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?

<p>To make generalizable claims about society (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To understand existing studies relevant to a research problem (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Artistic expression (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a characteristic of ethnocentrism?

<p>Evaluating other cultures based on one's own (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes qualitative methods from quantitative methods?

<p>Qualitative methods gather narrative data to build understanding (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Symbolic interactionism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the research problem formulation process?

<p>Clarity, specificity, and feasibility (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does cultural capital influence social advancement?

<p>It includes knowledge and skills that aid in social mobility (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of immaterial culture?

<p>Community norms that dictate behavior (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Bias in drawing conclusions based on systematic observations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a sample in research?

<p>To make the data collection process more manageable (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'subculture'?

<p>A cultural group with distinct characteristics within a larger society (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'material culture'?

<p>The physical objects and artifacts of a culture (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Relative poverty (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Gini coefficient measure?

<p>Inequality in income distribution (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the Global North?

<p>High income and politically stable (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Low-income cut off (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a census family include?

<p>Two spouses or a single parent with never married children living together for over a year (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of cultural literacy?

<p>To facilitate sounding educated in a society. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does globalization primarily refer to?

<p>The increase of international economic influence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Nuclear family (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes primary socialization?

<p>Takes place mainly within the family unit during childhood. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Neoliberalism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines a blended family?

<p>A family where children from previous relationships are brought into a new union (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Conflict theory (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Poverty line (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It is a one-way process from parents to children (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Low income and often politically unstable (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Functionalism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'looking glass self' concept propose?

<p>Personal identity is shaped by how others perceive us. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of cohabitation?

<p>Two or more people living together, with or without an intimate relationship (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which option describes impression management?

<p>The way individuals influence others' perceptions of themselves. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do agents of socialization play?

<p>They shape social situations in which socialization occurs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Extended family (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The influence of structural context and social change on lives. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of a common law couple?

<p>They live together without being legally married (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Secondary socialization (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>A societal system where men dominate roles of authority and control (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'class consciousness'?

<p>Awareness of one's social status relative to others (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does structural functionalism view social stratification?

<p>As a way to reward individuals for filling critical societal roles (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>An invisible barrier hindering women's advancement in careers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the secondary labor market?

<p>Sectors typically low in skill and job security (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does social stratification integrate?

<p>Class, status, and power relations among individuals (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Those who own the means of production and control capital (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Conflict theory suggests that social inequality serves primarily which group?

<p>The dominant group that holds power and privilege (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Conflict Theory

A sociological perspective that views society as a system of power struggles between groups with competing interests. It emphasizes how inequalities and conflicts drive social change.

Functionalism

A sociological perspective that sees society as a complex system with interconnected parts, each performing a specific function to maintain social order and stability.

Feminist Theory

A sociological perspective that critiques gender inequality and the power dynamics between men and women within society. It focuses on how patriarchy structures social institutions and marginalizes women.

Symbolic Interactionism

A sociological perspective that emphasizes how individuals create meaning through their interactions and the symbols they use. It focuses on how people interpret and construct their social reality.

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Postmodernism

A sociological perspective that rejects grand narratives and emphasizes diverse interpretations of reality. It suggests that there is no single, objective truth, and multiple perspectives are valid.

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Research Methods

The tools and techniques that sociologists use to gather information and analyze social phenomena. They provide a systematic way to understand and study the social world.

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Bias

Systematic errors in observation or interpretation that can lead to inaccurate conclusions. It is important to minimize bias in research to ensure reliable and trustworthy findings.

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Goals of Sociological Research

Five key aims of sociological research: Enumeration and description (counting and describing phenomena), prediction (forecasting future events), explanation (understanding causes and relationships), debunking (challenging conventional wisdom), and social justice (promoting equity and fairness).

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Quantitative Methods

Research methods that use numbers and statistics to analyze data. They aim to generate generalizable claims about society.

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Qualitative Methods

Research methods that focus on understanding the meaning and context of social phenomena through non-numerical data. They aim to make specific claims about a group.

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Population

The complete group of individuals or units that a researcher wants to study and generalize findings to.

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Sample

A smaller, manageable group selected from the population to represent the larger group in a study.

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Culture

Shared beliefs, customs, traditions, language, values, and artifacts of a particular group. Passed down through generations and evolves over time.

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Ethnocentrism

Judging other cultures based on the standards and values of one's own culture, often leading to prejudice and bias.

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Language

A system of communication using sounds, gestures, or symbols to convey meaning. It helps us understand and share information.

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Cultural Variation

The diversity of cultural practices and beliefs across different social groups. It includes high culture, popular culture, subculture, counterculture, and organizational culture.

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Primary Labor Market

Industries offering high pay, good security, benefits, and opportunities.

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Absolute Poverty

Not having enough income to meet basic survival needs like food, shelter, and water.

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Relative Poverty

Having enough for basic survival but living in poor conditions compared to others in the same society.

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Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO)

A measure in Canada to identify families struggling financially. They spend a larger portion of their income on necessities compared to average families.

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Market Basket Measure (MBM)

Calculates the amount of income a household needs to meet its basic needs.

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Low Income Measure (LIM)

Calculates the low-income threshold as half of the median income of a similar-sized household in a community.

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Gini Coefficient

Measures income inequality within a country. Shows how evenly income is distributed compared to a theoretical country where everyone earns the same.

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Poverty Line

An agreed-upon income level below which a standard of living considered acceptable is unaffordable.

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Reverse Socialization

When children influence the values and behaviors of their parents, often challenging traditional norms.

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Reciprocal Socialization

The ongoing process where parents and children mutually influence each other's socialization.

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Kin Group

A connected group of people who share a common ancestry, through blood, adoption, or marriage. They consider themselves related.

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Census Family

A statistical definition used for data collection, encompassing two spouses (with or without children) living together for at least a year, or a single parent with unmarried children.

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Nuclear Family

A structure consisting of a father, mother, and their children, all residing in the same dwelling.

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Single-Parent Family

A household where one parent is responsible for raising children alone.

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Extended Family

A family that extends beyond the nuclear family, often incorporating aunts, uncles, cousins, or grandparents living together. More common in non-western cultures.

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Cultural Literacy

The knowledge and understanding of the values, beliefs, and customs of a particular society necessary to function effectively within it.

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Etiquette

A set of rules and conventions that govern social behavior within a specific culture or group.

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Socialization

The process by which individuals learn the values, beliefs, and behaviors of their society through interaction with others and internalization of norms.

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Primary Socialization

The initial stage of socialization that occurs in childhood, primarily within the family.

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Secondary Socialization

The process of learning specific roles and behaviors needed to function within smaller groups or institutions within a larger society.

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Life Course Theory

An approach that examines how people's lives unfold within their social context and how social changes impact individuals across their lifespan.

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Looking Glass Self

The idea that our sense of self is shaped by how we believe others perceive us.

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Impression Management

The conscious or subconscious effort to control how others perceive us by presenting different aspects of ourselves in different situations.

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Proletariat

The working class who exchange their labor for wages, often having little control over the means of production.

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Bourgeoisie

The capitalist class, owning the means of production and hiring workers for their labor.

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Class Consciousness

An awareness of shared interests and common experiences among members of the same social class.

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Class System

A hierarchical structure where individuals are categorized based on their control of the means of production.

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Socioeconomic Status

A ranking of individuals combining wealth, power, and prestige. It reflects their position in the social hierarchy.

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Social Stratification

A systematic inequality that integrates class, status, and power dynamics within society.

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Conspicuous Consumption

Buying expensive goods to signal one's class belonging and social status.

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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.

Social Structure

  • 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

Social Stratification

  • 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.

Social Stratification Methods

  • 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.

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