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Questions and Answers
What is a symbol?
What is a symbol?
A symbol is a thing that stands for or represents something. An example would be the school colors or a mascot.
What theoretical perspective says that the people with the most power are seen as the most valuable in society?
What theoretical perspective says that the people with the most power are seen as the most valuable in society?
Conflict theory
A boycott of businesses that practiced segregation in the 1960s is an example of what?
A boycott of businesses that practiced segregation in the 1960s is an example of what?
Informal sanctions
How do sociologists define society?
How do sociologists define society?
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How does material culture differ from nonmaterial culture?
How does material culture differ from nonmaterial culture?
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Give an example of the symbol at the school.
Give an example of the symbol at the school.
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Define symbol.
Define symbol.
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Give an example of nonmaterial aspects of culture.
Give an example of nonmaterial aspects of culture.
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What accounts for the global popularity of Hollywood movies?
What accounts for the global popularity of Hollywood movies?
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What is the perspective of sociology?
What is the perspective of sociology?
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What is the baby using when they wave bye-bye?
What is the baby using when they wave bye-bye?
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What did W.E.B. Dubois add to sociology?
What did W.E.B. Dubois add to sociology?
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What did Emile Durkheim add to sociology?
What did Emile Durkheim add to sociology?
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What did Karl Marx add to sociology?
What did Karl Marx add to sociology?
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What did Max Weber add to sociology?
What did Max Weber add to sociology?
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What did Jane Addams add to sociology?
What did Jane Addams add to sociology?
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What are drives?
What are drives?
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Describe the sociological perspective.
Describe the sociological perspective.
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Describe the hypothesis of linguistic relativity.
Describe the hypothesis of linguistic relativity.
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What do sociologists mean by theoretical perspective?
What do sociologists mean by theoretical perspective?
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What is the common act of throwing rice at the bride and groom at weddings an example of?
What is the common act of throwing rice at the bride and groom at weddings an example of?
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How does language relate to culture?
How does language relate to culture?
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In which radical perspective is the distribution of power the most important aspect?
In which radical perspective is the distribution of power the most important aspect?
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What are the elements of culture?
What are the elements of culture?
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What accounts for the presence of cultural universals?
What accounts for the presence of cultural universals?
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What theoretical perspective stresses that people can communicate only because they share words, gestures, and physical objects that have similar meanings to all of them?
What theoretical perspective stresses that people can communicate only because they share words, gestures, and physical objects that have similar meanings to all of them?
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What is raising your hand in class and waiting to be called on before speaking an example of?
What is raising your hand in class and waiting to be called on before speaking an example of?
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Give an example of a cultural universal.
Give an example of a cultural universal.
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What is one value that has changed over time in the United States?
What is one value that has changed over time in the United States?
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Which theoretical perspective emphasizes the contributions of each part of society and how these parts work together to create a unified whole?
Which theoretical perspective emphasizes the contributions of each part of society and how these parts work together to create a unified whole?
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In the US, most people believe that every child is entitled to an education; what is this an example of?
In the US, most people believe that every child is entitled to an education; what is this an example of?
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What is the sociological imagination?
What is the sociological imagination?
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What are some of the basic values of the US?
What are some of the basic values of the US?
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What is the difference between actual culture and ideal culture?
What is the difference between actual culture and ideal culture?
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Which theoretical perspective shows that people can communicate because they share words, gestures, and physical objects that have similar meanings to all of them?
Which theoretical perspective shows that people can communicate because they share words, gestures, and physical objects that have similar meanings to all of them?
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Study Notes
Symbols and Their Significance
- Symbols represent something beyond themselves, such as school colors or mascots.
- Everyday symbols include gestures, like raising a hand in class, which indicates a desire to participate.
Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology
- Conflict Theory: Suggests individuals or groups with power are valued more in society, leading to social hierarchies.
- Functionalism: Emphasizes how each part of society contributes to a cohesive whole and functions interdependently.
- Symbolic Interactionism: Focuses on shared meanings and symbols, allowing effective communication within a culture.
Cultural Concepts
- Material Culture: Comprises tangible objects that represent a culture, such as art, buildings, and technology.
- Nonmaterial Culture: Involves intangible beliefs, values, and customs, like family traditions and societal rules.
- Cultural Universals: Certain practices, like marriage, sports, and cooking, are found across all societies due to basic biological similarities.
Societal Structures and Functions
- Society is defined as a group of people sharing a common culture within a specific territory.
- Norms are expected standards of behavior, such as raising a hand before speaking in class to show respect and order.
- Folkways: Informal norms that guide everyday behavior, like throwing rice at weddings to symbolize fertility and prosperity.
Social Change and Values
- Values within American society include achievement, success, and the belief in equality, though real practices may differ, highlighting the gap between ideal and actual culture.
- The sociology imagination refers to understanding the relationship between individual experiences and larger societal forces.
Contributions from Key Sociologists
- W.E.B. Du Bois: A social activist who contributed to pan-Africanism and focused on racial issues.
- Emile Durkheim: Highlighted the importance of social consensus for societal stability.
- Karl Marx: Viewed society through the lens of class conflict between the bourgeoisie and proletariat.
- Max Weber: Emphasized understanding social behavior through individuals' interpretations and interactions.
- Jane Addams: Known for her role as a social reformer, notably founding Hull House in Chicago.
Language and Communication
- Language is culturally ingrained and learned through generations, playing a crucial role in preserving and conveying culture.
- Hypothesis of Linguistic Relativity: Proposes that people's understanding of reality is shaped by the language they speak.
Social Sanctions and Responses
- Informal sanctions, such as boycotts, serve as social reactions against commonly disapproved practices, like segregation.
- Drives are inherent impulses that exist to mitigate discomfort, influencing behavior and actions within societies.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge on key concepts from Sociology Chapters 1 and 3 with these flashcards. Explore definitions and examples of symbols, conflict theory, and historical events related to social movements. A great way to reinforce your understanding of fundamental sociological principles.
