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?

<p>It emphasizes the role of language and gestures in shaping society (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Disruptions that threaten social stability (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Environmental factors and upbringing (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Race-conflict theory (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of human behavior does symbolic interactionism primarily emphasize?

<p>The roles of language and gestures in social interactions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Family (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Asch's Conformity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Loss of self-awareness in group situations (C)</p> 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?

<p>Social Loafing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Frustration-Aggression Principle (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Cognitive Dissonance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Discrimination (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Groupthink (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Their willingness to obey authority figures (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Fundamental Attribution Error (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Structural Functionalism

A sociological perspective that views society as a complex system, with interconnected parts working together to maintain stability and order.

Manifest Function

The intended and obvious purpose of a social institution or action.

Latent Function

The unintended and often hidden consequences of a social institution or action.

Conflict Theory

A sociological perspective that sees society as a struggle for power between groups with competing interests, particularly based on class, race, or gender.

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Symbolic Interactionism

The idea that individuals create social reality through their interactions, using symbols like gestures, language, and social norms.

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Micro Level

A focus on the individual or small group interactions and how they influence larger society.

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Macro Level

A focus on large-scale social structures and processes, like institutions and their influence on individual behavior.

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Socialization

The process of learning and internalizing the norms, values, and beliefs of a society, shaping behavior and identity.

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Conformity

Adjusting our behavior or thinking to align with a group standard, even if we might disagree internally.

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Obedience

Complying with the demands or commands of an authority figure, even if we might not agree.

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Deindividuation

The loss of self-awareness in a group setting, leading to behaviors we wouldn't do alone, like rioting or violence.

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Groupthink

A phenomenon where the desire for consensus in a group leads to poor decisions due to suppressed dissenting opinions.

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Social Loafing

When individuals exert less effort in a group task, thinking others will compensate for their lack of effort.

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Fundamental Attribution Error

The tendency to attribute others' behaviors to their personality or character, instead of external situational factors.

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Cognitive Dissonance

Psychological discomfort caused by inconsistent beliefs or behaviors, leading to efforts to reduce the dissonance by changing beliefs or actions.

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Social Psychology

The tendency for observers to underestimate situational factors and overestimate personal disposition when explaining another person's behavior.

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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.

Group Behavior and Social Influence

  • 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.

Cognitive and Social Biases

  • 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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