Sociology Concepts and Theories

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Questions and Answers

Which sociological theory emphasizes the importance of different institutions functioning together like organs in a body?

Symbolic interactionism

Feminist theory

Functional theory (correct)

Postmodernism

Which of the following describes a core concept of feminist theory?

Society progresses harmoniously

All social problems stem from economic inequality

Patriarchy shapes the experiences of women (correct)

Class and power struggle are the only focus

What is meant by 'intersectionality' in the context of feminist theory?

Conflict between different societal classes

Reductionist views of societal interactions

Multiple forms of oppression affecting individuals (correct)

The collection of all societal institutions

What is the primary goal of quantitative methods in research?

To make generalizable claims about society Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a literature review in sociological research?

To understand existing studies relevant to a research problem Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the main goals of sociological research?

Artistic expression Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a characteristic of ethnocentrism?

Evaluating other cultures based on one's own Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes qualitative methods from quantitative methods?

Qualitative methods gather narrative data to build understanding Signup and view all the answers

Which concept describes how symbols shape people's interactions and perceptions of reality?

Symbolic interactionism Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the research problem formulation process?

Clarity, specificity, and feasibility Signup and view all the answers

How does cultural capital influence social advancement?

It includes knowledge and skills that aid in social mobility Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of immaterial culture?

Community norms that dictate behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is a common issue that can arise during the research process in sociology?

Bias in drawing conclusions based on systematic observations Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a sample in research?

To make the data collection process more manageable Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'subculture'?

A cultural group with distinct characteristics within a larger society Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'material culture'?

The physical objects and artifacts of a culture Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a situation where a household can afford basic survival needs but lives in poor conditions?

Relative poverty Signup and view all the answers

What does the Gini coefficient measure?

Inequality in income distribution Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the Global North?

High income and politically stable Signup and view all the answers

Which method measures low income in Canada by identifying income thresholds for families?

Low-income cut off Signup and view all the answers

What does a census family include?

Two spouses or a single parent with never married children living together for over a year Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of cultural literacy?

To facilitate sounding educated in a society. Signup and view all the answers

What does globalization primarily refer to?

The increase of international economic influence Signup and view all the answers

Which family structure includes a mother, father, and children living in the same dwelling?

Nuclear family Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes primary socialization?

Takes place mainly within the family unit during childhood. Signup and view all the answers

What concept supports the deregulation of economic markets to foster free markets?

Neoliberalism Signup and view all the answers

What defines a blended family?

A family where children from previous relationships are brought into a new union Signup and view all the answers

Which theoretical approach emphasizes that socialization processes differ based on class or social status?

Conflict theory Signup and view all the answers

Which poverty measurement calculates an acceptable living standard based on agreed income levels?

Poverty line Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT true about the concept of reverse socialization?

It is a one-way process from parents to children Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary characteristic of the Global South?

Low income and often politically unstable Signup and view all the answers

In which theoretical approach is the family viewed as a central institution providing nurture and socialization?

Functionalism Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'looking glass self' concept propose?

Personal identity is shaped by how others perceive us. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of cohabitation?

Two or more people living together, with or without an intimate relationship Signup and view all the answers

Which option describes impression management?

The way individuals influence others' perceptions of themselves. Signup and view all the answers

What role do agents of socialization play?

They shape social situations in which socialization occurs. Signup and view all the answers

Which family type often includes relatives such as aunts, uncles, and grandparents living together?

Extended family Signup and view all the answers

The concept of life course theory studies which of the following?

The influence of structural context and social change on lives. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of a common law couple?

They live together without being legally married Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of socialization is primarily focused on adapting to smaller groups later in life?

Secondary socialization Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'patriarchy' refer to in the context of social structures?

A societal system where men dominate roles of authority and control Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'class consciousness'?

Awareness of one's social status relative to others Signup and view all the answers

How does structural functionalism view social stratification?

As a way to reward individuals for filling critical societal roles Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the 'glass ceiling'?

An invisible barrier hindering women's advancement in careers Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the secondary labor market?

Sectors typically low in skill and job security Signup and view all the answers

What does social stratification integrate?

Class, status, and power relations among individuals Signup and view all the answers

In the context of economic inequality, what does the bourgeoisie represent?

Those who own the means of production and control capital Signup and view all the answers

Conflict theory suggests that social inequality serves primarily which group?

The dominant group that holds power and privilege Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sociological Imagination

Developed by C. Wright Mills (1955)
The ability to understand the underlying societal causes of individual experiences and issues.
Connects personal problems to broader social issues.
Thinking beyond accepted wisdom.

Norms

Shared expectations, rules, and guidelines within a society.
Govern how people act in specific situations.
Define acceptable behavior.

Values

Deeply held and shared beliefs about what is good or desirable.
Examples include freedom and equality.
Influence norms and social structure.

Society

A group of people who share a particular area, identity (e.g., government), and values/norms.

Enduring and predictable patterns of behavior within a society.
Constraints and shapes behavior.
Examples include government, family, and religion.

Status

Relative social rank within a society.
Based on a social hierarchy.
People seek higher status based on honor or prestige.

Role

Set of connected behaviors, rights, norms, and obligations.
Examples include gender roles and workplace roles.
How someone is expected to act within their social situation.

Interaction

Exchange of information between two or more people.
A form of communication.

Quantitative Research

Concerned with uncovering facts about social phenomena.
Often uses statistical analysis.

Qualitative Research

Understanding human behavior through a respondent's perspective.
Methods include interviews and observations.

Conflict Theory

Society is the result of conflicting forces.
Developed by Karl Marx and Max Weber.
Conflict over power causes societal change.
Different groups competing for resources.

Functional Theory

Society is made up of functioning parts.
Developed by Talcott Parsons and Herbert Spencer.
Each social institution plays a role in society.

Feminist Theory

Society is shaped by conflicts that marginalize specific social groups.
Focuses on gender inequality.
Women's lives differ from men's due to inequality.

Symbolic Interactionism

Society is made up of interactions.
Focuses on how people use symbols to interact and create meaning.
Developed by Erving Goffman and Charles H. Cooley.

Research Methods in Sociology

Tools sociologists use to understand social life.
Methods used to investigate the reality using rigorous observation.
Methods include interviews, questionnaires, and experiments.

Bias

Errors in drawing conclusions based on observations.
"Common sense" should be avoided.
Gaining insights through rigorous observation and analysis is critical.

5 Main Goals of Sociological Research

Description
Enumeration
Prediction
Explanation
Debunking

Culture

The accumulation of beliefs, customs, and values that make up a particular group.
Passed down through generations.
Helps people understand their identity.
Includes material (physical items) and immaterial (beliefs, values) culture.

Ethnocentrism

Using one's own culture as a basis for evaluating other cultures.

Socialization

The process of learning societal values and norms through interaction with others.
Internalization of norms.

Agents of Socialization

Individuals, groups, or institutions that affect social learning.
Examples include family, peers, schools, the media, and the workplace.

Family

Social unit that carries out functions associated with having children.
The longest-standing social institution.
Norms evolve and change constantly.

Types of Families

Nuclear (father, mother, and children)
Extended (includes extended family members)
Blended (includes children from previous relationships)
Common-law (unmarried couple)
One-parent

Theoretical Approaches to the Family

Conflict theory
Functionalism
Symbolic interactionism
Feminist theory

System of inequality based on economic, social, and cultural factors.
Results in differences in access to resources.
Examples include class, status, and power.

Class System

Hierarchical classification based on a person's access to productive resources.

Socioeconomic status.
Ranking people based on indicators such as wealth, power, and prestige.

Primary Labour Market

High pay, job security, good benefits, and opportunities.

Secondary Labour Market

Low pay, low skills, and fewer opportunities.

Absolute Poverty

Lacking enough income to meet basic survival needs.

Relative Poverty

Not having enough income to maintain a minimum standard of living relative to others in society.

Global Inequality

Unequal distribution of income and resources around the world.
Differences in wealth and poverty between nations.
Historical influences on wealth and poverty between nationalities.

Global North

Economically developed nations and some industrialized nations.
Includes Europe and North America.

Global South

Economically less developed countries.
Includes parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Globalization

Increased international influence through economic, cultural, ideological, and technological means.

Neoliberalism

Favors the deregulation of economic markets.

Studying That Suits You

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Description

Explore fundamental concepts in sociology, including sociological imagination, norms, values, and social structure. This quiz connects individual experiences to broader societal issues, highlighting the importance of understanding behavior through social context. Test your knowledge on how status and shared beliefs shape society.