Questions and Answers
What is a theoretical perspective?
A base framework of society that helps guide sociologists' ideas and research to understand social behaviour and patterns.
What is a sociological perspective?
It helps us understand what happens in society by looking through different lenses and at different levels of analysis.
What is culture?
The body of customary beliefs, material traits, and social forms that constitute the distinct tradition of a group of people.
What is the relationship between macro and micro level changes?
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What is human agency?
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What is cultural capital?
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What is globalization?
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What is symbolic interactionism?
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What are the main components of symbolic interactional theory?
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What are scripts in symbolic interactionism?
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How can symbolic interactionism change?
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What are unspoken signs and meanings in symbolic interactional theory?
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What is social order in symbolic interactional theory?
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What is social change in symbolic interactional theory?
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What are the criticisms of symbolic interaction theory?
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What is rational choice (exchange theory)?
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What is the societal view in rational choice theory?
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What is the economics theory in rational choice theory?
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How do individuals view society through the rational choice theory lens?
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What are the main criticisms of rational choice theory?
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What is structural functionalism?
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What does structural functionalism emphasize?
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What are manifest functions?
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What are latent functions?
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What are dysfunctions in structural functionalism?
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How do changes occur from a structural functionalist perspective?
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What is conflict theory?
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Who are the key theorists of conflict theory?
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What power do the proletariats have according to Marx?
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How does Weber differ from Marx?
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What is feminist theory?
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Who is Harriet Martineau?
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How does rational choice theory affect feminist theory?
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Study Notes
Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology
- Theoretical perspective serves as a framework guiding sociologists' research and understanding of social behavior.
- Sociological perspective examines society through various lenses, emphasizing different levels of analysis.
Culture and Social Levels
- Culture comprises customary beliefs, material traits, and social forms shaping a group's distinct tradition.
- Macro-level changes affect societal structures and institutions, while micro-level changes influence individual interactions within society.
Human Agency and Cultural Capital
- Human agency highlights individual capacity for change, opposing the notion of being merely cultural products.
- Cultural capital refers to the knowledge and ideas needed to acquire or maintain societal status and power.
Globalization
- Globalization represents increasing economic, cultural, and political interconnections worldwide.
Symbolic Interactionism
- Symbolic interactionism centers on understanding society by examining the meanings individuals attach to actions and symbols.
- Key components include symbols (meaning assigned to cues), interactions (ways people communicate), and shared meanings (collective understandings in society).
Scripts in Interaction
- Scripts represent the roles individuals enact in different contexts, influencing behavior and expectations.
Meaning Modification and Social Order
- Modification of symbols and meanings entails perspective-taking and assessing the consequences of actions.
- Social order is maintained through shared meanings about societal functioning, crucial for daily life.
Social Change
- Social change is an inevitable process influenced by shifts in individual roles and practices within society.
- Societal change occurs when previously established norms or rules are challenged or altered.
Critiques of Symbolic Interactionism
- The theory is limited by its focus on individual agency and symbols, often neglecting broader macro structures and societal influences.
Rational Choice Theory
- Rational choice (exchange) theory posits that individual actions are driven by self-interest, weighing the costs and benefits of decisions.
- Society is perceived through a lens where individuals calculate potential rewards and avoid risks in their interactions.
Structural Functionalism
- Structural functionalism analyzes society at a macro level, focusing on social institutions and their functions in maintaining social stability.
- Key concepts include manifest functions (intended outcomes), latent functions (unexpected results), and dysfunctions (negative impacts).
Social Cohesion and Solidarity
- Mechanical solidarity is characterized by individuals sharing similar values and beliefs, while organic solidarity arises from interdependence and social diversity.
- Social facts are external forces that influence individual behavior, such as laws and societal norms.
Critiques of Structural Functionalism
- The theory is critiqued for its emphasis on institutions at the expense of individual needs, lack of attention to social change, and assumptions of conflict being inherently negative.
Conflict Theory
- Conflict theory explores power imbalances and their role in societal order and change, emphasizing that inequality must be addressed for progress.
- Key theorists include Karl Marx, who focused on the struggle between the bourgeoisie and proletariat, and Max Weber, who expanded the analysis to include politics and religion.
Feminist Theory
- Feminist theory addresses gender inequality and intersects with other social dimensions like class and race.
- Advocates for a comprehensive view of inequalities, highlighting the male dominance in traditional sociology.
Harriet Martineau
- Harriet Martineau is recognized for her contributions to sociology, emphasizing the importance of understanding women's lives and enacting societal benefits through sociological study.
Critiques of Feminist Theory
- Feminist theory must account for the intersections of gender, race, and class to provide a holistic understanding of oppression and inequality.
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Description
This quiz covers major theoretical perspectives in sociology as outlined in Chapter 2. It focuses on understanding the fundamental concepts that guide sociological research and analysis. Ideal for students to reinforce their knowledge of theoretical frameworks.