real - other factors involved

Social Identity Theory (Henri Tajfel)

In and out identity form quickly Based on small differences

feminism

Informed by conflict and Marxism (1960s and 70s) But most feminists are not Marxists! (not radical change) Also influenced by SI (symbolic interactionalism) & micro E.g. critique of media representations, interpersonal behavior (#MeToo) Analyzes hierarchies of oppression Today big issue is: Intersectionality: intersection of race, gender identity, economics, etc.

material vs. nonmaterial culture (4 elements)

MATERIAL CULTURE - stuff; studied by archaeologists NONMATERIAL CULTURE - invisible, intangible Four elements Beliefs Values Norms Language

origins: Sociology - born in tumult

Massive social and political change in Europe 1700s - 1800s (roots in 1800s) --revolutions: French, US, industrialization and urbanization, expansion of capitalism, colonization Industrial Revolution & urbanization French revolution, other revolutions Developments in natural science - evolution, geology, technological advances 1800s first sociologists looking at problems of modern urban industrial life (life looked like going to hell in a hand basket, but science was optimism with transport, goods, and services) Still looking at problems today...

micro and meso levels of forming self

Micro-level: face to face, Verbal, non-verbal, physical Families and peers Sanctions Negative and positive Meso-level Organizations, institutions Religion, work, clubs, Social class appropriate behavior varies by class Also into gender, sexual orientation subculture, race/ethnicity Macro - national mass media Television programs & commercials; pop culture, e.g.

network average degrees of separation in the US and globally

Network = Interconnected system of individuals linked together by interactions and relationships. How many degrees of separation between you and: President Biden? Taylor Swift? Textile worker in Guangdong, China? On average, about 4.7 globally, 4.3 in the US! What types of networks do you have? Family - cousins, aunts, uncles, godparents, cousins' cousins, in-laws... Social - friends, friends' friends, friends' friends' friends..., teams, clubs, activities Professional - co-workers, managers, clients, customers, head office, vendors, professional colleagues, unions Community - neighbors, church, public officials, clubs (Rotary, FFA, 4-H...), volunteer organizations How do these networks benefit us? Benefit society? How do we create and maintain these networks?

To participate effectively we acquire a sense of self, of who we are in the world How?

Play Looking glass self Agents of socialization Rites of passage At all levels: Micro Meso Macro

Quantitative vs. Qualitative

Quantitative data is numerical, qualitative is what you observe with your senses/stories like white kids

industrial society

Relies on machines and advanced technology to produce and distribute food, information, goods, and services

theory and research work together

Research question leads to (pick one)* 🡪 theory suggests direction of research deductive 🡪 data collected suggests theoretical interpretation inductive

III. sampling

Select a subset of population of interest to collect data from = sample Sampling method depends on which data collection design used To be able to GENERALIZE should be RANDOMLY selected -needs to represent the larger population

Levels of culture - microculture

Small groups develop microcultures E.g. college club, workplace, summer camp Characterized by informal Vocabulary, Rules, Hierarchy of positions and roles, Shared values (Looking ahead - in group) Practical applications Be a better member of your microculture; get promoted! Jobs in organizational psychology, consulting, personnel, human resources

rites of passage 3 stages

Social rituals that mark the transition between developmental stages, especially between childhood and adulthood. way of socializing in adulthood 1. separation from regular society (others see you differently-wedding don't see spouse before) 2. transition: ceremony, event, etc 3. reincorporation (return as new)

Quick review of socialization -

Socialization crucial to our development of a self Comes about through agents of socialization at all levels of analysis: Family, peers, school, religion, organizations, workplaces, social media, mass media... Operates through interaction - analogy of a looking glass - 3 steps Occurs in stages - imitation, play, game Resocialization - change from one status to another over life course Most intense - total institution Rites of passage help us transition from one status to another Part of socialization process

socialization in adulthood

Socialization in adulthood into: College Marriage/cohabitation Employment Parenthood

Sociology one of the social sciences

Sociology one of the social sciences Along with economics, psychology, political science, anthropology

social structure

Stable patterns of interactions Among people, groups & orgs ORDER includes economy, political system. Education, religion, and norms, customs/traditions; boarding an airplane World of professional sports structure is rules, organizations, stable groups (teams) process is negotiations, actions by players, owners, playing the game

values

Stem from beliefs "Shared judgments about what is right and wrong, good or bad, desirable or undesirable" -Taken for granted, invisible -Source of conflict between groups (and people) Examples: spanking; trust others; support LGBTQ Kneeling during anthem - what beliefs and values are involved in this conflict? Respect for..., protesting..., following rules & obeying boss, first amendment

cultural relativism

Try to understand others in terms of their values Goal of (some) social scientists - be objective! Don't have to agree E.g. veiling, cutting (female genitalia) try to understand the culture without judgement-do not have to agree

symbolic interactionalism (micro) on culture

We create culture Using symbols Through interaction on the basis of shared meaning E.g. stories - myths, folktales, sacred writing, and today - popular media What do kids learn about American culture by watching Lilo and Stitch?--meaning of family commercials? TikTok?

Durkheim and suicide: the power of group membership

What did he argue was the role of group membership in suicide? Methodology - compared suicide rates by region in Europe: found significant differences in rates of suicide depending on religion of groups (Protestant was higher then Catholicism which is more group oriented with eucharistic experience together) What are his three types of suicide? (don't need to know) Egoistic Altruistic Anomic - (anomie = normlessness)

experiment vs. research

What is an experiment? NOT SYNONYM FOR RESEARCH! Basically - introduce a change and see what happens--involves manipulation/intervention Ideally: Control and experimental group; Random assignment to each group Pretest DV (baseline)/response/outcome Introduce IV/stimulus/intervention to experimental group Post-test to observe change in DV Laboratory or real-world setting Many variations! lab/ real work setting analyze data

socialization you are both

You are both: 1. a completely unique human being 2. integrated into your culture so well you function (almost) effortlessly in an incredibly complex global, post-industrial, rapidly changing society How did this happen? One example - how is it you are able to develop relationships - friendship and romantic? Micro - meso - macro levels -family and siblings; imitation/observe; books

Cooley's looking glass self (symbolic interactionalism)

a self-image based on how we think others see us -develop sense of self/who we are in a number of stages 1. imagine how we want to appear to others (in our minds) 2. others make judgements and respond 3. we experience feelings and react based on our interpretations of their reflection ex: toddler twins: good at communicating-one wants to be funny, other laughs, one thinks yes, I am funny ex: college students: "likes" on instagram

agricultural society

a society that uses plows and draft animals in growing food

postindustrial/info society

a society whose economic system is engaged primarily in the processing and control of information -automized production and service jobs the third technological rev: the computer

sociological imagination

ability to "understand the complex interactive relationship between micro-level individual experiences and macro-level public issues" C. Wright Mills -connects personal biographies with the broader world - the social structure Ability to connect micro to higher levels of analysis

in and out groups

antagonism between groups; In-group: "we", Feel loyalty--can be a larger group like US, doesn't have to be a primary group Out-group: Others, "Those people" "Them" Contempt, antagonism

Humans viewed as competitive (behavior governed by self-interest) macro

conflict feminism (fits all 4)

paradigms

contain assumptions about how the world works

cultural norms

dependent v: reactions to norm violations (non, mild, strong) variables: types of violations: appearance, privacy violation, impacts on others (indirect or direct) type of norm: moray, folkways type of setting: strangers, dorm room , campus, public violator characteristics: gender, age, race, class in-group behavior--benefit of the doubt sanctioning-whispering judgment: are you trustworthy, healthy, safe, "normal/conventional"

Anomic - (anomie = normlessness)

don't know what is expected-normless society or part of society in disorder or turmoil or undergoing rapid social change, lacks clear norms or guidelines for behavior

micro level analysis

focus on individual or small group interaction in specific situations ex: students in classrooms, limitation is can miss larger population (like saying amazon tribe-look aggressive but when look at bigger picture, losing land to colonials)

Humans viewed as cooperative (people interact with others on the basis of shared meanings and common symbols) and macro

functionalism

societies typically (made up of three things)

geographical area people interact & share goals Evolve over time (HOMEWORK) Structure within which we live our lives - made up of: 1. positions we hold (statuses), 2. groups & organizations we belong to, and 3. institutions in which we participate

conflict theory

how social change happens Analogy = the natural world Struggle for survival Powerful (ability to get your way even in face of opposition) dominate weak Inequality 🡪 conflict Karl Marx Capitalism Bourgeoisie: own means of production Proletariat: exploited Also conflict over race, gender, and more about power and resources; conflict is necessary, good, try to resolve by evening out disparity

social units

interconnected parts of the social world ranging from small groups to societies dyad is smallest generalized other is largest: interaction in head with societies interactions/expectations Dyad 🡪 global level (UK, UN...)

meso level of analysis

intermediate-sized social units smaller than the nation but larger than the local community or even the region ex: majors/programs (look at funding, size, graduation rates, curriculum, job placement) ex: political system, colleges, household cities, US state gov

macro level analysis

looking at entire nations, global forces (such as international organizations) and international social trends ex: global/mass media (K-pop BTS) PISA global exam ranks countries world wide

global culture

macro among youth, music, fashion, values, makeup trends, spreading, singing in English

national culture

macro at level of nation, shared culture, beliefs, values ex: Americans think in control of own fate, independent (freedom vs. no one in need), ex: super bowl: competition, camaraderie, consumption and materialization, commercialism)

Some functions OF FUNCTIONALISM: Manifest Latent Dysfunctions

manifest: stated/intended (prepare for careers) latent: not explicit, planned, or obvious (pairing up people, peer groups) dysfunctions: problems (a long summer break)

counterculture

meso norms and values in OPPOSITION to dominant culture (or PERCEIVED to be in opposition and labeled counterculture) ex: MS-13, branch davidian, pussy riot (girlband opposed to Putin, BLM, proud boys) LABELING as sub or counter culture (danger) have to do with beliefs and values

Symbolic interactionist approach

micro As social animals we interact Using symbols (language, nonverbal...) to construct a meaningful world -goal is to live a meaningful life (coherent and symbolic) How does this help us understand human behavior? what does "how are you" mean? what does a smile mean? -trying to create meaning and construct self-identity--some times act in way that harms self (like skipping class to show "tough kid")

subculture

micro -like dominant culture but has some things they do that are unique to them (integrated into culture to some extent) like cosplay, heterites, amish why belong? support, shared interest, sense of identity/community

rational choice (exchange) theory

micro People are mostly self-interested, Also rational - use reason to make best choices And use cost-benefit analysis Goal is reciprocity and balance in exchange -always negotiating-exchange relationship/calcuolatory/keeping score What does "how are you?" or a smile mean?

three levels of analysis

micro, meso, macro describe social world, explain, solutions

electronic media and levels of forming self (operates at all levels)

micro: Electronic communication among individuals who know each other (text, email, snapchat) meso: Social media - intermediate - FB, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, TikTok (communicating more broadly-like walking down the street level) macro: Mass media - TV, radio, news sites, Spotify... (also can be lower level-tailored music selection) a continuum

2016 survey= 11.5 million americans hunt, decline in hunters micro, meso, and macro

micro: opinions of animals/experience with hunting or animals -attitudes, motivations of hunters, mechanics, cultural attitudes bleed over, money meso: household opinions, cost of food/meat, cultural attitudes about food macro: global opinions, animal welfare, access to factory farmed meat

sociology as a social science

non-representative sample, generalize from bias data, fear of being complicit, self-image and meaning Sociology v. Common Sense HW Can we test some of these common sense ideas scientifically? What does scientific mean? Assumptions: real world exists, can be studied - physically and socially reality is patterned, not random empirical observation (objectively observed and analyzed) and analysis lead to knowledge Science is objective; personal biases not involved

social institutions

organized, patterned, and enduring sets of social structures that help society accomplish tasks and guidelines for behavior and help society meet its basic needs E.g. family, economy, religion, health care, leisure...

social category

people who share characteristics (college students, baby boomers)

Your day in society (encapsulated in these aspects of society) positions groups institutions

positions: student, roommate (bathroom time, being quiet), if with family-child/sibling, employee, friend, club pres groups: membership to a group: carroll, certain class, club institutions: American legal system (operating a car), church, the economy, social media/phone

anticipatory socialization

processes of socialization in which a person rehearses for future positions, occupations, and social relationships -watching movies--thinking of future roles

Humans viewed as competitive (behavior governed by self-interest) micro

rational choice

hunter-gatherer societies

rely on vegetation and animals in their habitat to sustain life; mutual assistance

levels of analysis are useful because

research methods differ theoretical approaches vary (Marx at macro level and Goftman at micro)

social aggregate

sharing an event-whenever people are together/no coordination people temporarily in the same place at the same time

resocialization

shedding one status to take on another major life change requires resocialization -e.g. divorce, retirement (not always voluntary, planned) -may involve rite of passage-makes it easier like retirement party

social world model: levels of analysis

social groups from smallest to largest social world model: helps us picture the levels of analysis in our social surroundings as an interconnected series of small groups, organizations, institutions, and societies Made up of social units, social structure, social institutions, and social processes (includes both social structures and social processes)

Humans viewed as cooperative (people interact with others on the basis of shared meanings and common symbols) and micro

symbolic interactionalism

ethocentrism

tendency to view one's own culture and group as superior to all other cultures and groups Ethnocentrism - pros and cons Feeling of belonging, loyalty Promotes conforming to norms and values But - Assumes "our" way of life is "natural" and "proper" Can fuel conflict

Linguistic relativity theory

the claim that language determines thought Language shapes reality Controversial, little evidence supports theory BUT - example from book = European heritage association of white/black with good/bad but also, white is ashes/death and black is lucky/good soil

socialization

the lifelong process of learning to become a member of the social world, beginning at birth and continuing until death We learn to participate in society by interacting with others in our environment

globalization

the process by which the entire world is becoming a single interdependent entity

sociology

the scientific study of social life, social change, and social causes and consequences of human behavior focuses on group patterns

agents of socialization

the transmitters of culture- the people, organizations, and institutions that help us define our identity and teach us how to thrive in our social world 1. family-micro 2. peers-micro 3. school-meso 4. religion-meso/micro 5. work-meso 6. mass media-macro 7. leisure-meso

Is it possible to intentionally harness the powers of socialization and understanding culture to improve society?

think of a specific policy intervention that could be implemented (at any level you choose) to improve public health. Concepts to consider: beliefs, values, norms, subcultures, ethnocentrism, cultural relativism, hidden curriculum, primary, secondary and anticipatory socialization, agents of socialization

ethics and facebook's study

was it ethical> >600,000 people -manipulated news feed not INFORMED consent (clear agreement) Ethical Principles to human subjects: Informed consent Confidential or anonymous Voluntary To research community & public: Report findings fully and honestly Avoid conflict of interest

conflict (macro) on socialization

who is socializing whom power differentials important --One of the most powerful and effective tools used by those in power to: maintain the status quo, legitimize existing social inequalities --prepares people for class related roles they will fill throughout their lives (includes economic classes, gender, race-prepares us to be taken advantage of) --BUT different parts of the Social world RESIST and COMPETE using tools of socialization (e.g. religion, schools, political parties) prepares us to be exploited

the self

who we are at a fundamental level -Feral children - Anna Isabelle HOW WE START: Newborn THE PROCESS: Toddler twins

Is it possible to measure norms, values, and beliefs?

yes--qualitative world values survey