Sociology Chapter: Social Constructs and Structures

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Questions and Answers

What best describes social structure?

A framework for economic institutions

A unique behavior exhibited by individuals

A pre-existing pattern of social behavior and organization (correct)

A random assortment of social behaviors

Which statement aligns with the concept of social construction?

All perceptions of reality are universally accepted.

Reality exists independent of human perception.

Reality is solely determined by biological factors.

Cultural and historical contexts shape our understanding of reality. (correct)

According to the Thomas theorem, if an individual believes something is real, what is the implication?

The belief must be verified through science.

The belief does not affect reality.

The individual will be rejected by society.

The belief becomes real in its consequences. (correct)

In racial formation theory, how is race defined?

As a social construction influenced by societal variables. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about ethnicity is correct?

Ethnicity is influenced by national origin and cultural patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the externalization stage of reality construction?

Individuals develop ideas and attempt to persuade others. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the objectivation stage of social construction of reality?

Ideas gain recognition as independent facts. Signup and view all the answers

What role do moral entrepreneurs play in the externalization stage?

They seek to change society's version of reality. Signup and view all the answers

What does intersectionality primarily refer to?

The interconnectedness of various forms of inequality Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a master status?

A dominant status that overrides other statuses Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes social roles?

Sets of expectations associated with a social position Signup and view all the answers

What are gender roles typically associated with?

Cultural norms regarding behavior and attitudes for males and females Signup and view all the answers

What is role strain?

Difficulty in meeting the demands of a specific role Signup and view all the answers

What is role conflict?

Conflicting demands from two or more roles Signup and view all the answers

What does identity theory, proposed by Sheldon Stryker, emphasize?

The hierarchy of roles within an individual's self-concept Signup and view all the answers

How is imposter syndrome primarily characterized?

The feeling of doubt regarding one's accomplishments Signup and view all the answers

What does high commitment lead to in regard to identity salience?

Higher likelihood of role-relevant behavior Signup and view all the answers

According to Stryker, how does the identity hierarchy change?

It changes only with the addition or subtraction of salient identities. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concept of Goffman's theory on roles?

Roles are performed to create favorable impressions. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'interactional commitment'?

The relationships that would be lost by not engaging in a role. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the internalization stage of the social construction of reality?

Ideas are accepted as true by many individuals. Signup and view all the answers

How does ascribed status differ from achieved status?

Ascribed status is determined by society, while achieved status is based on individual effort. Signup and view all the answers

How did Goffman’s view on self-concept differ from Stryker's?

Goffman argued for a dynamically changing self-concept based on context. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'race' in the context of society?

Groups distinguished by non sex-based, physical differences. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'impression management' entail according to Goffman?

Socially strategizing to appear favorable in specific contexts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between high salience and role behavior?

High salience increases compliance with role expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of the internalization of ideas within a group?

Behavioral patterns emerge as people act on the accepted ideas. Signup and view all the answers

How does Stryker define commitment in relation to identity?

It entails the costs of abandoning an identity. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about status is true?

Status can affect both personal identity and social interactions. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'ethnicity' refer to?

Groups distinguished by national origin or cultural patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'ableism' denote in terms of social status?

Discrimination based on physical abilities or impairments. Signup and view all the answers

Why are urban legends significant in society?

They often reflect the cultural norms and fears of society. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pre-existing patterns of social behavior and the organization of society into predictable relationships.

Reality is a product of cultural and historical timeframes, determined by societal agreement rather than inherent natural characteristics.
Thomas Theorem (1923): If an individual believes something is real, it has real consequences.

Racial Formation Theory (Omi & Winant, 1989)

Race is a social construct, determined by societal variables.
Racial categories have evolved throughout history.
Individuals may claim racial identities, but society might reject those claims based on its own standards.
Race is not based on biological indicators, rather social constructs.

Ethnic Groups

Are set apart by national origin or distinctive cultural patterns.
Behavioral differences are learned through socialization and interaction, not biology.

Three-stage model explaining the construction of reality:
- Externalization: Individuals develop ideas about the world and try to persuade others. Moral entrepreneurs (Becker, 1963) promote their version of reality as the "correct" one.
- Objectivation: Externalized ideas are viewed as "fact," existing independent of their originators. Ideas are considered for truthfulness and spread through social interaction. Urban legends, often reflecting societal fears and values, are an example.
- Internalization: Ideas, now seen as true by many, become incorporated into individual beliefs and behaviors. People lose awareness that "reality" is simply a set of ideas, treating them as inherent truths.

Elements of Structure: Status

Status represents a defined position within a group or society.
Ascribed Status: A position assigned based on social criteria without regard for individual characteristics or abilities. Examples include race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, and ability.
Achieved Status: A position earned through effort and actions.

Intersectionality

A concept describing how various forms of inequality (racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, classism) are interconnected and should not be examined in isolation.

Elements of Structure: Roles

Social Roles: Sets of expectations for individuals occupying a specific status.
Role Strain: Difficulty meeting the responsibilities of a particular role.
Imposter Syndrome: Doubting one's abilities and believing they are a fraud, often experienced by high-achievers.
Role Conflict: When expectations of two or more roles demand contradictory behaviors.

Identity Theory (Stryker, 1980)

Identity: The collection of roles and their associated meanings within one's self-concept.
Roles are hierarchically organized, with the most salient (important) identities at the top, greatly influencing thoughts, actions, feelings, and beliefs.
Commitment: The cost of abandoning a particular identity.
- Interactional Commitment: Relationships that would be lost by leaving a role.
- Affective Commitment: Emotional costs associated with leaving a role.
High commitment leads to increased role salience, leading people to spend more time in that role, seek opportunities to play it, and see neutral situations as suitable for the role.
Identity hierarchy is relatively stable and changes only with significant life events.

Roles and Dramaturgy (Goffman)

Dramaturgy: Viewing social behavior as a theatrical performance.
Impression Management: Attempting to present the most favorable image of oneself to achieve a particular outcome.
Roles are more fluid and situational, adopted to create a good impression for the current audience.
Self-concept is constantly changing and adapted to the context.
We constantly manage impressions in social interaction.

Summary: Goffman vs. Stryker

Goffman: Self-concept is fluid and determined by the situation and audience.
Stryker: Self-concept is stable and only changes with significant life events.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of social structure and the social construction of reality in this quiz. Delve into theories such as Racial Formation and the implications of social behavior on identities. Understand how culture and history shape our perceptions and realities.