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Questions and Answers
Who helped establish the study of sociology in French universities?
Who helped establish the study of sociology in French universities?
Emile Durkheim
What is the main idea of the structural-functional approach?
What is the main idea of the structural-functional approach?
The structural-functional approach only focuses on the individual aspects of society.
The structural-functional approach only focuses on the individual aspects of society.
False
The structural-functional approach compares society to the ______.
The structural-functional approach compares society to the ______.
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Which sociologist is known for his comparison of society to the human body?
Which sociologist is known for his comparison of society to the human body?
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What are the two basic questions sociologists face when building theory?
What are the two basic questions sociologists face when building theory?
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What is the sociological perspective?
What is the sociological perspective?
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What are some factors that guide people's choices in marriage?
What are some factors that guide people's choices in marriage?
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Which states have laws banning same-sex marriage?
Which states have laws banning same-sex marriage?
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According to the sociological perspective, marriage decisions are solely based on personal feelings.
According to the sociological perspective, marriage decisions are solely based on personal feelings.
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The systematic study of human society is called _____
The systematic study of human society is called _____
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How does social class position affect women's expectations in a marriage partner?
How does social class position affect women's expectations in a marriage partner?
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Seeing the general in the particular is a defining characteristic of sociological thinking.
Seeing the general in the particular is a defining characteristic of sociological thinking.
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What impact does a global perspective have on sociological understanding?
What impact does a global perspective have on sociological understanding?
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What role do sociologists play in shaping public policy?
What role do sociologists play in shaping public policy?
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What are some benefits of applying the sociological perspective?
What are some benefits of applying the sociological perspective?
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The sociological perspective helps assess the truth of common sense.
The sociological perspective helps assess the truth of common sense.
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What does sociological thinking lead us to recognize about opportunities and constraints?
What does sociological thinking lead us to recognize about opportunities and constraints?
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What is the difference between clinical sociologists and clinical psychologists?
What is the difference between clinical sociologists and clinical psychologists?
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In what ways does sociology prepare students for the workforce?
In what ways does sociology prepare students for the workforce?
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What historical changes contributed to the development of sociology?
What historical changes contributed to the development of sociology?
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Who coined the term sociology?
Who coined the term sociology?
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Comte believed that society operates according to _______.
Comte believed that society operates according to _______.
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How does using the sociological perspective change what we see in the world around us?
How does using the sociological perspective change what we see in the world around us?
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What percentage of people in the world has earned a college degree?
What percentage of people in the world has earned a college degree?
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In high-income nations, college enrollment rates are generally higher than in poor countries.
In high-income nations, college enrollment rates are generally higher than in poor countries.
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What is the average number of children women have in the United States?
What is the average number of children women have in the United States?
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Who is one of sociology’s pioneers known for studying suicide rates?
Who is one of sociology’s pioneers known for studying suicide rates?
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The world’s 195 nations can be divided into three broad categories according to their level of economic _______.
The world’s 195 nations can be divided into three broad categories according to their level of economic _______.
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Match the following socioeconomic categories with their descriptions:
Match the following socioeconomic categories with their descriptions:
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Which group is less likely to commit suicide according to Durkheim's findings?
Which group is less likely to commit suicide according to Durkheim's findings?
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The higher suicide rates among men reflect their greater wealth and freedom.
The higher suicide rates among men reflect their greater wealth and freedom.
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What does C. Wright Mills mean by 'sociological imagination'?
What does C. Wright Mills mean by 'sociological imagination'?
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The average woman in Yemen has more than ______ children.
The average woman in Yemen has more than ______ children.
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What do poor countries provide women with according to the text?
What do poor countries provide women with according to the text?
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Study Notes
The Sociological Perspective
- Sociology provides a systematic study of human societies and their influences on individual behavior.
- The sociological perspective helps individuals see how societal factors shape personal experiences and choices.
- Key concepts include understanding the difference between individual feelings and societal rules in forming relationships, such as marriage.
Key Learnings
- Common assumptions, like “people marry for love,” often overlook societal influences that dictate marriage patterns.
- Certain sociological rules dictate marital choices, including age, race, social class, and educational background.
- Understanding these patterns can challenge personal perceptions and broaden appreciation of social complexities.
Importance of a Global Perspective
- Analyzing different cultural contexts (e.g., Brazil vs. Kenya) illustrates how social class can impact life choices.
- Expectations regarding marriage and relationships can vary widely depending on cultural and economic contexts.
Sociological Theory
- Sociological theories establish frameworks for interpreting social phenomena across various contexts.
- Application of sociological perspectives reveals broader societal patterns influencing individual actions and beliefs.
Personal and Career Benefits
- Sociological thinking fosters critical analysis of everyday situations and can enhance decision-making in personal and professional contexts.
- By recognizing societal influences, individuals can better navigate their social environments and relationships.
Historical Context of Sociology
- Discipline developed to analyze social patterns during industrialization and urbanization, highlighting the impact of societal changes on individuals.
- Key historical figures and movements shaped the discipline's evolution and scope of study.
Evaluating Assumptions
- Sociological evidence is essential in reviewing common stereotypes and assumptions about diverse groups.
- Assessing everyday norms through a sociological lens can lead to a more nuanced understanding of societal roles.
Imagining New Social Arrangements
- Encourages creative thinking regarding potential social configurations and structures in future societies.
- Understanding current societal frameworks can inspire innovative ideas for social improvement and reform.### Global Childbearing Trends
- Childbearing rates vary significantly between rich and poor countries; women in low-income nations tend to have more children.
- In the U.S., the average woman has about two children, while averages in Guatemala, Kenya, Yemen, and Niger range from three to over six children.
- Socioeconomic factors such as education and access to contraception significantly influence reproductive choices in different societies.
Educational Access and Factors
- Only 7% of people globally hold a college degree, with higher enrollment rates in wealthier nations.
- Economic status plays a critical role in college attendance; those from families earning over 80,000are5080,000 are 50% more likely to attend than those earning less than 80,000are5020,000.
- In U.S. society, attending college is typically associated with young adults (ages 18-30).
Suicide Rates and Societal Influences
- Suicide rates differ by race and gender; higher rates are observed among white individuals and men.
- Emile Durkheim identified that social integration impacts suicide rates, with individualistic groups experiencing higher rates due to weaker social ties.
- In the U.S. (2007 data), suicide rates were 12.9 per 100,000 for white individuals and 4.9 for African Americans, highlighting racial disparities.
The Sociological Perspective
- Sociological perspective provides insights into how society impacts personal choices, including childbearing and education decisions.
- The concept of marginality helps in understanding how social outsiders can gain greater awareness of societal influences on their lives.
- Artists and cultural expressions (e.g., hip-hop) reflect societal issues and individual experiences, especially regarding race and socio-economic challenges.
Patterns of Marginality
- Those living on society's margins, like African Americans, develop a sharper critical perspective on societal structures and inequalities.
- Freedom experienced by privileged groups, such as wealthier individuals, can also result in increased social isolation and higher suicide rates.
- Strong social ties contribute to lower rates of suicide and better overall well-being in various demographic groups.### Understanding Social Margins and Perspectives
- People at the margins of society, such as racial minorities, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, persons with disabilities, and the elderly, have keen awareness of social patterns affecting their lives.
- Sociological perspective encourages individuals to look beyond personal experiences to understand broader societal influences.
Impact of Social Change
- Periods of crisis, like the Great Depression (1930s), prompt people to adopt a sociological approach when addressing personal issues like unemployment, recognizing systemic factors rather than individual failings.
- C.Wright Mills emphasized the importance of the “sociological imagination” in understanding the interconnectedness of personal difficulties and societal structures.
Global Economic Classification
- Nations are classified into three categories based on economic development:
- High-income countries: Include the United States, Western Europe, and Japan; these countries have the highest standards of living and most of the world's wealth.
- Middle-income countries: Comprise various nations from Eastern Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia; characterized by average living standards and significant social inequality.
- Low-income countries: Predominantly found in Africa and a few in Asia, where most residents live in poverty with limited access to basic necessities.
Social Change through Sociological Awareness
- Increased awareness of structures, such as gender inequality, can motivate individuals to advocate for social change and equality.
- Understanding societal systems illuminates the disparities in wealth and resources and highlights the responsibility of societies toward their marginalized groups.
Global Interconnectedness
- The world consists of approximately 7 billion people across 195 nations, with technological advancements creating a “global village” effect.
- This interconnectedness has led to shared cultures, tastes, and economic ties, influencing societies globally.
Poverty and Global Context
- Poverty, while present in the United States, is often more severe in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
- Understanding the global context of poverty is crucial for addressing social problems and implementing effective solutions.
The Global Village Model
- Imagining the world as a village of 1,000 people illustrates severe disparities:
- Majority of wealth concentrated among a few individuals, with one person earning more than the collective income of many others.
- Significant portions of the population lack basic needs such as food, clean water, and shelter, emphasizing global inequality.
Personal Choices and Societal Influence
- Personal decisions, like attending college, are heavily influenced by geographical and societal contexts, underscoring the significance of the sociological perspective in understanding life experiences.
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Description
Test your understanding of key terms and concepts from the chapter on the sociological perspective. Explore how this perspective differs from common sense, and learn about its importance in understanding global social patterns. Dive into major theoretical approaches and their application to various social phenomena, such as sports.
