Introduction to Sociology - Functionalism

A sociological theory emphasizing shared norms, values, and societal structures to maintain order and stability.

A perspective in sociology arguing that a society's shared values and norms hold it together.

A sociological perspective stating that societal structures shape individuals.

A key functionalist sociologist known for studying social cohesion and institutions.

A functionalist sociologist known for structural differentiation.

A functionalist sociologist whose theories used the analogy of the human body to explain social systems.

A functionalist sociologist who identified manifest and latent functions.

A society composed of interconnected institutions fulfilling specific societal roles.

Social order is achieved when people cooperate and follow rules because they believe them to be right (Collective Consciousness).

Shared values are essential for social integration and unity, promoting cooperation and common goals.

A state of balance in society where changes in one part of the system lead to adjustments in other parts.

Society is like a body with interdependent parts (institutions).

Societies evolve from simple to complex through differentiation and specialization, often influenced by industrial reforms and revolutions.

Society is a complex system of interconnected parts working together to fulfill individual needs.

Shared beliefs, values, and customs that bind people together in society.

Agreement among members of a society on fundamental values, beliefs, and norms.

A lack of social and ethical standards; a breakdown of social order due to absence of shared morality.

An approach to study society that emphasizes scientific methods, similar to the natural sciences.

Established patterns of behavior and beliefs in society focusing on satisfying social needs (government, education, family, etc.).

Shared moral values and beliefs that unite members of a society, part of social facts.

A sociological theory focusing on class conflict and exploitation between the owners of production (bourgeoisie) and the working class (proletariat).

A German philosopher and sociologist who developed the Marxist perspective, emphasizing the importance of economic factors in shaping society.

The ruling class in a capitalist society, who own the means of production and control wealth.

The working class in a capitalist society, who sell their labor for wages.

The struggle between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat for control of resources, power, and wealth.

A state of feeling disconnected and disengaged from work, society, and oneself, often experienced by workers in a capitalist system.

The state of being unaware of one's own exploitation or true interests, often perpetuated by the ruling class to maintain power.

The understanding and awareness of one's position within a class system and the shared interests of that class.

The non-economic institutions of a society that represent the ruling class's ideology, such as family, education, religion, and government.

The economic base of a society, including the means of production, technology, and resources, which exert influence on other institutions.

The overthrow of the ruling class by the working class, leading to a fundamental change in the social order.

An economic system based on private ownership of the means of production, where profits are driven by competition.

The resources, tools, and technology used to produce goods and services, owned by the bourgeoisie in a capitalist society.

Organizations of workers formed to protect their collective interests, such as wages, working conditions, and rights.

The unfair and unjust treatment of workers in a capitalist system, where they are paid less than the value of their labor.

An economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production, competition, and the pursuit of profit.

Unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and power among different groups in society, often based on class, race, gender, etc.

A theoretical society where private property is abolished, and resources are owned and controlled by the community.

A political pamphlet written by Marx and Engels, outlining the principles of communism and calling for a workers' revolution.

A hypothetical condition of humanity before the establishment of government or social order.

The idea that the value of a good or service is determined by the amount of labor used to produce it.

The Marxist theory that states that history is driven by economic factors, particularly class struggle.

Hierarchical arrangement of social groups based on factors such as wealth, power, and prestige.

A system of beliefs, values, and attitudes that shape a person's understanding of the world and their place in it.

The relationship between the economic base (infrastructure) and the non-economic institutions (superstructure) in society. The base drives the superstructure to maintain the existing power structure.

A process of transformation in a society's structure, institutions, and social relations, often driven by class struggle.

A concept of fairness and equality in society, often focused on dismantling economic exploitation and promoting social mobility.

A complex system of economic and social relationships based on private ownership of the means of production, competition, and the pursuit of profit.

A sociological perspective that focuses on class conflict and the exploitation of the working class by the ruling class under capitalism.

A feeling of disconnection and estrangement from work, society, and oneself, experienced by workers under capitalism.

According to Marxism, society functions through class conflict, with the ruling class (bourgeoisie) and the working class (proletariat) constantly in struggle for resources and power.

In Marxist theory, societies, especially capitalist ones, are structured into classes, with the bourgeoisie owning the means of production and the proletariat selling their labor to survive.

Examples like the Rastafarian movement opposing the legal system or anti-vaccine groups challenging government authority can be viewed through a Marxist lens, highlighting resistance to power structures.

Critics argue that the Marxist prediction of a proletariat revolution has not materialized and that communist societies have faced problems with equality and individual liberty.

Marxist theory suggests that all societies, except the simplest forms, are structured into distinct groups and classes. In modern capitalist societies, the two main classes are the bourgeoisie (owners of capital) and the proletariat (wage laborers).

Class consciousness refers to the awareness of individuals within a class system of their shared interests and their position in the social hierarchy. It is a key concept in Marxist theory, highlighting the potential for collective action and social change.

Marx uses the term 'alienation' to describe a state of disconnection and estrangement from work, society, and the self, a common experience for workers under capitalism. It's a key concept in Marxist theory, highlighting the negative effects of capitalist production on human well-being.

In Marxist theory, 'false consciousness' refers to a state of being unaware of one's own exploitation or true interests. It is often perpetuated by the ruling class to maintain their power and control over the working class.

In Marxist theory, the economic base of society (infrastructure) shapes all other institutions (superstructure), including things like family, education, religion, and government. This relationship explains how capitalism perpetuates its own power dynamics.

A revolution, from a Marxist perspective, is the fundamental overthrow of the ruling class by the working class, leading to radical societal change. It involves collective action and a change in the control of the means of production.

Class conflict, the struggle between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, is a fundamental driving force in Marxist theory. It explains the dynamics of capitalist societies and the potential for social change through collective action.

In the context of Marxism, trade unions serve as organizations of workers that collectively bargain for better wages, working conditions, and rights. They act as a force to challenge the power of the bourgeoisie and protect the rights of the working class.

In the Marxist perspective, 'exploitation' is the unjust and unfair treatment of workers under capitalism. It involves workers being paid less than the value of their labor, essentially being robbed of the fruits of their efforts by the owners of the means of production.