Questions and Answers
Which of the following are major sociological paradigms? (Select all that apply)
What does Social Functionalism focus on?
The idea that the social structure is a whole and that norms and institutions serve a function.
What does Conflict Theory examine?
Class conflict and differences in power that result in social stratification.
What is Symbolic Interactionism based upon?
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What is ethnocentrism?
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What is social imagination?
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What does interpretive sociology involve?
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Define Gemeinschaft.
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Define Gesellschaft.
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What does egalitarianism advocate?
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____ is the ability of a person to act independently for their own good.
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____ is the social/environmental structure that surrounds a person limiting their actions.
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What are social theories?
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What is positivism?
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What is the focus of Interactionism?
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What is the Conflict Theory view on stratification?
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Study Notes
Three Major Sociological Paradigms
- Main paradigms: Social Functionalism, Conflict Theory, Symbolic Interactionism.
Social Functionalism
- Views society as a cohesive whole with interdependent parts.
- Norms and institutions are likened to organs in a body, each serving specific functions.
- Actions and interactions are meant to fulfill a societal purpose.
Conflict Theory
- Explores class struggle and power disparities leading to social stratification.
- Focus on how power dynamics shape social institutions.
- In contrast to functionalists, conflict theorists analyze the implications of stratification on social structures.
Symbolic Interactionism
- Emphasizes the role of symbols in societal understanding, including language and gestures.
- Argues that societal norms and meanings are fluid and evolve over time.
- Suggests that social change is inherent as symbols and meanings shift.
Ethnocentrism
- The inclination to assess other cultures based on one's own cultural standards.
- May lead to misinterpretations of cultural practices and values.
Social Imagination
- A foundational sociological concept that provides insight into social interactions.
- Emphasizes the connection between individual experiences and larger social contexts.
- Highlights how social context influences outcomes and behaviors.
Interpretive Sociology
- Also known as Verstehen; emphasizes understanding individuals' perspectives.
- Pioneered by Max Weber, it focuses on empathetic understanding of human behavior.
Gemeinschaft
- Represents intimate communities united by shared goals.
- Members are willing to prioritize collective success over individual interests.
Gesellschaft
- Characterizes a more individualistic association where personal goals take precedence over group goals.
Egalitarian
- Advocates for equal rights and opportunities for all individuals.
- Promotes social justice and equitable resource distribution.
Actions vs Agency
- Action refers to an individual's capacity to act independently for personal benefit.
- Agency involves the social and environmental constraints that can limit individual actions.
Social Theories
- Diverse viewpoints that sociologists employ to analyze social interactions.
- Key theories include Positivism, antipositivism, functionalism, field theory, middle-range theory, interpretivism.
Positivism
- Founded by Auguste Comte, emphasizing that individual rights surpass authoritative figures.
- Stresses that human free will is central to societal functioning.
Interactionism
- Suggests that meaning arises from individual interactions.
- Theoretical roots trace back to George Herbert Mead.
Conflict Theory View on Stratification
- Proposes that social stratification stems from the exploitation of less powerful individuals by those in positions of power.
- Highlights class conflict as a critical aspect of societal structure.
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Description
Explore the three major sociological paradigms including Social Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Symbolic Interactionism through this interactive flashcard quiz. Understand how each paradigm interprets social structures and interactions within society.
