Sociological Theory and Methods
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Questions and Answers

How does Durkheim view the structure of society?

  • As interdependent parts with specific functions. (correct)
  • As a collection of individual actions.
  • As a random assortment of institutions.
  • As primarily focused on economic factors.

What are the two major parts of society according to Marx?

  • Social institutions and individual actions.
  • Cultural values and social actions.
  • Economic infrastructure and superstructure. (correct)
  • Economic infrastructure and societal norms.

What concept does Weber introduce to understand society?

  • Empiricism.
  • Nominalism. (correct)
  • Functionalism.
  • Social contract theory.

According to Durkheim, which analogy describes society?

<p>An organic body. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is included in Marx's concept of the economic infrastructure?

<p>Means and mode of production. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects Weber's view on society?

<p>Ideas are the basis for societal actions and structures. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What institutions does Marx consider most powerful in society?

<p>The economy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT part of the superstructure according to Marx?

<p>Means of production. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle suggests that the economic infrastructure determines the nature of the superstructure?

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

Which type of action is based on emotion according to Weber's classification?

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

How did Durkheim perceive sociology in relation to social facts?

<p>As the study of social facts (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept that suggests the whole is greater than the sum of its parts?

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

Which leader is associated with ideas that influenced the abolition of racial segregation?

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

What type of action reflects a conscious deliberation and choice?

<p>Rational action (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the organic analogy refer to in the context of society?

<p>The interdependence of social institutions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of action is rooted in tradition?

<p>Traditional action (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which class in Marx's capitalist society owns the means of production?

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

What did Weber argue was a significant factor in the emergence of capitalism?

<p>Religious ideas of Protestants (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Marx, what characterizes the relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat?

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

What is one of the core ideas expressed in Weber’s work 'The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism'?

<p>Religious beliefs influence economic behavior. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Durkheim describe social facts?

<p>As external and constraining (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What critical view does Marx have of capitalism?

<p>It is a dehumanizing system. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Weber characterize modern societies?

<p>As bureaucratic and rational (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key belief of Protestants according to Weber?

<p>Hard work leads to spiritual rewards. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Durkheim's view of society

Durkheim saw society as a system of interconnected parts, each with specific functions crucial to the overall system's survival. He used the 'organic analogy' comparing society to a body.

Marx's view of society

Marx saw society as primarily divided into two parts: the economic base (infrastructure) and the institutions (superstructure). The economic base, for Marx, was the most powerful part of society, shaping the superstructure.

Weber's view of society

Weber believed individual actions create social structures. This is known as nominalism. He argued ideas drive actions leading to social structures, not the other way around.

Organic Analogy

A way of understanding society by comparing it to a biological organism (e.g., the human body).

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Economic Infrastructure

The economic foundation of society, including production methods and resources.

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Superstructure

The part of society comprising all its social institutions, such as the family, education, religion, and mass media.

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Nominalism (Weber)

The idea that society is a concept to describe individual actions.

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Social Structure

The patterned relationships and hierarchies within a society.

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Economic Determinism

The idea that economic factors shape the rest of society, including its culture and politics.

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Social Facts

External forces that shape and influence individual behavior.

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Traditional Action

Actions based on established customs and habits.

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Affective Action

Actions driven by emotions and feelings.

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Rational Action

Actions based on conscious deliberation and choice.

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Durkheim's View of Sociology

Sociology studies external social forces that affect individuals.

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Social facts (Durkheim)

External forces in society that influence individuals, are real, constraining, and present across society.

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Capitalist society (Marx)

A society where the owners of production (bourgeoisie) exploit the workers (proletariat) for profit, leading to dehumanization.

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Bourgeoisie

The capitalist class owning the means of production in a capitalist society.

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Proletariat

The working class in capitalist society who own only their labor power.

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Protestant work ethic (Weber)

The belief that hard work and saving lead to salvation (in Protestantism).

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Bureaucracy (Weber)

A system of organization based on rational principles, found in modern societies.

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Capitalism's origin (Weber)

Stemming from the Protestant ideas about work and salvation. Religious ideas fueled the accumulation of wealth.

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Capitalism's self-destruction (Marx)

The idea that capitalism contains the seeds of its own destruction due to inherent class struggles.

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Study Notes

Sociological Theory and Methods

  • Sociologists investigate how societies are structured, the relationship between individuals and society, the causes of social change, and appropriate research methodologies.

How Societies Are Structured

  • Durkheim: Viewed society as a system of interdependent parts, similar to a human body (organic analogy). Each part (e.g., family, education) has specific functions contributing to the whole. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

  • Marx: Saw society as comprising two key parts: economic infrastructure (means and modes of production) and superstructure (institutions like family, education). The economy shapes the rest of society. Economic determinism emphasizes the economy's significant influence.

  • Weber: Believed society is comprised of individuals' actions (nominalism). Ideas lead to actions, which, in turn, shape social structures. He identified three types of action: traditional, affective, and rational.

Key Differences Between Perspectives

  • Durkheim focused on societal interconnectedness and the whole, while Marx emphasized economic structures and power dynamics, and Weber highlighted individual actions and the role of ideas.

Additional Concepts

  • Traditional Action: Action based on tradition.
  • Affective Action: Action based on emotions.
  • Rational Action: Action based on conscious deliberation and choice.
  • Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism: Weber's argument that Protestant beliefs contributed to the development of capitalism.
  • Bureaucracy: A form of social organization characterized by rational principles and rules.

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Soc 111 Theory and Methods Notes PDF

Description

This quiz explores key sociological theories and methodologies used to understand societal structures and dynamics. It covers perspectives from prominent sociologists such as Durkheim, Marx, and Weber, focusing on their unique views on society's organization and the interplay between individuals and social systems.

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