Questions and Answers
Which theoretical perspective argues that social institutions are determined by their society's mode of production?
What is the definition of a family in the sociological sense?
A socially defined set of relationships between at least two people related by birth, marriage, adoption, or long-standing ties of intimacy.
According to Functionalist theory, what are some functions of education?
Marx believed that religion serves to reinforce social inequalities.
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What is the relationship between religion and social solidarity according to Durkheim?
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An economy is understood as the set of arrangements by which a society produces, distributes, and consumes ______.
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Match the major perspectives on social institutions with their key ideas:
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Study Notes
Major Perspectives
- Marx: Social institutions are shaped by the mode of production; they maintain the dominant class's power.
- Weber: Social institutions are interdependent; no single institution solely dictates others.
- Durkheim: Focused on how religion fosters social solidarity and collective conscience, paving the way for functionalist analysis.
- Functionalist Theory: Social institutions fulfill essential functions necessary for societal stability.
- Conflict Theory: Emphasizes inequalities reinforced by social institutions, highlighting divisions and conflicts.
- Symbolic Interactionism: Studies interactions and symbolic communications within social institutions.
The Family
- Defined as relationships between at least two people linked by birth, marriage, adoption, or intimacy.
- Key questions involve variations in family structures, authority dynamics, resource distribution, and parental balancing of work and family.
- Marx: Views the family as upholding capitalism by reproducing the working class and maintaining housewives as a labor reserve.
- Functionalist Theory: Identifies family functions as socializing children, regulating behavior, distributing resources, and providing support.
Education
- A formal method of transmitting knowledge, skills, and values across generations.
- Key questions explore variations in educational practices, impacts on achievements, and the influence of class, race, and gender.
- Marx: Sees education as serving capitalism by creating skilled workers conditioned for authority.
- Functionalist Theory: Lists education's roles in passing shared values, sorting individuals, and enforcing social control.
- Conflict Theory: Argues educational tracking and differential treatment perpetuate social inequalities.
- Symbolic Interactionism: Highlights the significance of classroom interactions on long-term educational outcomes.
Religion (Spirituality)
- Defined as a system of beliefs and practices related to the supernatural, shared by a group of believers, treated as a social phenomenon.
- Key questions address differences and similarities among world religions, their evolution, and their social impact.
- Marx: Describes religion as an “opiate” that distracts workers from their oppression.
- Weber: Classifies religions based on their approaches to salvation and life focus (other-worldly vs. this-worldly).
- Durkheim: Emphasizes religion's role in creating social cohesion and collective conscience.
- Functionalist Theory: Highlights religion's functions, such as providing life meaning, reinforcing norms, and marking status transitions.
Economic Institutions
- Economies are defined as arrangements for the production, distribution, and consumption of resources.
- Key questions explore characteristics of various economic systems like capitalism and socialism.
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Description
Explore key perspectives on social institutions with this set of flashcards. Understand the insights of Marx, Weber, and Durkheim, and how their theories shape our interpretation of societal structures. Perfect for students studying sociology or preparing for exams.
