Crash Course Sociology 2

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Questions and Answers

What are paradigms?

Mystical beliefs

Models or set of concepts and theories (correct)

Government policies

None of the above

What are theoretical paradigms?

The fundamental assumptions sociologists have about the social world that guide their thinking and research.

Why do sociologists need theoretical paradigms?

Because the raw facts don't interpret themselves; they need models to help evaluate them.

Why do sociologists need multiple theoretical paradigms?

Because different paradigms are useful in different situations and for answering different kinds of questions. Signup and view all the answers

If there can be multiple interpretations for the same data, how is sociology a science?

All scientific disciplines make assumptions about the world and use different perspectives depending on the questions they're asking. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major source of diversity in sociological perspectives?

The fact that sociology examines social behavior at all scales. Signup and view all the answers

What does macro refer to in sociology?

Large-scale social phenomena. Signup and view all the answers

What does micro refer to in sociology?

Small-scale social interactions. Signup and view all the answers

Are macro and micro questions isolated from each other?

False Signup and view all the answers

What is structural functionalism?

A paradigm that views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote stability and social order. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Emile Durkheim?

French sociologist who was the father of structural functionalism. Signup and view all the answers

What are social structures?

Relatively stable parts of social behavior within societies. Signup and view all the answers

What are social functions?

Functions generally performed by social structures, such as families socializing their children. Signup and view all the answers

Two kinds of social functions are _ and _?

Manifest Social Functions, Latent Social Functions Signup and view all the answers

What are manifest social functions?

Intended or obvious consequences of a social structure. Signup and view all the answers

What are latent social functions?

Unintended or unrecognized consequences of a social structure. Signup and view all the answers

What is social dysfunction?

Any social pattern that disrupts the smooth operation of society. Signup and view all the answers

What are shortcomings of structural functionalism?

It deals with change very poorly and may interpret bad things as good due to its skewed perspective. Signup and view all the answers

What is conflict theory?

A perspective that views society as composed of complex groups who struggle over scarce resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is class conflict?

Society's different classes emerging based on the means of production. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Karl Marx?

A philosopher who identified class conflict theory by examining the conflict between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. Signup and view all the answers

What is race conflict theory?

An understanding of social inequality as the result of conflict between different racial and ethnic groups. Signup and view all the answers

Who was W.E.B. Du Bois?

Founder of race conflict theory and sociology. Signup and view all the answers

What is gender conflict theory?

An understanding of social inequality as a function of conflict between women and men. Signup and view all the answers

What are the shortcomings of conflict theory?

It addresses macro-level phenomena but not micro-level interactions. Signup and view all the answers

What is symbolic interactionism?

A perspective that understands society as the result of everyday social interactions. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Max Weber?

German sociologist who was the father of sociological theory. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Major Sociological Paradigms

Paradigms are models or sets of concepts and theories that shape perspectives on societal issues.
Theoretical paradigms consist of fundamental assumptions guiding sociologists in their research and thinking.
Raw data requires interpretation through theoretical models, as facts do not interpret themselves.

Importance of Multiple Paradigms

Different theoretical paradigms are necessary for various situations and questions, allowing a broader understanding of social phenomena.
All scientific disciplines make assumptions and utilize different perspectives based on the questions posed, sociology included.
The diversity in sociological perspectives arises from the examination of social behaviors at multiple scales, necessitating different models to comprehend various phenomena.

Scale of Analysis

Macro-level analysis refers to large-scale social phenomena, such as the transition from feudalism to capitalism.
Micro-level analysis concerns small-scale interactions and behaviors, for example, communication differences among doctors and patients of different races.
Macro and micro questions are interconnected; understanding micro-level behaviors can elucidate macro-level trends.

Structural Functionalism

This paradigm views society as a complex system where various parts work together to maintain stability and social order, primarily focusing on macro-level structures.
Emile Durkheim, the father of Structural Functionalism, compared society to an organism with interdependent parts, where dysfunction arises from deviations in normal operation.
Social structures represent stable elements within society, while social functions are the roles these structures perform, like families socializing children.
Social functions are classified as manifest (intended consequences) and latent (unrecognized consequences).
Social dysfunction refers to patterns that disrupt society's operation.
Structural Functionalism has shortcomings, as it struggles to explain societal change and may misinterpret negative outcomes as beneficial due to its functionalist perspective.

Conflict Theory

Conflict Theory sees society as composed of groups competing for scarce resources, with change viewed as essential and highlighting sources of inequality and conflict, mainly on a macro level.
Class conflict arises from the power dynamics between different social classes, founded on the means of production.
Karl Marx is a key figure in conflict theory, focusing on the struggle between the bourgeoisie (owners) and proletariat (workers).
Race Conflict Theory addresses social inequality caused by conflicts among racial and ethnic groups, with W.E.B. DuBois as its founder.
Gender Conflict Theory identifies social inequality as a result of conflicts between men and women.
Conflict Theory's limitation is that it primarily addresses macro-level issues, often neglecting micro-level interactions.

Symbolic Interactionism

Symbolic Interactionism posits that society is formed through everyday social interactions, emphasizing the shared realities developed via these interactions, primarily addressing micro-level questions.
Max Weber, a significant figure in this paradigm, contributed to understanding social actions and meanings in society.

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Test your knowledge of major sociological paradigms with these flashcards. This quiz covers key concepts and definitions that are essential for understanding theoretical frameworks in sociology. Perfect for students wanting to reinforce their learning.