Sociology Flashcards - Bureaucracy Concepts

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following are key elements of the ideal bureaucratic organization identified by Max Weber? (Select all that apply)

Informality

Specialization (correct)

Hierarchy of authority (correct)

Rules and regulations (correct)

What is the McDonaldization of society?

Principles underlying fast food permeate the rest of society.

What was Max Weber's view of bureaucracy?

He viewed bureaucracy as a natural by-product of rationalization.

What does bureaucratic dysfunction refer to?

Alienation Signup and view all the answers

What does the natural systems approach argue?

Bureaucracies will behave irrationally if this ensures their own survival. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between deviance and crime?

Deviance refers to norm violation, while crime refers to law violation. Signup and view all the answers

What is crime typology?

The classification of crime based on research and statistics. Signup and view all the answers

What does subcultural theory suggest about crime?

Crime is not necessarily deviant but conforms to a different set of norms. Signup and view all the answers

What is Merton's strain theory?

It argues that societal structure encourages too much deviance. Signup and view all the answers

What does the differential association theory argue?

Individuals become deviant when exposed to more deviant peers than conventional ones. Signup and view all the answers

What is the social bond/control theory?

It posits that crime results from weak social ties. Signup and view all the answers

What is the structural-functionalist view of stratification?

Stratification and inequality are necessary. Signup and view all the answers

What is Marxist theory's view on capitalism?

It defines capital as a social, economic relation between people. Signup and view all the answers

What does false consciousness refer to?

Workers identifying with the interests of capitalists. Signup and view all the answers

What is socioeconomic status (SES)?

An objective measure of social class based on wealth, education, and occupation. Signup and view all the answers

What are the types of social mobility?

Intra-generational mobility Signup and view all the answers

What is status inconsistency?

A situation where an individual's social positions have both positive and negative influences on their status. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bureaucracy Characteristics

Max Weber outlined six fundamental features of bureaucracy: specialization, hierarchy of authority, rules and regulations, technical competence, impersonality, and formal written communication.

McDonaldization of Society

Fast food principles have extended into various societal aspects, with McDonald's serving as a symbol of bureaucratic characteristics such as clear labor division and hierarchical structure.

Max Weber's Bureaucracy Perspective

Bureaucracy is viewed by Weber as a natural outcome of rationalization, representing structured administrative processes.

Bureaucratic Dysfunctions

Alienation arises from a disconnect between workers and their tasks, exemplified by the "iron cage" concept, which describes individuals feeling trapped by bureaucratic systems, limiting personal freedom and potential.

Natural Systems Approach

This approach asserts that bureaucracies may act irrationally to ensure their own survival, prioritizing self-preservation over strict adherence to rational processes.

Deviance and Crime Relationships

Deviance relates to norms violations, while crime pertains to law violations. Examples include breaking folkways (e.g., using an umbrella indoors) versus breaching mores (e.g., committing homicide).

Crime Typology

Classification of crime is organized into categories: violent crimes, theft crimes, public order crimes, and organized crimes, facilitating the understanding and prediction of criminal behavior.

Subcultural Theory

Crime is perceived as a form of conformity to different norms rather than a deviation from societal expectations.

Merton's Strain Theory

Society's structure can promote excessive deviance, as there exists a gap between approved means to achieve socially valued goals and the actual cultural aspirations individuals possess.

Differential Association Theory

Deviance develops when individuals experience a higher influence from deviant peers compared to conventional ones, illustrated by street gangs and organized crime like the mafia.

Proposed by Travis Hirschi, this theory argues that weak social ties contribute to criminal behavior, encompassing elements such as attachment to significant others, involvement in community activities, personal commitment, and belief in societal norms.

Structural-Functionalist View of Stratification

Stratification and inequality are seen as essential, categorizing society into systems like slavery, estate, caste, and class, with class systems allowing for social mobility.

Marxist Theory of Capitalism

Capital is viewed as a social relationship, and normative Marxism promotes a revolutionary transformation to socialism, ultimately aiming for communism after the resolution of class conflicts.

False Consciousness

Marx's concept describing the phenomenon where workers identify with the interests of capitalists, undermining their own class interests.

Socioeconomic Status (SES)

Measures social class through wealth, education, and occupation, impacting individuals’ life opportunities and status.

Social mobility reflects shifts within the social hierarchy, classified into intra-generational mobility (changes in status within one’s lifetime), vertical mobility (upward or downward movement), and meritocratic systems (leadership based on abilities).

Status Inconsistency

Refers to individuals possessing both high and low status attributes, leading to conflicting influences on their perceived social standing, where individuals may claim higher status despite receiving lower societal recognition.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts in sociology related to bureaucracy as defined by Max Weber. Discover the characteristics that define bureaucratic organizations and the influence of McDonaldization on society. Test your knowledge with these flashcards today!