Sociology Chapter 1 Flashcards

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is Social Imagination according to C. Wright Mills?

A micro-level theory that looks at everyday behavior.
The consciousness of being an American and a Negro.
The ability to see connection between personal experience and the largest forces of history. (correct)
The ability to understand social phenomena through intuition.

What does Verstehen, as defined by Max Weber, entail?

Understanding social phenomena through empathy and context.

Verstehen refers to understanding the meaning of action from the actor's _____ perspective.

point of view

Double Consciousness describes the sensation of having a unified identity.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Who first explored the concept of Double Consciousness?

W.E.B. Du Bois Signup and view all the answers

Conflict Theory, suggested by Karl Marx, claims that society is in a state of perpetual conflict due to what reason?

Competition for limited resources. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is Feminist Theory a response to?

The women's movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Signup and view all the answers

Symbolic Interaction Theory focuses on macro-level dynamics.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Post-modernism Theory?

Questioning progress and history, and multiple conflicting identities. Signup and view all the answers

What does Conflict Theory posit as the basic force of social change?

Conflict between competing interests. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Social Imagination

The ability to understand how individual experiences are shaped by larger social forces and historical context.

Verstehen

A method for understanding social phenomena through empathy and contextualization, focusing on the intended actions and backgrounds of individuals.

Double Consciousness

The internal conflict of simultaneously holding and navigating two disparate identities, often resulting from social pressures and conflicting societal perceptions.

Conflict Theory

A theoretical perspective that views society as a constant struggle for power and resources, driven by competition and inequality.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Feminist Theory

A theoretical framework that examines the subordination of women in society, highlighting gender inequalities and seeking to empower women through social and political change.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Symbolic Interaction Theory

A micro-level theory that emphasizes how shared meanings, interpretations, and assumptions influence individual actions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Post-Modernism Theory

A critical approach that challenges traditional views of progress, history, and identity, emphasizing fragmentation and multiple perspectives.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

C. Wright Mills developed the concept of social imagination, highlighting the connection between personal experiences and broader historical forces.
It suggests that individuals may have a distorted view of their social position in daily life.

Verstehen

Max Weber introduced the term "Verstehen," emphasizing the understanding of social phenomena through empathy and context.
It involves grasping the intended actions of individuals and their backgrounds, moving beyond mere intuition to systematic and empirical research.
Verstehen challenges positivistic approaches in social science, advocating for a subjective perspective on actors rather than treating them as mere objects.

Double Consciousness

W.E.B. Du Bois coined the term "double consciousness," describing the internal conflict of having dual identities, such as being both "an American" and "a Negro."
This concept encompasses the struggle to reconcile two disparate identities, reflecting strain from conflicting ideals and societal perceptions.

Conflict Theory

Originated by Karl Marx, conflict theory posits that society experiences ongoing conflict due to competition over limited resources.
It argues that social order is maintained through power dynamics and domination rather than consensus.
Conflict is viewed as a fundamental force driving social change and development.

Feminist Theory

Emerging from the women’s rights movements of the 1960s and 1970s, feminist theory examines the subordination of women in sociology and society.
It aligns with elements of Marxist theory, focusing on conflict and pursuing political reform.
Feminism encompasses diverse theories centered around women's experiences and challenges.

Symbolic Interaction Theory

This micro-level theory emphasizes that shared meanings, orientations, and assumptions motivate human actions.
Individuals interpret experiences differently based on personal histories, leading to varied perceptions even in identical situations.

Post-modernism Theory

Post-modernism critiques traditional notions of progress and history, suggesting a fragmented approach to identities and experiences.
It recognizes multiple identities that can be inconsistent and result from varied social affiliations rather than linear narratives.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore fundamental concepts from Chapter 1 of Sociology with these flashcards. They cover key terms like Social Imagination by C. Wright Mills and Verstehen by Max Weber, providing definitions and insights into their significance in understanding social phenomena.