Khan p 261-270 Sociology: Conflict Theory & Social Constructs
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Questions and Answers

What does conflict theory primarily model?

  • Drastic changes in society (correct)
  • Individual identity formation
  • Natural phenomena
  • Social stability

What does social constructionism argue about reality?

  • Reality exists independently of human interaction
  • Reality is actively shaped through social interactions (correct)
  • Only brute facts exist in understanding society
  • All concepts are inherently valuable

What is an example of a social construct mentioned?

  • Gravity
  • Time
  • Money (correct)
  • Nature

What distinguishes weak social constructionism from strong social constructionism?

<p>Weak constructionism relies on brute and institutional facts (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a criticism of social constructionism?

<p>It doesn't account for natural phenomena's effects on society (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to strong social constructionism, what defines reality?

<p>Language and social habits (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophers are associated with social constructionism?

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

In weak social constructionism, what are brute facts?

<p>Fundamental truths not defined by others (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of labour is predominantly associated with men in the institution of family?

<p>Industrial labour (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of the split roles in family labour?

<p>Social power imbalance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theory parallels the oppression of women with the exploitation of the working class?

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

What aspect of gender roles emphasizes men's association with rational thought compared to women's?

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

What assumption does Rational Choice Theory make about people's actions?

<p>They are fundamentally rational choices (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the assumption of 'Completeness' suggest in Rational Choice Theory?

<p>Every action can be ranked in preference (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do men's oppression and women's roles differ according to the content?

<p>Women are oppressed due to economic structures (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects a gender-neutral term used to combat gendered language?

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

What does the antithesis represent in relation to the thesis?

<p>A reaction from those dissatisfied with the status quo (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of the struggle between thesis and antithesis?

<p>Creation of a synthesis leading to a new thesis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Ludwig Gumplowicz's view expand upon Marx's theory?

<p>By emphasizing war and ethnic conflicts in shaping society (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does Max Weber believe is NOT the supreme factor in social stratification?

<p>Class based on economic position (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Weber identify as the three independent factors that moderate reactions to inequality?

<p>Class, Status, and Power (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Weber, how can a person wield considerable social power despite lacking material resources?

<p>Through political influence and government roles (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is prestige defined in the context of Weber's theory of stratification?

<p>A person's social honor and influence within society (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following movements is described as resulting in a new thesis?

<p>Civil Rights Movement (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does functionalism primarily focus on in society?

<p>Interdependence of specialized roles (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the bourgeoisie and proletariat in a capitalist society according to Marx?

<p>The bourgeoisie depend on the proletariat for labor while exploiting them. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'class consciousness' refer to?

<p>The proletariat's realization of their exploitation and unity for change. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary criticism of functionalism mentioned in the content?

<p>It does not adequately explain social change and conflict. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which stage follows capitalism according to Marx's theory of society's evolution?

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

What is meant by the term 'thesis' in the context of Marx's dialectical analysis?

<p>The generally accepted state of social relations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, how do institutions respond to social change in functionalism?

<p>By maintaining stability and adapting only as necessary. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What problem does the concept of exploitation highlight in the relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat?

<p>The dependency of the bourgeoisie on the proletariat for labor. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle does transitivity illustrate in decision making?

<p>A preference relation where A is preferred to C through B. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the independence of irrelevant alternatives imply about decision making?

<p>The rankings of existing options remain unchanged despite new additions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key assumption of rational choice theory in social interactions?

<p>Actions are based on an analysis of costs and benefits. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does exchange theory view societal interactions?

<p>As a series of individual transactions based on preferences. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does sexual selection refer to in evolutionary biology?

<p>Natural selection favored by mate preferences based on specific traits. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of social selection?

<p>Influences an individual's social mobility based on health. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of rewards in exchange theory?

<p>Rewards can be intangible, such as social approval. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In exchange theory, what happens as the frequency of rewards increases?

<p>The reward becomes less valuable due to increased supply. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Functionalism in society?

<p>The stability and equilibrium of society over time (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Conflict Theory view societal change?

<p>As a merging of opposing positions leading to new structures (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Social Constructionism emphasize about value?

<p>That value comes from the collective agreement of society (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key element of Symbolic Interactionism?

<p>The negotiation of meaning through social interactions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes Feminist Theory?

<p>It addresses gender inequalities in patriarchal structures (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What critique is commonly associated with the rational choice perspective in social interactions?

<p>It ignores the complexity of human motivations and societal constraints (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of interdependence imply about human relationships?

<p>Relationships are structured around mutual benefits and support (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a limitation of viewing all human interactions through rational choice theory?

<p>It fails to account for social norms and individual values (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Functionalism

The theory that social change is driven by the need to maintain a stable state in society.

Conflict Theory

The theory that social change is driven by conflict between groups with unequal power.

Forced Mutual Independence

The state of being dependent on others for survival but also having power over them.

Bourgeoisie

The upper class or wealthy elite in a capitalist society.

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Proletariat

The working class in a capitalist society.

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Class Consciousness

The belief that the working class shares common interests and can overthrow the ruling class.

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Thesis

The existing state of affairs in a society.

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Antithesis

A reaction against the existing state of affairs.

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Synthesis

A new state of being created through the compromise between the thesis and antithesis.

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Class (Weber)

A person's economic position in society, determined by factors like birth and achievement.

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Status/Prestige (Weber)

A person's social honor, prestige, or popularity within a society.

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Power (Weber)

A person's ability to influence and enact change, regardless of their wealth or social standing.

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Dialectical Materialism

The idea that societal change happens through conflict between opposing forces (thesis and antithesis).

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Gumplowicz's Theory

The concept that social conflict (like war and ethnic clashes) shapes societies, with dominant groups emerging.

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Weber's View on Inequality

The idea that social inequality is moderated by factors such as class, status, and power.

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Social Constructionism

The idea that social reality is created through social interactions and agreements, rather than being inherently fixed or objective.

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Social Construct

A concept or practice that society collectively agrees to treat in a specific way, regardless of its inherent value.

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The Self as a Social Construct

The belief that the self is shaped by social interactions and the expectations of others.

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Institutional Facts

Social constructs that rely on brute facts, which are basic and fundamental truths. Example: money depends on the paper it's printed on.

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Strong Social Constructionism

Social constructs that are entirely dependent on language and social habits. There are no brute facts, everything is socially created.

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Weak Social Constructionism

Social constructs that are influenced by brute facts but also shaped by social conventions.

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Criticism of Social Constructionism

The criticism that social constructionism doesn't account for the influence of natural phenomena on society.

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Social Construction of Health and Disease

The core idea that knowledge about health and disease is shaped by social and cultural contexts.

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Rational Choice Theory

This theory suggests that individuals make rational decisions based on weighing the costs and benefits of their actions, aiming to maximize their personal gain.

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Structural Oppression

The concept that women's oppression stems from a combination of capitalism, patriarchy, and racism, leading to inequalities in various aspects of life.

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Gender Roles

The process of assigning specific roles and expectations to individuals based on their gender, often creating power imbalances and limiting opportunities for one gender.

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Gendered Language

The idea that language reflects and reinforces existing power structures, often favoring one gender over the other.

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Rational Choice

The idea that individuals choose actions that lead to the best outcome for themselves, weighing the costs and benefits of each option. It assumes rational thought and self-interest.

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Social Resources

Social resources exchanged in interactions, such as time, information, approval, or prestige, that help determine the value of actions and relationships.

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Completeness (Rational Choice)

This refers to the ability to rank choices based on preference, showing that there's a clear hierarchy of value in individual decisions.

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Transitivity

The principle that if option A is preferred to option B, and option B is preferred to option C, then option A is also preferred to option C. This concept can be visualized like a chain reaction of preferences.

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Independence of Irrelevant Alternatives

The idea that adding a new option (X) to a choice set won't change the ranking order of the original options. For example, if A was preferred to B and B was preferred to C, adding option X would not change this initial ranking.

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Exchange Theory

Applying the principles of rational choice theory to social interactions, focusing on how individuals make decisions based on costs and benefits within relationships. This understanding helps analyze relationships, such as family, work, and romantic partnerships.

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Sexual Selection

A type of natural selection where individuals with certain traits are more successful in attracting mates and passing their genes. This can lead to a variety of physical and behavioral traits that influence mate choice.

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Social Selection

A theory that proposes a link between social factors and an individual's health and reproductive success. This theory suggests that social conditions, like status and wealth, can impact an individual's life expectancy and their ability to reproduce.

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Symbolic Interactionism

Emphasizes individual behavior and interpretation based on meanings we give to things, influenced by our experiences and society's influence. Understanding that a tree provides shade is a good example.

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Feminist Theory

Argues that gender inequalities are rooted in patriarchal capitalist societies, where men hold power, and both men and women are often confined to gendered roles.

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Structuralism

A theory that suggests social structures are not simply the sum of individual actions, but rather have their own inherent logic and dynamics.

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Postmodernism

A theory that combines elements of different sociological perspectives, recognizing that society is complex and cannot be fully explained by any singular theory.

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Study Notes

Branches of Epidemiology

  • Epidemiology is a branch of medicine that studies the incidence, distribution, and possible control of diseases and other health-related factors.

Functionalism

  • Functionalism is a sociological perspective that examines society as a system of interconnected parts.
  • It emphasizes stability and equilibrium within social systems.
  • Emile Durkheim's ideas are the foundational basis of Functionalism.
  • Society is viewed as a whole consisting of interconnected institutions.
  • Social facts, like institutions, exist independently of any one individual, and are coercive forces shaping individuals.
  • Manifest functions are the intended, recognized consequences of any social structure; institutions function to maintain equilibrium within the system. For example, school educates people for job opportunities.
  • Latent functions are unrecognized, secondary, and unintended consequences of institutions. An example of this would be schools exposing students new connections/activities.
  • Social dysfunction describes undesirable consequences, processes, or outcomes. These may disrupt the system's equilibrium.

Conflict Theory

  • Conflict theory is a sociological perspective that highlights social inequalities and power struggles.
  • This perspective stems from Karl Marx's theories.
  • Society is viewed as a system with inherent inequalities and conflict.
  • The 19th century saw a divide between a minority rich capitalist class and a majority poor proletariat (working class).
  • The upper class owns factories and resources while the working class provides labor.
  • Marx believed that economic inequality leads social change and revolution. The theory predicted that societal contradictions, such as the vast difference seen between the rich and poor, leads to conflict and class struggle. The working class would eventually prevail when they realize that they are being exploited.

Social Constructionism

  • Social constructionism argues that human knowledge is constructed by society, rather than inherent truths.
  • Social constructs such as "nations," or "objects" require social agreement to exist.
  • Knowledge, social norms, and values are "socially constructed." People interact and attach meanings to create these concepts.
  • These constructs are not inherent or unchanging; they are constantly changing and evolving.
  • Brute facts are fundamental and independent facts. These facts form the foundations for social constructs.
  • Institutional facts are social constructs that depend on brute facts and shared conventions. For example, money depends on paper we assign value to.

Symbolic Interactionism

  • Symbolic interactionism is a sociological perspective that examines how individuals interact and interpret symbols and meanings in their daily lives.
  • Focuses on the small scale of interactions between individuals.
  • Emphasizes how shared symbols and meanings create social reality.
  • Meanings are created and modified through interactions, and are not permanent or inherent.
  • Interactions with symbols, people, and events shape our beliefs and behavior.

Feminist Theory

  • Feminist theory is a sociological perspective that examines and critiques gender inequality.
  • Focuses on identifying and challenging gender inequalities, discrimination and oppression affecting women in society.
  • Examines power imbalances and struggles between men and women.
  • Critiques the social structures and norms that contribute to gender inequality, such as gender roles, unequal pay, and violence against women.

Rational Choice Theory and Exchange Theory

  • These theories focus on how individuals make decisions and engage in interactions based on costs and benefits.
  • Individuals are motivated to maximize their benefits and minimize their costs.
  • Interactions involve the exchange of resources, such as social approval, money, and gifts.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts in sociology, focusing on conflict theory and social constructionism. Participants will examine the implications of these theories on gender roles and family dynamics. Test your understanding of how reality is socially constructed and the critiques surrounding these theories.

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