SOCY 122 A Midterm

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Questions and Answers

What does Durkheim advocate for in observing social facts?

A focus only on quantitative data

Prioritizing theorization over empiricism

The suspension of biases and preconceptions (correct)

Applying personal beliefs during observations

What does Durkheim's causal logic framework represent?

The interplay between theory and practice

The distinction between correlation and causation (correct)

The importance of qualitative research over quantitative

The relationship between two unrelated variables

Which social factors did Durkheim believe significantly affect individual behavior in his study of suicide?

Cultural beliefs and practices

Mental health and personal struggles

Economic status and education level

Social integration and order (correct)

What are the two types of solidarity defined by Durkheim?

Mechanical and organic solidarity Signup and view all the answers

What type of community is characterized by strong personal bonds according to Durkheim?

Gemeinschaft Signup and view all the answers

How does functionalism view society?

As a network of interconnected parts contributing to stability Signup and view all the answers

What is a criticism of functionalism noted in the content?

It neglects the role of conflict in society Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of manifest functions refer to in functionalism?

Intended consequences of social processes Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'generalized other' refer to?

Society’s attitudes, norms, and expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first stage in Mead's development of self?

Preparatory stage Signup and view all the answers

In Goffman's Dramaturgical Approach, which term best describes public performances shaped by societal norms?

Front stage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is one of the fundamental premises of symbolic interactionism established by Herbert Blumer?

Humans act toward things based on meanings they ascribe to them. Signup and view all the answers

What does impression management involve according to Goffman?

Altering behavior to influence how others perceive you. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sociological perspectives focuses on small-scale social interactions?

Microsociology Signup and view all the answers

In the context of symbolic interactionism, how are meanings created?

Through social interaction. Signup and view all the answers

Which sociological approach views society as a stable system where parts work together for equilibrium?

Functionalism Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the social structures governing production, including ownership and labor organization?

Relations of production Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly outlines the historical progression of societal stages according to Marx?

Tribalism → Feudalism → Capitalism → Socialism → Communism Signup and view all the answers

What does conflict theory emphasize as maintaining social order?

Domination and power Signup and view all the answers

How does Marx view the relationship between the ruling class and the intellectual forces of society?

The ruling class shapes the dominant ideas to maintain power. Signup and view all the answers

What was Marx's view on how societal change occurs?

Via revolutionary conflict between classes. Signup and view all the answers

How does conflict theory interpret social institutions such as government and education?

They primarily serve to perpetuate power imbalances. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of symbolic interactionism?

How shared meanings created through social interaction shape identity. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key criticism of functionalism?

It disregards inequality and upholds the status quo. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes a contrast between conflict theory and functionalism?

Conflict theory views social change as inevitable, while functionalism emphasizes stability. Signup and view all the answers

What does Charles Cooley's 'Looking-Glass Self' suggest about the formation of self-identity?

It develops through imaginations of others' perceptions and evaluations. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Marx's ideas remains relevant today despite some incorrect predictions?

The analysis of inequality, agency, and resistance. Signup and view all the answers

According to Marx, what continues to generate inequality in society?

Capitalism and its material conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the 'I' from the 'Me' in George Herbert Mead's theory?

The 'I' acts on impulses, while the 'Me' reflects on those actions. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four stages of cognitive development according to Jean Piaget?

Sensorimotor, Preoperational, Concrete operational, Formal operational. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of self does Freud emphasize as being particularly influential in personality development?

Conflicts with societal expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What continues to be relevant about Marx’s theories despite some incorrect predictions?

His critique of capitalism and its relation to power and inequality. Signup and view all the answers

What does anti-essentialism emphasize in relation to identity?

Understanding the diverse and complex nature of individual identities Signup and view all the answers

What is color-blind racism criticized for ignoring?

The continuing impact of race on social inequalities Signup and view all the answers

What does intersectionality help to analyze?

The interconnected systems of oppression and inequality Signup and view all the answers

What does Linda Tuhiwai Smith argue about Western knowledge?

It has been shaped by colonialism and imperialism Signup and view all the answers

How does Smith describe the term 'cultural archive'?

A metaphorical storehouse of histories and ideas shaped by power Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Western discourse does Smith critique regarding race and gender?

The historical justification of colonialism through racialized discourses Signup and view all the answers

What is a major limitation of the social scientific approach as discussed by Smith?

It focuses on observable relationships without acknowledging deeper social structures Signup and view all the answers

What does Smith argue is the consequence of Western classification systems?

They reinforce power structures and marginalize colonized peoples Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Durkheim and Functionalism

Empiricism over Theory: Durkheim advocated for observing social facts through direct observation and data collection, minimizing pre-conceived notions.
Causality: He distinguished between correlation and causation, emphasizing the need to understand causal mechanisms in social science.
Suicide Study: His research on suicide highlighted how social factors, such as integration and social order, influence individual behavior.
Social Cohesion and Division of Labor: Durkheim argued that the division of labor strengthens social solidarity. He differentiated between mechanical solidarity (sameness, minimal division of labor) and organic solidarity (complex division of labor, interdependence).
Community Types: He identified two types of communities: Gemeinschaft (close-knit, strong personal bonds) and Gesellschaft (larger, impersonal, less committed).
Functionalism: This perspective views society as a system of interconnected parts, each contributing to overall stability. It includes manifest functions (intended consequences) and latent functions (unintended consequences).
Criticisms of Functionalism: Objections include supporting the status quo and overlooking societal inequalities.

Marx and Conflict Theory

Class Struggle: Marx believed history is driven by class conflict, particularly between the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and the proletariat (working class).
Power and Ideology: The ruling class controls material resources and intellectual forces, shaping dominant ideas to maintain power.
Social Change: Marx proposed that societal change happens through revolutions initiated by struggles between opposing classes.
Conflict Theory Overview: This perspective sees society as composed of groups with unequal power, leading to exploitation and inequality. Social order is maintained through domination and power, not consensus.
Conflict Theory vs. Functionalism: Functionalism emphasizes balance and interdependence of social institutions, while conflict theory focuses on power struggles, inequality, and inevitable social change driven by conflict.
Criticisms of Conflict Theory: It is criticized for neglecting social cohesion and cooperation.
Relevance of Marx's Ideas: While some of his predictions were inaccurate, his theories on inequality, agency, and resistance remain relevant. His analysis of capitalism's inherent inequality and the role of ideology in maintaining social structures continues to be influential.

Symbolic Interactionism

Focus: This sociological perspective examines micro-level social interactions and their impact on society and individual identities.
Shared Meanings: Symbolic interactionism explores how shared meanings, created through interactions, shape human behavior and social structures.
The Self: A distinct identity that sets individuals apart and develops through social interaction.
Sigmund Freud: Saw the self as a product of social interaction, particularly with parents.
Jean Piaget: Developed a cognitive theory of development with four stages: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational. Social interaction is essential for cognitive development.
Charles Cooley's "Looking-Glass Self:" The self emerges through three phases: imagining how others see us, imagining how others evaluate us, and developing self-identity based on these perceptions.
George Herbert Mead: Distinguished between the "I" (acting self) and the "Me" (socialized self). The "generalized other" represents society's expectations and norms.
Stages of Self-Development: Preparatory (imitation), play (pretending to be others), and game (understanding roles within broader social context).
Erving Goffman's Dramaturgical Approach: Individuals are like actors performing roles based on social expectations.
Front Stage and Back Stage: Public performances shaped by societal norms vs. private moments revealing true selves.
Impression Management: Individuals adjust their behavior to create favorable impressions.
Social Scripts and Face Work: Navigating social scripts while engaging in face work to avoid embarrassment and maintain social order.
Symbolic Interactionism's Key Premises (Blumer): Humans act based on meanings ascribed to things, meanings are created through interaction, and individuals modify meanings through interpretation.
Symbolic Interactionism vs. Other Perspectives: Compared to Macrosociology (focus on large-scale phenomena), Symbolic Interactionism operates at the micro level, examining everyday interactions, while Functionalism views society as a stable system, and Conflict Theory focuses on power imbalances.

Intersectionality (Crenshaw)

Key Concepts: Anti-essentialism (against simplifying identities) and the rejection of color-blind racism (recognizing race's continued influence on inequalities).
Central Argument: Intersectionality emphasizes the interconnectedness of different forms of oppression, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding social justice issues.

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Test your knowledge of sociology, including the trinity, functionalism, social facts, the division of labor and much more.