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Questions and Answers
What are manifest functions?
What are manifest functions?
What is dysfunction in a social context?
What is dysfunction in a social context?
A consequence of a social practice or behavior pattern that undermines the stability of a social system.
Define social interactions.
Define social interactions.
An exchange between two or more individuals that is a building block of society.
What is sociological imagination?
What is sociological imagination?
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Which theorists were major contributors to the functionalist perspective?
Which theorists were major contributors to the functionalist perspective?
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Conflict theory views society as a peaceful unit.
Conflict theory views society as a peaceful unit.
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What are latent functions?
What are latent functions?
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What does social structure refer to?
What does social structure refer to?
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What is the sociological perspective?
What is the sociological perspective?
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Define social conflict.
Define social conflict.
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What is a theoretical perspective?
What is a theoretical perspective?
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Study Notes
Sociological Concepts and Theories
- Manifest Functions: Recognized and intended consequences of social patterns. Essential for analyzing a social institution's contributions to societal continuity.
- Dysfunction: Consequences of practices or behaviors that undermine social system stability, impacting societal cohesion.
- Social Interactions: Exchanges among individuals acting as foundational elements of society, leading to the development of rules, institutions, and systems.
- Sociological Imagination: Introduced by C. Wright Mills, this concept encourages viewing everyday life from a fresh perspective, enabling a deeper understanding of social structures.
Theoretical Perspectives
- Functionalist Perspective: Also known as structural functionalism, views society as a complex system where various parts work together for solidarity and stability. Key figures include Herbert Spencer and Robert Merton.
- Conflict Perspective: Focuses on societal power struggles, contrasting the harmony emphasized in functionalism. It posits that society is in constant conflict over limited resources. Founded by Karl Marx.
Functions and Structures
- Latent Functions: Consequences that are unrecognized and unintended, offering insights into the deeper impacts of social patterns.
- Social Structure: Refers to the organized arrangement of institutions through which individuals interact, closely linked to social change dynamics.
- Sociological Perspective: Emphasizes the interplay between individual behaviors and broader societal structures, encouraging exploration of their connections.
- Social Conflict: Represents struggles for power within society, occurring when opposing groups interact to achieve incompatible goals and influence outcomes.
Theoretical Frameworks
- Theoretical Perspective: A framework of assumptions that shapes research inquiries and interpretations. Sociologists often combine multiple perspectives for comprehensive analysis.
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Description
Test your knowledge on sociological theories with these flashcards from Unit 1, Lesson 3. This quiz covers key concepts such as manifest functions and dysfunction in social patterns. Understand how these functions contribute to social structures and their effects on society.
