Sociological Theories: Durkheim vs. Marx

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of structural functionalism?

To examine the individual interactions that create society

To critique societal norms and values

To analyze class conflict and social change

To promote stability and social order within society (correct)

Which of the following describes a manifest function of schooling?

To educate students on various subjects (correct)

To develop hidden social skills

To reinforce societal norms

To establish social networks among students

In conflict theory, what is seen as a fundamental driver of societal dynamics?

The struggle over resources and power (correct)

Collaboration among social groups

The pursuit of individual happiness

The peaceful coexistence of different classes

How does symbolic interactionism differ from structural functionalism?

It emphasizes the role of language and gestures in shaping society Signup and view all the answers

In the context of sociology, what does the term 'dysfunctions' refer to?

Disruptions that threaten social stability Signup and view all the answers

According to the nature vs. nurture debate, what encompasses 'nurture'?

Environmental factors and upbringing Signup and view all the answers

Which theory examines disparity and tension specifically between racial and ethnic groups?

Race-conflict theory Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of human behavior does symbolic interactionism primarily emphasize?

The roles of language and gestures in social interactions Signup and view all the answers

Which primary agent of socialization significantly influences early norms and values?

Family Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the phenomenon where group pressure leads individuals to conform to incorrect group opinions?

Asch's Conformity Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'deindividuation' refer to in social psychology?

Loss of self-awareness in group situations Signup and view all the answers

Which of these concepts is described by the tendency to exert less effort in group tasks compared to working alone?

Social Loafing Signup and view all the answers

Which principle suggests that aggression is often a result of frustration?

Frustration-Aggression Principle Signup and view all the answers

What describes the psychological discomfort experienced when one's beliefs conflict with their behaviors?

Cognitive Dissonance Signup and view all the answers

What concept describes the behavior or actions that stem from prejudice?

Discrimination Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon involves the suppression of dissenting opinions to maintain group consensus?

Groupthink Signup and view all the answers

In Milgram's Obedience Experiment, what was primarily demonstrated about individuals?

Their willingness to obey authority figures Signup and view all the answers

What is the common error when observers analyze another's behaviors by emphasizing personality over situational factors?

Fundamental Attribution Error Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Structural Functionalism (Macro) - Emile Durkheim

Society operates like a complex machine, with parts working together for stability and order.
This perspective views society as inherently functional and beneficial.
It emphasizes stability and the harmonious integration of social elements.
Focuses on manifest (intended) and latent (unintended) functions of social institutions (e.g., education).
Believes humans naturally seek peace and stability.
Accepts inequality as a natural characteristic of society.
Dysfunctions are viewed as disruptions that threaten stability.
Doesn’t favor change.
Competition for resources (food, land, power, money, status) is normal.

Conflict Theory (Macro) - Karl Marx

Human nature is inherently violent.
Society is characterized by significant ongoing change.
Society consists of different classes shaped by relationships to production (factories, resources).
Conflict arises due to competing interests between classes.
A theory focused on the disparity and tension between people of different racial or ethnic groups.
A theory typically classifying men as the dominant group and women as the subordinate group.
Competition for resources (food, land, power, money, status) is a central feature driving social change.

Symbolic Interactionism (Micro) - Max Weber

Individuals shape society through interactions.
Interactions involving gestures, language, and social norms are key.
Focuses on how individuals interpret and interact with their world.

Micro vs. Macro

Micro-level analysis examines interactions between individuals and small groups.
Macro-level analysis examines broad social structures and societal processes.

Significance of Language and Language Development

Language is vital for socialization and communication.
Language development fosters understanding of social norms and cultural practices

Nature vs. Nurture in Sociology

Nature refers to genetics and inherited traits.
Nurture refers to upbringing and environment.
Human behavior is a complex interplay of both nature and nurture.

Socialization

Socialization is the process of learning societal norms, beliefs, and values.
Key agents of socialization include family, peers, and schools.

Conformity: Adjusting behavior to fit group expectations.
Obedience: Complying with authority demands.
Mimicry: Copying others’ actions.
Deindividuation: Loss of self-awareness in groups.
Groupthink: Poor decision-making due to consensus pressures.
Social loafing: Reduced effort in groups.
Social facilitation: Improved performance on simple tasks with others present.
Frustration-Aggression Principle: links frustration to aggression.

Social psychology: Examining how situations influence behavior.
Foot-in-the-door phenomenon: A persuasive technique.
Fundamental attribution error: Overestimating personal factors in others' behavior.
Cognitive dissonance: Discomfort from inconsistent attitudes or behaviors.

Key Sociologists and Theories

Asch's Conformity Experiment: Demonstrated the power of group pressure.
Milgram's Obedience Experiment: Highlighted the power of authority figures.
Cooley's Looking-Glass Self: Concept of self-perception influenced by how we believe others perceive us.

Prejudice & Discrimination

Prejudice: Negative attitudes based on group membership.
Discrimination: Unequal treatment rooted in prejudice.
Sociologically, prejudice and discrimination are often systemic, stemming from power structures and historical inequalities.

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Description

Explore the contrasting views of Structural Functionalism and Conflict Theory in this quiz. Delve into the perspectives of Emile Durkheim and Karl Marx, focusing on their understanding of society's stability, class conflict, and human nature. Test your knowledge and see how these theories shape the sociological landscape.