Major Concepts and Themes - Sociology Flashcards

Major Concepts and Themes in Sociology

• Sociology: Systematic study of human society, exploring social relationships and institutions.
• Sociological Perspective: Unique viewpoint that identifies societal patterns in individual lives, helping to understand wider social contexts.

Theoretical Frameworks

• Structural-Functional Approach: Views society as a complex system where components work together to maintain stability and solidarity.
• Social-Conflict Approach: Sees society as an arena of inequality that fosters tension and change, emphasizing power dynamics.

Social Patterns and Functions

• Social Function: Refers to the role and impact of social patterns on overall societal operation.
• Social Dysfunction: Identifies patterns that disrupt societal functioning and harmony.

Understanding Knowledge

• Common Sense: Represents standard knowledge and natural intelligence shared within a culture.
• Scientific Evidence: Validates or challenges scientific theories through systematic observation.

Sociological Methodologies

• Positivist Sociology: Engages in studying society via systematic observation of social behavior for empirical understanding.
• Correlation: Indicates how two or more variables interact or change in relation to each other.

Data and Statistics

• Mean: Average value calculated by summing numbers and dividing by the count.
• Median: Middle value in a numerical order set.
• Mode: Most frequently occurring number within a dataset.

Cultural Concepts

• Symbol: Items or gestures that convey specific meanings understood by members of a culture.
• Ethnocentrism: The evaluation of other cultures against one's own cultural norms and values.

Societal Evolution

• Sociocultural Evolution: Describes societal changes driven by the acquisition of new technologies as per Lenski's theory.
• Hunting and Gathering Society: Early social formations dependent on simple tools for hunting and gathering.
• Horticultural and Pastoral Society: Development of hand tools for agriculture and animal husbandry, moving away from purely hunting.
• Agrarian Society: Involves plow usage powered by animals, allowing extensive crop cultivation.
• Industrial Society: Characterized by advanced energy sources for operating large machinery.
• Postindustrial Society: Features technology that supports an information-oriented economy.

Impact of Industrialization

• Transition of labor from home-based to factory settings.
• Decreased importance of traditional family roles.
• Improved living standards due to industrial advancements.

Karl Marx's Beliefs

• Advocated a materialist approach, claiming economic systems define societies and shape human experiences.
• Highlighted class conflict, suggesting struggle between social classes over resources.
• Critiqued capitalism as a source of inequality and societal discord.

Socialization and Identity

• Socialization: Lifelong process through which individuals develop potential and learn culture.
• Mead's Theory on the Social Self: Asserts the self comprises self-awareness and self-image, evolving through social interactions.

Social Structure Concepts

• Status: Refers to the social position an individual occupies within society.
• Role: Expected behaviors associated with a particular status, guiding actions within social contexts.

Group Dynamics

• Social Group: A collection of individuals who interact and identify with one another.
• Groupthink: Tendency of group members to conform, leading to a limited perspective on issues.

Leadership Styles

• Bureaucracy: An effective organizational model aimed at efficient task completion.
• Instrumental Leadership: Focused on goal achievement and task management.
• Expressive Leadership: Prioritizes the well-being and morale of the group.
• Authoritarian Leadership: Enforces strict obedience with a decisive control style.
• Democratic Leadership: Engages group members in the decision-making process.
• Laissez-Faire Leadership: Allows the group significant autonomy in operations.

Test your knowledge of key terms and concepts in sociology with these flashcards. Explore definitions and understand the sociological perspective, structural-functional approach, and more. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of sociology!