SOCI 210 EXAM
Ethnography
"Ethnography literally means 'a portrait of a people.' An ethnography is a written description of a particular culture - the customs, beliefs, and behaviour - based on information collected through fieldwork." -Marvin Harris and Orna Johnson, 2000. § A mix of anthropology and sociology § Employs field methods for observational research § Varies in observational involvement: participant v. onlooker
gender and hookups
"Females in the experienced group reported relatively high levels of distress, and females in the inexperienced group reported relatively low levels of distress. Females in the transition group, who had their first penetrative sex hookup in the first semester of college, reported the highest a level of distress." "Males in the inexperienced group reported the highest levels of distress." "Even those women who entered sexual relationships without intending to become emotionally involved experienced emotional vulnerability and concern over their partners' investment in the relationship." Post-hookup reasons for regret among women and men appear to differ, with women focusing more on emotional factors (e.g., feeling ''used'') and men focusing more on physical factors (e.g., "partner was unattractive").
Nuclear family
"a cohabiting man and woman who maintain a socially approved sexual relationship and have at least one child — as the basic unit of an orderly and functional society" (Ch. 14) 40% of today's Canadian families
racialization
"a social process that marks them for unequal treatment based on perceived physiological differences." (Little and Little, 2nd edition, Ch. 11) its malleable over time and depends on power relations - its both constructed and entrenched in society
acting crowds
"focus on a specific goal or action."
normalizing society and societal norms
18th and 19th c Societal norms and not commandments or divine prescriptions become important. The rules about "what is morally correct or good and more as calculated averages that define what is statistically normal behaviour and what deviates from the norm." Deviations from the norm become increasingly rationalized and medicalized on both institutional/professional and popular level. E.g. mental health, emotional experiences.
remarriage
43% of individuals whose first marriage failed married again -Marriage the second time around (or third or fourth time around) can be a very different process than the first. Remarriage lacks many of the classic courtship rituals of a first marriage. In a second marriage, individuals are less likely to deal with issues like parental approval, premarital sex, or desired family size
social construction of health
Health and Illness "are perceived, organized, and acted on in a political, economic, cultural, and institutional context." Medical sociology is "the systematic study of how humans manage issues of health and illness, disease and disorders, and health care for both the sick and the healthy." Sub-fields: social epidemiology, disease, mental health, disability, and medicalization.
national movements
Idle No More" indigenous movement in Canada
driving while black
In New Jersey, most traffic violations and fines are given to black and latino people even tho the majority of people are white therefore they feel they are being targeted
Functionalism on racism
In the view of functionalism, racial and ethnic inequalities must have served an important function in order to exist as long as they have. clearly this is problematic
explicit racism
Institutional racism as action. E.g. "Head taxes" on Chinese immigrants, the Indian Act, "White only" immigration policy in Australia E.g. Residential schools in Canada: In 1883-1996 "over 150,000 Aboriginal, Inuit, and Métis children were forcibly separated from their parents and their cultural traditions and sent to missionary-run residential schools," which provided Eurocentric and also substandard education. This has caused Aboriginal children to be caught "betwixt in-between."
exchange theory of family
all relationships are based on giving and returning valued "goods" or "services."
conventional crowds
are those who come together for a scheduled event."
family of procreation
describes one that is formed through marriage
family of procreation
family of procreation describes one that is formed through marriage.
singel parents and step families
on the rise stepfamily : "a couple family in which at least one child is the biological or adopted child of only one married spouse or common-law partner and whose birth or adoption preceded the current relationship"
ideal speech situation (Jurgen Habermas)
one in which every individual is permitted to take part in public discussion equally: to question assertions and introduce ideas."
family trends in canada
only 31.9% of all census families consisted of a married couple with children, down from 37.4% in 2001. 63% of children under age 14 live in a household with two married parents. This is a decrease from almost 70% in 1981 The proportion of children aged 14 and under who live with two unmarried cohabiting parents increased from 12.8% in 2001 to 16.3% in 2011
stereotypes
oversimplified ideas about groups of people."
social movements
re purposeful, organized groups striving to work toward a common goal. These groups might be attempting to create change (Occupy Wall Street, Arab Spring), to resist change (anti-globalization movement), or to provide a political voice to those otherwise disenfranchised (civil rights movements). Social movements create social change.
authority
refers to "accepted power — that is, power that people agree to follow."
family resemblance model
religion is defined on the basis of a series of commonly shared attributes allow for some variation within a set of similar phenomena which are distinguished on the basis of a series of commonly shared attributes. E.g. Religion involves sacred beliefs, rituals, experiences and a community organization
representative democracy
the form of governance when citizens elect representatives to promote policies that favour their interests rather than directly participating in decision making themselves.
functionalism on family
-, functionalists uphold the notion that families are an important social institution and that they play a key role in stabilizing society. They also note that family members take on status roles in a marriage or family. The family — and its members — perform certain functions that facilitate the prosperity and development of society. -family is the only legitimate sexual outlet for adults -family is essential to healthy society -"roles" in the family are encouraged, esp. gender roles -family has an economic function as well
critical sociology view on racism
-A critical sociology perspective of Canadian history would examine the numerous past and current struggles between the Anglo-Saxon ruling class and racial and ethnic minorities, noting specific conflicts that have arisen when the dominant group perceived a threat from the minority group. Modern Canada itself can in fact be described as a product of internal colonialism. -look at how colonialism lead to the current race issues
symbolic interactionalism on sexuality
-Interactionists focus on the meanings associated with sexuality and with sexual orientation. -how sexual stereotypes are formed, i.e. gays are hyper sexual - are these true or is it because of the looking glass self
symbolic interactionism on racism
-race and ethnicity provide strong symbols as sources of identity. -cultural of prejudice -
cohabitation
-when a couple shares a residence but not a marriage -this is increasingly popular -either as a step towards marriage or as a replacement to
4 stages of social movements by summer and Tilley
1. Premlinary 2. coalescnece 3. insitutionalization 4. decline In the preliminary stage, people become aware of an issue and leaders emerge. This is followed by the coalescence stage when people join together and organize in order to publicize the issue and raise awareness. In the institutionalization stage, the movement no longer requires grassroots volunteerism: it is an established organization, typically peopled with a paid staff. When people fall away, adopt a new movement, the movement successfully brings about the change it sought, or people no longer take the issue seriously, the movement falls into the decline stage.
Canada and school trends
26% of adults have uni degrees 5th out of 65 countries in math 7th in world in science
Max Weber on religion
3 themes: the concept of theodicy, disenchantment of the world and the Protestant Ethic theodicy is "an explanation for why all-powerful Gods allow suffering, misfortune and injustice to occur, even to "good people" who follow the moral and spiritual practices of their religion." Three forms of theodicy in world religions: Dualism implies that "the powers of light and truth, purity and goodness coexist and conflict with the powers of darkness and falsehood" (Weber). E.g. Zoroastrisme. The doctrine of predestination "explains suffering as the outcome of a destiny that a god has pre-assigned to individuals. God's reasoning is invisible to believers and therefore inscrutable." E.g. Protestantism. Karma suggests that suffering is "a product of acts one committed in former lives." E.g. Buddhism, Hinduism. From the disenchantment of the world to the "iron cage" of rationalism: "Mysterious incalculable forces" no longer "come into play" in people's understanding of modern life. "One need no have recourse to magical means in order to master or implore the spirits, as did the savage, for whom such mysterious powers existed. Technical means and calculations perform the service
the rise of the hookup culture
: around 70% of college students (during the whole duration of studies)
frame analysis
A movement's success in mobilization often depends of how social issues and movements' goals are interpreted and framed. Frame refers to the way in which experiences are organized conceptually
post-industrial society and the info age
A society in which information becomes one of the most valuable goods. Leads to increase in service jobs (from 20 to over 70%) Four sectors of post-industrial economy: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary.
health stigmas
A stigma in general is defined "by a "mark" of difference (e.g. a physiological "deformity," personality "defect," or status category like race, nationality, or religion) that defines a socially undesirable characteristic." The stigmatization of illness. E.g. mental health, venereal diseases, HIV The social construction of the illness experiences E.g. experiences of illness, social organizations of the deceased, variations dependent on SES and other charactertics.
Lifestyle and fatalist groups
A study (Pill 1983) distinguished lifestyle and fatalist groups. "Members of the lifestyle group were much more likely to mention foods that they avoided for health reasons (e.g., foods with a high sugar content) and foods they deliberately selected for health reasons (e.g., wholemeal bread). These mothers also appeared to be attempting to plan and control their family's diet explicitly in order to improve its members resistance to disease. In contrast, the fatalist mothers were much less likely to mention specific health-oriented avoidances and selections. While both groups emphasized the value of fresh food, the fatalists stressed taste as the main advantage whereas the lifestyle mothers tended to mention the importance of vitamin content and the perceived health dangers of processed foods
the veil and the Iranian revolution
After the 1979 Revolution in Iran, the law making veiling mandatory for all women emerged as one of the most important symbols of the new, collective Iranian national and religious identity. It was a means of demonstrating resistance against Western values and served symbolically to mark a difference from the pre-revolutionary program of modernization that had been instituted by the deposed Shah. Many women demonstrated against this law and against other legal discrimination against women in the new post-revolutionary juridical system. However, this dissent did not last long. If they complied with wearing the veil, (as noted above, most Iranian women already did wear veils voluntarily), women could leave their confinement within the patriarchal family and participate in public social activities, even without permission of their father or husband. Veiling was ironically a means of women's liberation. Veiling, within the political narrative of the revolution, was seen as the feminine expression of the resurgence of pure Islam, a flag of the critique of western values by Iranian society.
agricultural revolution
Began in the Fertile Crescent. Led to the establishment of first sustainable economic systems, bartering, and then money and trade.
industrial revolution
Between 1800 and 2000, the world's population grew sixfold, while per capita income saw a tenfold jump"
Syrian refugees
Canada took a small amount of refugees compared to like Lebanon but more so than like the US
children of divorce and remarriage
Children of divorces experience higher levels of well-being than children of intact, but highly conflictual marriages Older teenagers are more likely to recognize the conflict that led to the divorce but may still feel fear, loneliness, guilt, and pressure to choose sides. Infants and preschool-age children may suffer the heaviest impact from the loss of routine that the marriage offered Nearly 70% of the children of parents who are divorced have their primary residence with their mother, leaving many boys without a father figure residing in the home.
feminist approach to religion
Look at how the stereotypical representation of women within sacred religious texts fosters misogyny (the aversion for the people of female gender). In the monotheistic Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Islam, and Judaism) God is usually understood as male. And "if God is male, then the male is God" (Mary Daly). Look at underrepresentation of women in positions of power within churches: "Ministers, imams, rabbis, buddhas, and Brahmin priests are positions within religious hierarchies which have traditionally excluded women." At the same time, strikingly, women are more religious than men, have deeper levels of religiosity, and attend church more regularly than men by a ratio of 3:2
evolutionary theory of religion
Main argument: Religion is an adaptation mechanism. It has common psychological and genetic basis that enhances chances for human survival. Roger Cloninger: the core religious experience is the disposition towards self-transcendence. It has three measurable components: self-forgetfulness (absorption in tasks), transpersonal identification (blurring boundaries between the self vs. the other), and mysticism (helps to overcome rationalism). Notable mechanisms: Religious attendance enhances happiness (Francis et al. 2003), reduces maladaptive behaviors such as smoking and aids in maintaining social relations and marriage (Strawbridge et al., 2001). Many religious emphasize cleanness and, thus, facilitate disease prevention
critical sociologists on family
One focus of critical sociology therefore is to highlight the political-economic context of the inequalities of power in family life. The family is often not a haven but rather an arena where the effects of societal power struggles are felt. This exercise of power often entails the differentiation and performance of family status roles. Why are women expected to perform the "expressive" roles in the family while the men perform "instrumental" roles, and what are the implications of this division of labour? Critical sociologists therefore study conflicts as simple as the enforcement of rules from parent to child, or more serious issues such as domestic violence (spousal and child), sexual assault, marital rape, and incest, as products of power structures in broader society. Blood and Wolfe's classic (1960) study of marital power found that the person with the most access to value resources held the most power. "decline of the family" is not a bad thing
challenges to assessing unemployment
Only count those "who (1) are actively looking for work, (2) have not earned income from a job in the past four weeks, (3) are ready, willing, and able to work." Does not account for underemployment, a "state in which people accept lower-paying, lower-status jobs than their education and experience qualifies them to perform." Downplays the importance and persistent character of the structural unemployment, which is a situation when "there is a societal level of disjuncture between people seeking jobs and the available jobs."
Matthew Lange "Teaching Ethnic violence?"
Paths from Education to Violence: Socialization mechanism: creating and invigorating cultural identities, perpetuating stereotypes Frustration-aggression mechanism: emotional, raising expectations, fostering self-esteem and assertiveness Competition mechanism: rational hunt for scarce resources Mobilization mechanism: providing institutional support, writing necessary protesting skills.
Ivan Van Haren Lecture - Sociology of Migration
Peter Lee: (1) bureaucratic definition (are you recognized by state as one) (2) folk definition (non-white people living in canada "must" be immigrants) (3) analytical concept (was this person born outside this country - diff than bureaucratic, could have Canadian parents but you were born in France and moved back and also undocumented migrants
Marx on religion
Religion as a product of human projection: "Man makes religion, religion does not make man". Humans project "an image of themselves onto a supernatural reality, which they then turned around and submitted to in the form of a superhuman God." (Little and Little, Chp.15) Religion as a "false consciousness" and a compensatory mechanism: Religion is "the opium of the people." It is a kind of narcotic fantasy or illusion that prevented people from perceiving their true conditions of existence and the real problems of life (inequality, exploitation, alienation).
community
Religions are practiced within specific forms of social organization. The regulate community life and are reinforced in communities.
rational functionalism on religion
Rodney Stark: Offered an synthesis of functionalist explanations with rational-choice theory explanations Individuals are rational maximizers, consumers hunting for rewards and striving to reduce costs. The rewards people desire most intensely (e.g. eternal life, the end of suffering and misfortune, perpetual success) are often scarce or not available at all. Therefore, it is rational for the individual to accept the promise of a future reward like eternal life, and "pay" for it upfront through the "costs" of religious devotion, ritual observance, self-denial and faith.
schooled society
Scott Davies and Neil Guppy): the growth in modern schooling, the integration of schooling into modern life (knowledge-based economies), raising diversity in forms and functions of education
functionalist perspective of health
Sick role refers to the patterns of expectations that define appropriate behaviour for the sick and for those who take care of them. The importance of legitimation, meaning that a physician must certify that the illness is genuine.
critical sociologists on health
Social and ethnic disparities in health practices and outcomes The problems of universal health care Commodification of health
Social epidemiology
Social epidemiology is the study of the social causes of diseases and the distribution of diseases in different societies. E.g. Tuberculosis and chronic diarrhea depend on the access to resources and sanitation, obesity is a cause of access to abundant, but low-quality foods In 2005, the TB rate was for the Aboriginal population was five times as large the same rate for the rest of Canadians. "Part of the problem is that the percentage of aboriginal people living in overcrowded housing on reserves and in the north is five to six times higher than for the general population"
the epidemologic transition
Social epidemiology is the study of the social causes of diseases and the distribution of diseases in different societies. E.g. Tuberculosis and chronic diarrhea depend on the access to resources and sanitation, obesity is a cause of access to abundant, but low-quality foods In 2005, the TB rate was for the Aboriginal population was five times as large the same rate for the rest of Canadians. "Part of the problem is that the percentage of aboriginal people living in overcrowded housing on reserves and in the north is five to six times higher than for the general population" The epidemiologic transition or "health transition" refers to "the long-term change in
triangular theory of Loe
Sternberg romantic love consists of three components: passion or erotic attraction (limerance); intimacy or feelings of bonding, sharing, closeness, and connectedness; and commitment or deliberate choice to enter into and remain in a relationship.
cultural diversity in canada
The 1921 census: only 0.8% of population - of Asian origin, 0.2% of the population - Black, 1.3 % - Aboriginal Canadians. The 2006 census: 16.2% - "visible minorities" The 2011 census: 19.1% - "visible minorities"
divorce
The 1968 Divorce Act broadened the grounds for divorce to include mental and physical cruelty, desertion, and/or separation for more than three years, and imprisonment. In 1986, the Act was amended again to make "breakdown of marriage" the sole ground for divorce. -divorce is a cyclical pattern children of divorced parents are 40% more likely to divorce than children of married parents - maybe b/c they were socialized to a mindset that a broken marriage can be replaced rather than repaired
regional movements
The Western Canada Concept advocated for the liberation of Western Canada.
Junk jobs or McJobs
The jobs in the secondary labour market are also often called "junk jobs" or McJobs. Junk jobs are characterized by "three Ds": dirty, dangerous, demeaning. Junk jobs is a form of precarious employment, that is the type of work that gives employers full control over the labour process. women, immigrants and visible minorities are overrepresented amon Mcjob holders in canada
Waite and Denier "gay pay for straight work
The labor stratification system in Canada reflects the domination of hegemonic masculinity whereby "male breadwinner" is seen as the most deserving of financial rewards: heterosexual men receive the best pay followed by homosexual men, lesbian women and heterosexual women. The mechanisms of dis/advantage: Taste-based discrimination: despite making it in lucrative occupations homosexual men and lesbian women still make less compared to heterosexual men Industry effects: In some industries (e.g. public sector) income disparities between all four groups are much less expressed. Fatherhood premium: heterosexual men receive better salaries after having a child Marriage premium: bothe heterosexual men and women get salary increases after getting married Human capital work experience and workforce participation (rather than test-based discrimination) explains better performance of lesbian as opposed to heterosexual women
Job market polarization/Bifurcation of the labour market/Dual labor market structure
The phenomenon is particularly affecting developed economies. It refers to the division of the economy into sectors with different levels of pay. "A gap has developed in the job market, with most employment opportunities at the lowest and highest levels and few jobs for those with mid-level skills and education." (
traditional authority
The power of traditional authority is "accepted because that has traditionally been the case; its legitimacy exists because it has been accepted for a long time."
priamary versus secondary labour markets
The primary labour market consists of high-paying jobs in the public sector, manufacturing, telecommunications, biotechnology, and other similar sectors that require high levels of capital investment (or other restrictions) that limit the number of businesses able to enter the sector. The secondary labour market consists of jobs in more competitive sectors of the economy like service industries, restaurants, and commercial enterprises, where the cost of entry for businesses is relatively low. Jobs in the secondary labour market are usually poorly paid, offer few if any benefits, and have little job security, poor prospects for advancement, and minimal unionization"
cohabitation trends
Today, approximately 28% of men and women cohabitated before their first marriage. By comparison, 18% of men and 23% of women married without ever cohabitating The vast majority of cohabitating relationships eventually result in marriage; only 15% of men and women cohabitate only and do not marry. About one-half of cohabitators transition into marriage within three years (
Migrant Transnationalism
Transnational migrants are migrants who develop ties to more than one country.
the 2000s : overwhelming employee requirements
White-collar employees: Must be not simply efficient, but also 'very efficient' or 'extremely efficient," and have 'excellent communication skills'. Strong emphasis on motivation, self-confidence and identity: A "genuine interest." Demanding tone of the adds: "We expect you," "we also require." Blue-collar employees: The abilities required are still considerably fewer, although even blue-collar workers are now expected readily to be able to cooperate, and have a good attitude towards customer service and flexibility. The tone of the adds in less demanding.
racism
a "type of prejudice that involves set beliefs about a specific racial group".
essentialism
a belief that some inherent, inborn element makes person part of a specific cultural group.
emotional capital
a form of cultural capital which includes emotional knowledge, contacts, and relations as well as access to emotionally valued skills, assets and habits that translate into social advantages. Emotional capital needs be activated and managed. E.g. w Wealthier, middle-class families are able to equip their children with richer emotional resources.
nation-state
a modern "political unit whose boundaries are co-extensive with a society, that is, with a cultural, linguistic or ethnic nation."
queer theory
a perspective that problematizes the manner in which we have been taught to think about sexual orientation. Queer theorists reject the dominant gender schema and the dichotomization of sexual orientations into two mutually exclusive outcomes, homosexual or heterosexual. Rather, the perspective highlights the need for a more flexible and fluid conceptualization of sexuality — one that allows for change, negotiation, and freedom. The current schema used to classify individuals as either "heterosexual" or "homosexual" pits one orientation against the other. This mirrors other oppressive schemas in our culture, especially those surrounding gender and race
denomination
a religious organization that is closely integrated into the larger society but is not a formal part of the state." E.g. the United Church in Canada.
gender
a term that refers to social or cultural distinctions and roles associated with being male or female.
feminist theory
a type of critical sociology that examines inequalities in gender-related issues. It also uses the critical approach to examine the maintenance of gender roles and inequalities. Radical feminism, in particular, considers the role of the family in perpetuating male dominance. In patriarchal societies, men's contributions are seen as more valuable than those of women. Women are essentially the property of men. As a result, women often perceive a disconnect between their personal experiences and the way the world is represented by society as a whole. Dorothy Smith referred to this phenomenon as bifurcated consciousness (Smith, 1987).
feminist theory on education
aims to understand the mechanisms and roots of gender inequality in education, as well as their societal repercussions. Like many other institutions of society, educational systems are characterized by unequal treatment and opportunity for women. 2/3 of illiterates are women When women face limited opportunities for education, their capacity to achieve equal rights, including financial independence, are limited. Feminist theory seeks to promote women's rights to equal education (and its resultant benefits) across the world.
Minority group
any group of people who, because of their physical or cultural characteristics, are singled out from the others in the society in which they live for differential and unequal treatment, and who therefore regard themselves as objects of collective discrimination" (Louis Wirth 1945, quoted in Little and Little, 2nd edition, Ch. 11). social understanding of minorities is all about power dynamics and apart of larger systems
redemptive movements
are "meaning seeking," and their goal is to provoke inner change in individuals." E.g. Alcoholics Anynymous.
beliefs
are a generalized system of ideas and values that shape how members of a religious group come to understand the world around them." Point to cognitive dimension of religion. By belief systems religions are often classified into four categories: polytheism, monotheism, atheism and animism.
alternative movements
are focused on self-improvement and limited, specific changes to individual beliefs and behaviour." E.g. the Slow Food.
expressive crowds
are people who join together to express emotion."
hookups
are sexual interactions between partners who do not expect a romantic commitment" (Fiedler and Carey 2010).
substantial definitions of religion
attempt to delineate the crucial characteristics that define what a religion is and is not. E.g. Edward Tylor: "a minimum definition of Religion [is] the belief in spiritual beings." belief in supernatural - easy to apply across societies
the four dimensions of religion
beliefs rituals religious experience community
romantic love
can be defined as the desire for emotional union with another person
companionate love
characterized by deep friendship, comfortable companionship, and shared interests, but not necessarily intense attraction or sexual desire.
post-christian society
concept refers to that fact that in Canada "Christianity has increasingly become just one among many religious beliefs, including the beliefs of a large number of people who claim no religion." 1951: Protestant (50%) and Catholic (46%). 2011: Catholic (39%), Other Christian (29%), "None" (24%), Islam (3%), Judaism (1%).
postmaterialist
concerns (Ron Inglehart) refer to the quality of life issues: personal autonomy, self-expression, environmental integrity, women's rights, gay rights, the meaningfulness of work, habitability of cities, etc.
casual crowds
consist of people who are in the same place at the same time, but who are not really interacting."
latent functions
courtship, social networks, working in groups and organizations, creation of generation gap. political and social integration (refers to intense participation in communal and political affairs).
functional definitions of religion
define religion by what it does or how it functions in society. For example, Milton Yinger's definition is: "Religion is a system of beliefs and practices by means of which a group struggles with the ultimate problems of human life" this tends to be too inclusive; hard to distinguish between religion and non-religion
informal education
describes "the learning about cultural values, norms, and expected behaviours by participating in a society."
assembling perspective
developed by McPhail symbolic interactionism focuses on crowd behaviour and life cycle of gatherings
Value-added theory
developed by Neil Smelser , structural functionalist): Conditions of emergence and evolution: Structural conduciveness - people are aware of the problem and have the opportunity to gather, ideally in an open area. Structural strain - people think that their expectations are unmet, causing tension and strain.The growth and spread of a generalized belief - a problem is clearly identified and attributed to a person or group. Precipitating factors - the occurrence of a dramatic event. The mobilization for action - leaders emerge and direct a crowd to action. Social control - law enforcement agents stop collective action.
Emergent norm theory
developed by Turner and Killian asserts that, in this circumstance, people perceive and respond to the crowd situation with their particular (individual) set of norms, which may change as the crowd experience evolves. This focus on the individual component of interaction reflects a symbolic interactionist perspective. Once individuals find themselves in a situation ungoverned by previously established norms, they interact in small groups to develop new guidelines on how to behave. According to the emergent-norm perspective, crowds are not viewed as irrational, impulsive, uncontrolled groups. Instead, norms develop and are accepted as they fit the situation. While this theory offers insight into why norms develop, it leaves undefined the nature of norms, how they come to be accepted by the crowd, and how they spread through the crowd.
mechanisms of disadvantage
differential expectation. differential association (points to role models and social ties), and differential preparation (different schools, classes, extracurricular education).
critical sociologists on education
do not believe that public schools reduce social inequality. Rather, they believe that the educational system reinforces and perpetuates social inequalities arising from differences in class, gender, race, and ethnicity. it is important to examine how educational systems preserve the status quo and guide people of lower status into subordinate positions in society. students of low socioeconomic status are generally not afforded the same opportunities as students of higher status, no matter how great their academic ability or desire to learn. Central Question: Cui prodest? (=who benefits) Focuses on durable inequalities and the persistent power of dominant groups in education E.g. In Canada: 67% of top 1% high income earners graduated from the university, and only 21% of all Canadians did. "25 of every 100 low-income Canadian 19-year-olds attend university compared to 46 of every 100 high-income Canadian 19-year-olds." Raising tuitions: since 1991 tuition fees have increased in Canada from 2000$ to over 5000$ in constant dollars. In 1991 they constituted just over 10% as opposed to over 35% today. This led to corporatization of universities: adopting of business management techniques, fostering links between universities and businesses
global movements
eg. slow food
early collective behaviour theories
focused on the irrationality of crowds because of the anonymity, contagion, and suggestibility.
reverse diasporas BY Christ Hess
formal return to the homeland § Comparison of the Ethnic Greek and Ethnic German diasporas who moved back to Greece and Germany after perestroika § Used qualitative research methods by conducting 81 interviews which were supplemented by statistical data § Focuses on identity formation process and the notions of belonging and home § Success of reverse diasporas would be defined as the members merging with the majoring populations: "shed their minority identity for the majority identity Christian
symbolic interactionists on family
he family itself is a symbol. To some, it is a father, mother, and children; to others, it is any union that involves respect and compassion. Interactionists stress that family is not an objective, concrete reality. Like other social phenomena, it is a social construct that is subject to the ebb and flow of social norms and ever-changing meanings. Interactionists also recognize how the family status roles of each member are socially constructed, which plays an important part in how people perceive and interpret social behaviour. Interactionists view the family as a group of role players or "actors" that come together to act out their parts in an effort to construct a family. These roles are up for interpretation. In the late 19th and early 20th century, a "good father," for example, was one who worked hard to provide financial security for his children. Today, a "good father" is one who takes the time outside of work to promote his children's emotional well-being, social skills, and intellectual growth — in some ways, a much more daunting task.
social media and social change
helps make ppl aware of issue (prelim stage) and coalescence stage (people can organizee through SM) example: use of twitter in Arab spring
Dominant group
holds the most power in society
institutions of democracy
include parliament, elections, constitutions, rule of law, etc.
Ecclesia church
is "a church that has formal ties with the state." E.g. Salafi Islam in Saudi Arabia.
church
is "a large, bureaucratically organized religious organization that is closely integrated into the larger society."
new religious movement
is "a small religious organization that is at great odds with the norms and values of the larger society." (Little and Little, Ch.15) E.g. Aim Shinrikyo in Japan also could be a cult
genocide
is "the deliberate annihilation of a targeted (usually subordinate) group, is the most toxic intergroup relationship." E.g. the Shoah, the extermination of Aboriginal people.
Collective effervescence
is "the elevated feeling experienced by individuals when they come together to express beliefs and perform rituals together as a group: the experience of an intense and positive feeling of excitement"
original definition of politics
is "the means by which form is given to the "good life" of a people. Comes from Greek words polis and politeia.
Segregation
is "the physical separation of two groups, particularly in residence, but also in workplace and social functions." . E.g. Jim Crow laws in US, the Apartheid in South Africa (formal, institutionalized), residential segregation in US and Canada (informal)
assimilation
is "the physical separation of two groups, particularly in residence, but also in workplace and social functions." . E.g. Jim Crow laws in US, the Apartheid in South Africa (formal, institutionalized), residential segregation in US and Canada (informal)
collective consciousness
is "the shared set of values, thoughts, and ideas that come into existence when the combined knowledge of a society manifests itself through a shared religious framework."
societal secularization
is "the shrinking relevance of the values, institutionalized in church religion, for the integration and legitimation of everyday life in modern society."
Institutional racism
is "when a societal system has developed with an embedded disenfranchisement of a group." (Little and Little, 2nd edition, Ch.11). racism as action
casual partner
is ''someone whom you were not dating or in a romantic relationship with, and at the time of the sexual interaction, you understood that there was no mutual expectation of a romantic commitment''
the sovereign state system
is a modern phenomenon (17th century).
education
is a series of experiences that have a formative effect on the mind or physical abilities of an individual a social institution through which a society's children are taught basic academic knowledge, learning skills, and cultural norms.
sect
is a small religious body that forms after a group breaks away from a larger religious group, like a church or denomination. E.g. Hutterites, Dukhobors
charismatic authority
is accepted because "followers are drawn to the leader's personality.
public sphere
is an open "space" for public debate and deliberation.
white privilege
is an unconscious acceptance of their experience by the members of the dominant group as normal, normal and and hence superior (Peggy McIntosh)
Subordinate groups
is powerless and often oppressed
new definition of politics
is the activity of "striving to share power or striving to influence the distribution of power, either among states or among groups within a state" (Quoted in Little and Little, Ch. 17)
motivational framing
is the call to action: what should you do once you agree with the diagnostic frame and believe in the prognostic frame? These frames are action-oriented. In the aboriginal justice movement, a call to action might encourage you to join a blockade on contested aboriginal treaty land or contact your local MP to express your viewpoint that aboriginal treaty rights be honoured.
individual secularization
is the decline in involvement in churches and denominations or the decline in belief and practice of individual members.
direct democracy
is the form of governance when decision making conducted through assemblies made up of all citizens.
job outsourcing
jobs are now outsourced developing countries which has greatly diminished the number of high-paying and secure blue-collar jobs.
marriage
legally recognized social contract between two people, traditionally based on a sexual relationship, and implying a permanence of the union.
effects of socialization
low self-esteem identity neogiation overcompensation retreat (going against social norms and expectations) third identity
gender composition of economic migration cohorts
men move more than women snd stay however women are more likely to move and then go back women as primary migrant is increasing in canada decreasing gender gap in education and employment opportunities important when theres a lot of equality, there's less women who want to leave
scapegoating
minorities are often blamed for economic or social problems in society
frame alignment process
n ongoing and intentional means of recruiting a diversity of participants to the movement. For example, Carroll and Ratner (1996) argue that using a social justice frame makes it possible for a diverse group of social movements — union movements, environmental movements, aboriginal justice movements, gay rights movements, anti-poverty movements, etc. — to form effective coalitions even if their specific goals do not typically align. This frame alignment process involves four aspects: bridging, amplification, extension, and transformation.
democratic will formation
occurs through democratic institutions, citizenship and public sphere
prognostic framing
offers a solution and states how it will be implemented. When looking at the issue of pollution as framed by the environmental movement, for example, prognostic frames would include direct legal sanctions and the enforcement of strict government regulations or the imposition of carbon taxes or cap-and-trade mechanisms to make environmental damage more costly.
sorting
part of functionalist theory : classifying students based on academic merit or potential , i.e. Exceptional students are often placed in accelerated programs in anticipation of successful university attendance. Other students are guided into vocational training programs with emphasis on shop and home economics.
critical sociology on sexuality
power differentials are present and where dominant groups actively work to promote their worldview as well as their economic interests. sexuality is linked with knowledge and power they have problems with what is deemed normal and what isn't they don't like heteronormativity
predictors of hookups in college
prior hook-up experience, high intoxication levels, situational triggers (a party or a bar, somebody wants to hook you up, a situation when "everybody is hooking up); parental discouragement of relationships
family life course
recognizes the events that occur in the lives of families but views them as parting terms of a fluid course rather than in consecutive stages not in rigid stages its fluid or liquid
political supply
refers to "the strategies and organizational capacities of political parties to deliver an appealing political program to particular constituencies."
political demand
refers to "the underlying societal factors and social changes that create constituencies of people with common interests."
cultural transmission
refers to "the way people come to learn the values, beliefs, and social norms of their culture." (Little and Little, Ch. 16)
expulsion
refers to a "dominant group forcing a subordinate group to leave a certain area or country". E.g. the expulsion of Acadians in 1750s.
religious experience
refers to a "feeling of immediate connection with a higher power". (Little and Little, Ch. 15)
sexuality
refers to a person's capacity for sexual feelings and their emotional and sexual attraction to a particular sex (male or female). Kinsey first introduced the continuum rather than binary between gay and straight
discrimination
refers to actions toward distinct social groups, often based on prejudice.
sex
refers to physical or physiological differences between males and females, including both primary sex characteristics (the reproductive system) and secondary characteristics such as height and muscularity.
gender role
refers to society's concept of how men and women are expected to act and how they should behave. These roles are based on norms, or standards, created by society. In Canadian culture, masculine roles are usually associated with strength, aggression, and dominance, while feminine roles are usually associated with passivity, nurturing, and subordination. Role learning starts with socialization at birth.
organizational secularization
refers to the "modernization of religion" from within, namely the efforts made by religious organizations themselves to update their beliefs and practices to reflect changes in contemporary life."
legal-rational authority
refers to the "power made legitimate by laws, written rules, and regulations."
family of orientation
refers to the family into which a person is born
family orientation
refers to the family into which a person is born.
hidden curriculum
refers to the type of nonacademic knowledge that one learns through informal learning and cultural transmission. The hidden curriculum is never formally taught but it is implied in the expectation that those who accept the formal curriculum, institutional routines, and grading methods will be successful in school. This hidden curriculum reinforces the positions of those with higher cultural capital, and serves to bestow status unequally.
Emile Durkheim on religion
religion as part of the function of society rather than the product of supernatural presence Religion is "a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, that is to say, things set apart and forbidden - beliefs and practices which unite into one single moral community called a Church, all those who adhere to them." Thus, the main defining feature of religion is that it creates and opposition between the sacred and the profane. The sacred are the objects and practices touched by divine presence. The profane are things and practices used in ordinary everyday living. Known for his studies of totemism: Totem is a sacred "symbol, a material expression of something else" such as a spirit or a god. E.g. Sacred animal or plant. Religion is society worshipping itself.
automation
replacing workers with technology. The automation was is made possible by further development of the scientific management (or Taylorism) which championed in the beginning of the 20th century the application of scientific principles to labour management and placed emphasis of the division of labour process. E.g. Assembly line.
revolutionary movements
seek to completely change every aspect of society." E.g. 26th of July Movement (in Cuba under Fidel Castro).
resistance movements
seek to prevent or undo change to the social structure. E.g. anti-globalist movements, the Ku Klux Klan, and pro-life movements.
symbolic interactionists on education
sees education as one way that the labelling theory can be demonstrated in action. A symbolic interactionist might say that this labelling has a direct correlation to those who are in power and those who are being labelled. For example, low standardized test scores or poor performance in a particular class often lead to a student being labelled as a low achiever. Such labels are difficult to "shake off," which can create a self- fulfilling prophecy Credentialism : embodies the emphasis on certificates or degrees to show that a person has a certain skill, has attained a certain level of education, or has met certain job qualifications. These certificates or degrees serve as a symbol of what a person has achieved, allowing the labelling of that individual. labelling theory can significantly impact a student's schooling. This is easily seen in the educational setting, as teachers and more powerful social groups within the school dole out labels that are adopted by the entire school population.
5 contents of family
sexual activity, economic cooperation, reproduction, socialization of children, and emotional support.
prejudice
signifies thoughts and feelings (attitudes) about distinct social groups. This concept stresses the emotional factor and the formation of attitude before actual experience .
Evelyn Duvall family life cycle
stage 1 : marriage family stage 2 : procreation stage 3: preschooler stage 4: school age stage 5: teenage stage 6: launching family stage 7: empty nest family
diagnostic framing
states the social movement problem in a clear, easily understood way. When applying diagnostic frames, there are no shades of grey: instead, there is the belief that what "they" do is wrong and this is how "we" will fix it. The anti-gay marriage movement is an example of diagnostic framing with its uncompromising insistence that marriage is only between a man and a woman. Any other concept of marriage is framed as sinful or immoral.
structural functionalism on sex
stress the importance of regulating sexual behaviour to ensure marital cohesion and family stability. Since functionalists identify the family unit as the most integral component in society, they maintain a strict focus on it at all times and argue in favour of social arrangements that promote and ensure family preservation. conservative values: no sex outside of marriage b/c gays can't have children tehere's no reason for them to be married
the knowledge gap
that is the division between those who are able to access, create, utilize, and disseminate knowledge and those who cannot.
cultural capital
the accumulation of cultural knowledge that helps one navigate a culture, alters the experiences and opportunities available to French students from different social classes. Bourdieu emphasized that like economic capital, cultural capital in the form of cultural taste, knowledge, patterns of speech, clothing, proper etiquette, etc. is difficult and time consuming to acquire. Members of the upper and middle classes have more cultural capital than families of lower-class status, and they can pass it on to their children from the time that they are toddlers.
bio politics
the era of bio politics was between 18th and 19th centuries is "the administration of bodies and the calculated management of life" by governments, authorities and social institutions (Foucault) "The body became the center of numerous detailed procedures designed to improve its performance in a variety of institutional contexts. Authorities and individuals themselves began to seek ways in which to foster life and improve the body's capacity for efficiency, health, learning, skill, and responsiveness." Manifestations: sanitary inspections in cities, army, hospitals, prisons, educational programs.
income and impact on child
the evidence is ambiguous as to whether having single or dual parents has a significant effect on child development outcomes. For example, indicators of vocabulary ability of children aged four to five years old did not differ significantly between single- and dual-parent families. However, aggressive behaviour (reported by parents) in both girls and boys aged four to five years old was greater in single-parent families what the data show is that the key factors in children's quality of life are the educational levels and economic condition of the family, not whether children's parents are married, common-law, or single. For example, young children in low-income families are more likely to have vocabulary problems, and young children in higher-income families have more opportunities to participate in recreational activities
gender identity
the extent to which one identifies as being either masculine or feminine (Diamond, 2002). As gender is such a primary dimension of identity, socialization, institutional participation, and life chances, sociologists refer to it as a core status. is an individual's self-conception of being male or female based on his or her association with masculine or feminine gender roles.
formal education
the learning of academic facts and concepts through a formal curriculum."
rituals
the repeated physical gestures or activities used to reinforce religious teachings, elicit spiritual feelings, and connect worshippers with a higher power". E.g. rites of passage, prayers.
Anna Kuokkanen
the transformations of finish employee ideal in 1944-2009
Protestant ethic
the west became capitalistic and prosperous because of the protestant ethic : The duty to "work hard in one's calling."
intersectionality
theorectical framework a way of studying, understanding and responding allows for the examination of multiple identities at once i.e looking at racial pay gap by gender
new social movement theory
theory that attempts to explain the proliferation of postindustrial and postmodern movements that are difficult to understand using traditional social movement theories. Is designed to explain the spread of post-industrial, quality-of-life movements since the 1960s. Instead of focusing on the grievances of particular groups aiming to influence political outcomes or redistribute material resources, new social movements studies values of autonomy, identity, self-realization, and quality-of-life. The commonality among new social movements is explained as a response to systematic encroachments on the lifeworld, "the shared inter-subjective meanings and common understandings that form the backdrop of our daily existence and communication." more flexible, diverse, cut across party politics, socioeconomic affiliations, etc.
democracy
therefore rule by the people (and for people).
Ethnicity
type of social identity rooted in the shared history and culture (the practices, values, and beliefs of a group).
functionalists on education
view education as one of the most important social institutions in a society hey contend that education contributes two kinds of functions: manifest (or primary) functions, which are the intended and visible functions of education; and latent (or secondary) functions, which are the hidden and unintended functions.
intimate partner violence
women are the primary victims of intimate partner violence. It is estimated that 1 in 4 women has experienced some form of IPV in her lifetime (compared to 1 in 7 men) Accurate statistics on IPV are difficult to determine, as less than one-quarter of victims report incidents to the police
resource mobilization
(McCarthy and Zald, think of Lange) A movement's success can be explained "in terms of its ability to acquire resources and mobilize individuals to achieve goals and take advantage of political opportunities." (Little and Little, Ch. 21)
characteristics of minority
(Wagley and Harris): (1) less power, (2) distinguishing traits, (3) involuntary membership, (4) awareness of subordination, (5) in-marriage (Ch.11).
empire
"geographically widespread organization of individual states, nations, and people that is ruled by a centralized government." Thus, it is complex, multi-level and ruled indirectly. E. g. the Roman Empire or the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
collective behaviour
"non-institutionalized activity in which several people voluntarily engage."
sovereignty
"political form in which a single, central "sovereign" or supreme lawmaking authority governs within a clearly demarcated territory."
reform movements
"seek to change something specific about the social structure" E.g. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
race
"social distinction based on perceived physical and biological characteristics" (Corrigall-Brown, 2016, p. 130). examples of it being a social
social capital
"the collective value of all one's networks" (Corrigall-Brown 2016: 266). E.g. Greek life (all US presidents, 85% leading CEOs)
citizenship
"the internalized sense of individual dignity, rights, and freedom that accompanies formal membership in the political community." Citizenship suggests active political participation
hybridity
"the process by which different racial and ethnic groups combine to create new or emergent cultural forms of life." E.g. "melting pot" society, the Metis
Multiculturalism
"the recognition of the cultural and racial diversity of Canada and of the equality of Canadians of all origins" Has roots in the ideology of "Canadian mosaic." Was introduced in 1971 by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau who implemented both a policy of official bilingualism and a policy of multiculturalism. Was enshrined in the Canadian Constitution in 1982 and in the Multiculturalism Act of 1988 as a fundamental principle of Canadian society. Its main goal was to counteract the growing power of Quebec separatism. Presupposes the existence of an elaborated system of group-specific rights.w
rodha howard : being Canadian: citizenship in canada
Conducted in 1996-1997. Based on the interviews with 76 civic leaders in Hamilton. 36 immigrants, 23 of non-European ancestry, four Aboriginal people. Many had personal contact with the author in community work. Citizenship understood as moral belonging Realizing Canadianness I probably felt Canadian the very first time I went back to Italy. I realized I am Canadian. The Meaning of Canadianness It's sort of like not being aware of the air you're breathing.... I can't imagine defining myself any other way. I was born in this country, raised in this country ... I participate in Canadian society, I pay Canadian taxes. I carry a Canadian passport. I dare say ... I'm as Canadian as you can get. [W]hen I'm asked what nationality I am I say proudly Canadian. ... I'm married to a Canadian. [Interviewer: "By that, what do you mean?"]. I am married to a Canadian of Scottish ancestry. Which means ... she's white. [Black immigrant interviewee] Self-Stereotypes [Typical Canadian behaviour is] ]sort of a quiet confidence. . . . [Y]ou don't find Canadians sort of boasting of what they have or their wealth.... [T]hey tend to be introverts, they tend to be sort of low key.' "'[W]e're [a] middle of the road group. We're not fanatical... and we're . . . sort of backseat kind of people.... I think we get involved in world affairs in a good sense, in a peace-keeping sense.' [On differences with Americans] Symbols of Identity I''m very happy my parents came out after the war; I would have had a very different life had they stayed in England. ... [In Canada] you can ... go as far as you really want to go ... I'm the only member of my family that has gone to University. [A working class background interviewee from UK] Symbols of Identity I''m very happy my parents came out after the war; I would have had a very different life had they stayed in England. ... [In Canada] you can ... go as far as you really want to go ... I'm the only member of my family that has gone to University. [A working class background interviewee from UK] I really felt Canadian the Centennial year, 1967. . . . The flagwaving, I collected coins and stamps and that kind of thing. ... They gave us some medallions at school. ... I remember there was the Centennial train pulling into town and that was a travelling museum and so on. When you're 12 year old that kind of thing, you're very impressed. Feelings of Exclusion I feel Canadian more when I'm out of the country than when I'm in the country. ... [W]hen you're in the country you're more aware that you are less equal. ... [A]s a black person I never really felt truly or [was] made to feel truly Canadian. ... I feel more like a Black Canadian than a Canadian because as a white person you are privileged. Me, I'm Canadian, but so far as I'm allowed to be. [An old immigrant from the Caribbean
tracking
Critical sociologists also point to tracking, a formalized sorting system that places students on "tracks" (advanced versus low achievers) that perpetuate inequalities. While educators may believe that students do better in tracked classes because they are with students of similar ability and may have access to more individual attention from teachers, critical sociologists feel that tracking leads to self-fulfilling prophecies in which students live up (or down) to teacher and societal expectations
disability
Disability refers to a reduction in one's ability to perform everyday tasks. (4 mln Canadians are classified as partially or very severely (26% of those) disabled) Important distinction: They use the term impairment to describe the physical limitations, while reserving the term disability to refer to the social limitation. Transformation of approaches: This law and order approach was gradually replaced by medical and economic models that conceptualized disability as a biological reality that called for practices such as rehabilitation.
local social movements
E.g. the Winnipeg Boldness Project tries to break cycles of endemic poverty and focuses on providing investment in early childhood care in the Point Douglas community where 40% of children are unprepared for school by the age of 5.
the commodification of emotional displays at work
Emotional labour and alienation from the true self.
late 1970s - the End of the 1990s: Intensifying Employee Requirements
Emphasis on analytical skills, stress-resilience, multitasking, creativity and inventiveness. Must be flexible, results-driven, active (including in leisure time) and innovative. The rise of the motivation requirement. The work becomes a way of life. The emergence of enormous differences between blue and white collar adds. Blue collar adds are still concise, even though they place somewhat stronger emphasis on workers' identification with the job compared to previous periods.
Expectations for a worker in 1940s -1950s : the skilled worker
Emphasis on qualifications ('full knowledge of trade"), experience, must be careful, reliable, sober, steady. No big difference in blue-collar and white-collar advertisements. The adds are small.
nutrition over time
For most of history the masses were undernourished. Notably, nutrition has not been always connected to health However, thinkers offered their theories how to improve eating patterns of the higher classes. E.g. George Cheyne in his "Dietetick Management" favoured 'natural' foods, uncomplicated by exotic preparation techniques and ingredients, which could inflame 'unnatural' appetites. The physician suggested to limit alcohol consumption and regularly do exercise. By the end of the 19th century the diets and undernourishment of masses of the population became the matter of serious concern for the governments. This was caused by demands of conscription and war. Policies: meals at schools, grants for infant welfare centers. In mid-20 century obesity increasingly becomes the matter of concern. What has been offered to higher classes in the 17th century now is extrapolated to the whole population
symbolic interactionists on health
Further advances in labeling theory Stigma Medicatization and demedicatization of health and deviance. E.g. mental health, alcoholism
implicit racism
Institutional racism as inaction or as an outcome E.g. The median income of Aboriginal people is 30% less than non-Aboriginal people. Child poverty rates for all Aboriginal people in 2006 were at 40%. At the same time, the rates for non-Indigenous, non-racialized, non-immigrant children were 12%. E.g. The income gap between racialized and non-racialized immigrants to Canada, which remains substantial even in the third generation.
highschool confidential
Jeremy Iverson): a Stanford graduate posing as a student at a California high school. A teacher told him that he would "never amount to anything." Teachers often apply labels that students are never able to lose and that at the end may become "true."
manifest functions
Learning socially valuable and productive skills, socialization, legitimation and social control, cultural transmission, social placement (matching students to future social positions and careers), cultural innovation.
