Psychology condense p 98-104 Sociology: Large Societies and Theories
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Questions and Answers

According to functionalism, how do changes in production, distribution, or coordination affect social stability?

  • They lead to a restructuring of all institutions to completely abandon previous structures and allow for free individual development.
  • They are mostly ignored as individuals are free to change roles as they wish and to create new independent structures.
  • They force other societal elements to adapt in order to maintain a stable state of mutual interdependence. (correct)
  • They cause immediate societal collapse due to the disruption of established norms.

What is a key criticism of the functionalist perspective on society?

  • It largely disregards the individual, focusing primarily on the role of institutions and is limited in explaining social change and conflict. (correct)
  • It overemphasizes the role of individual actions in maintaining social order.
  • It fails to consider the importance of cultural values and common experiences.
  • It overstates the significance of conflict in driving social change; institutions change quickly and easily.

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'class consciousness' as proposed by Karl Marx?

  • The acceptance of the status quo, and the belief that societal inequality is natural and just.
  • The awareness of ethnic and cultural differences that lead to group dominance.
  • The proletariat's recognition of their shared position and desire for change due to their inequality. (correct)
  • The bourgeoisie's understanding of their power and position in society.

In the context of conflict theory, what is the 'antithesis' in relation to the 'thesis'?

<p>The desire for change that challenges the existing social structure. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Ludwig Gumplowicz expand upon Karl Marx's conflict theory?

<p>He proposed that society is shaped by conflict arising from war/conquest and ethnic/cultural dominance. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept is most central to symbolic interactionism?

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

According to symbolic interactionism, how do individuals develop meanings?

<p>Through social interactions and thought processes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best reflects a criticism of symbolic interactionism?

<p>It does not account for structural inequalities in society (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is primarily credited with developing symbolic interactionism?

<p>George Herbert Mead (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which core idea is NOT a direct tenant of Herbert Blumer concerning symbolic interactionism?

<p>Meanings are largely static and unchanging (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theory is described as originating from conflict theory by the text?

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

Which of these concepts is MOST associated with feminist theory, according to the text?

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

Which of the following is NOT a primary assumption of rational choice theory as it applies to social resources?

<p>Subjectivity of interpretation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'gender differences' perspective within feminist theory primarily examine?

<p>How expectations for gender are transmitted and vary between men and women (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Exchange theory, when applied to social interactions, primarily views society as which of the following?

<p>A series of interactions between individuals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept describes how health can affect an individual's social mobility?

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

According to exchange theory, how are interactions between individuals primarily determined?

<p>By a weighing of rewards and punishments (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains the basic principle underlying exchange theory?

<p>Behavior in interactions can be predicted by comparing rewards and punishments. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to exchange theory, why do people form relationships?

<p>To benefit themselves through interdependence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common critique of exchange theory?

<p>It assumes individuals always act rationally. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following social theories places an emphasis on how a society can exist over time, constantly striving towards equilibrium?

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

According to social constructionism, what determines the value of an object like money?

<p>The agreement within a society that it holds value. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sociological theory focuses on how individuals behave based on the meanings they give to things?

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

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic associated with traditional views of women, as described in the provided text?

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

What is a key characteristic of a patriarchal society?

<p>Men serving as the governing body and heads of families (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theory would suggest that societal changes occur through the merging of opposing viewpoints?

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

A business adapting to online shopping trends is an example of which concept?

<p>Institutional adaptation to instability (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the example of Ben Barres and Barbara Barres illustrate in the provided text?

<p>The inherent difference in recognition based on gender roles (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept suggests that people make decisions by weighing the costs and benefits of their actions?

<p>Rational Choice Theory (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of 'gender oppression', what does the text indicate about the function of family?

<p>It benefits men by upholding traditional labor roles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does feminist theory emphasize about gender roles in society?

<p>Gender roles are often forced and lead to inequalities within patriarchal societies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the theory of 'structural oppression' link women's inequality to?

<p>Capitalism, patriarchy, and racism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea of 'Rational Choice Theory', as described in the text?

<p>People make decisions by assessing costs and benefits. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

From a functionalist perspective, what is the role of medicine in society?

<p>To return individuals to a functional state of health. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theory applies rational choice theory to social interactions, focusing on rewards and punishments?

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

What assumption is central to Rational Choice Theory, according to the text?

<p>People act as if they are weighing costs and benefits of each action. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common association in relation to gender?

<p>Men are associated with the mind, and women with the body (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes how individual self-interest can impact the healthcare system?

<p>It influences decisions made by healthcare professionals, potentially impacting patient care. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the information provided, what is a potential consequence of living in a 'food desert'?

<p>Difficulty in obtaining the necessary nutrients for a healthy life. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of sociological studies when examining age cohorts?

<p>Examining the impact of societal events on people within the same age range. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the dependency ratio calculated, based on the text provided?

<p>By comparing the number of people over 65 not in the labor force to the number of people in the labor force. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the life course theory propose about aging?

<p>It's a social, psychological, and biological process that starts at birth until death. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the age stratification theory, what is the role of age in society?

<p>It is used to regulate behavior within a generation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to activity theory, why is it important for the elderly to replace lost activities?

<p>To maintain their sense of engagement and well-being. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a main concept of continuity theory as it relates to aging?

<p>People maintain similar patterns in life through external and internal changes relating to aging. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Interdependence in Large Societies

In large societies, people depend on each other because they specialize in different roles.

Social Change and Adaptation

The idea that when one part of society changes, other parts must adjust to maintain stability.

Conflict Theory

A theoretical approach that focuses on power imbalances and conflicts between different groups in society.

Class Consciousness

The belief that the working class will realize their shared struggle and unite to demand change.

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Thesis, Antithesis, and Synthesis

A theory that proposes that social change occurs through a cyclical process of conflict, compromise, and synthesis.

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Patriarchy

A social system where men hold primary power and authority in social, political, and economic spheres, often at the expense of women.

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Gender oppression

The systematic mistreatment and oppression of women based on their gender, leading to unequal opportunities and power.

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Rational choice theory

A theory that emphasizes the inherent rationality of human behavior, suggesting people make decisions by weighing costs and benefits to maximize their self-interest.

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Gender inequality

The belief that women's subordination to men is a natural and inevitable feature of society.

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Structural oppression

Women's oppression and inequality are rooted in interconnected systems of power, including capitalism, patriarchy, and racism.

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Domestic labor

Labor performed within the home, traditionally associated with women, including childcare, housework, and cooking.

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Institution of family

The idea that the family as an institution primarily benefits men, as it allows them to access the resources and support of women's unpaid labor.

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Gender roles

The systematic and socially constructed differences between men and women in their roles, opportunities, and responsibilities.

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Symbolic Interactionism

A sociological perspective that emphasizes the subjective meanings people ascribe to things and how those meanings shape their actions and interactions.

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Meaning-Making

The process of assigning meaning to objects, events, and people based on individual experiences and social interactions.

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Language as a tool for meaning

The way people use language to communicate and generate meaning through interaction.

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Collective Meaning System

The shared understanding of symbols and their meanings in a particular social group.

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Meaning and Interpretation

The key concept in symbolic interactionism that emphasizes the dynamic and evolving nature of meaning.

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Feminist Theory

A theoretical approach that analyzes gender roles and inequalities in society by looking at how societal structures create and maintain them.

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Gender Difference

The idea that gender expectations are passed down through generations, shaping the roles and behaviors of women and men.

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Women's Experiences of Inequality

A major theme discussed in feminist theory which refers to the negative experiences women face due to their gender, including prejudice, stereotypes, and suppression.

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Age Cohorts

Groups of people born around the same time who share similar experiences and cultural influences.

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Dependency Ratio

A measure that compares the number of people aged 65 and over who are not part of the workforce to the number of people in the working age group.

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Life Course Theory

The idea that aging is a complex process that involves social, psychological, and biological changes throughout life.

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Age Stratification Theory

This theory suggests that society uses age as a way to regulate behavior and expectations.

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Activity Theory

This theory focuses on how older adults maintain their sense of self and well-being by replacing lost activities and social roles with new ones.

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Disengagement Theory

This theory suggests that older adults gradually withdraw from society and become more self-absorbed.

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Continuity Theory

This theory proposes that people strive to maintain similar lifestyles and habits throughout their lives, adapting to internal and external changes as they age.

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Food Deserts

Areas with limited access to affordable and nutritious food.

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Exchange Theory

A theory in sociology that states that people behave in ways that maximize their own rewards and minimize their costs. This involves weighing the benefits and consequences of each interaction.

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Sexual Selection

A type of natural selection that occurs when individuals of one sex prefer specific traits in individuals of the opposite sex, leading to the evolution of those traits. Think of peacocks' tails.

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Social Selection

A theory that suggests an individual's health can influence their social standing and that social conditions can affect reproductive rates. This is about how social factors impact health and reproduction.

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Independence of Irrelevant Alternatives

The assumption that adding a new option will not change the ranking of existing ones. Think of choosing from a menu - a new dish won't change your ranking of the first three.

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Completeness Assumption (in Exchange Theory)

The assumption that all actions can be ranked based on desirability. This is about how people assign a value to each option in a situation. Think of a rating system.

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Transitivity Assumption (in Exchange Theory)

The assumption that if A is preferable to B, and B is preferable to C, then A must also be preferable to C. This is a consistency rule. Think of a 'chain reaction' of preferences.

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Basic principle of Exchange Theory

The core concept of exchange theory - behavior is driven by maximizing rewards and minimizing punishments in social interactions. Think of a mental 'ledger' of costs and benefits.

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Interdependence in Exchange Theory

A key aspect of exchange theory that highlights the interdependence of individuals in building relationships. This means we rely on each other for support, gains, and well-being.

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Social Constructionism

Focuses on how society constructs meaning and value. Things don't have inherent meaning; we give them meaning through shared agreement. For example, money has no real value, but we agree it has value, making it valuable.

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Functionalism

Views societies as stable systems with interconnected parts that function together. When there's disruption (like illness), the system seeks to restore balance.

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Rational Choice in Social Interaction

This perspective suggests that people make rational choices in social situations, aiming to maximize their benefits and minimize their costs. It's a way of understanding how people interact within social systems.

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Study Notes

Large Societies and Interdependence

  • Individuals in large societies become interdependent, specializing in different roles.
  • Functionalism suggests that social change necessitates adaptation to maintain stability, focusing on institutions' adjustments.
  • Conflict theory, based on Karl Marx's ideas, highlights inequalities and class struggles.

Conflict Theory

  • 19th-century Europe was capitalist, featuring a rich bourgeoisie and a poor proletariat.
  • Marx believed this class struggle would inevitably lead to societal change.
  • Class consciousness within the lower class promotes change.
  • Thesis (existing conditions), antithesis (opposition to existing conditions), and synthesis (compromise) represent stages of conflict and eventual societal change.

Ludwig Gumplowicz

  • He extended Marx's theories, emphasizing that war and cultural conflicts shape society, leading to dominant groups.

Max Weber

  • Weber argued that the collapse of capitalism wasn't inevitable, emphasizing the role of factors moderating reactions to inequality.

Conflict Theory (continued)

  • Conflict theories explain significant societal changes, but don't fully address societal stability or unity.
  • Conflict theory models drastic changes but overlooks societal stability and unity.

Social Constructionism

  • Social constructs are concepts/practices agreed upon, regardless of inherent value (e.g., money).
  • Knowledge is a social construct, existing due to social agreement, not inherent reality.
  • Identities are shaped by interactions with others.
  • Weak social constructionism posits that social constructs are based on fundamental "brute facts".
  • Strong social constructionism posits that all reality is a social construct.

Symbolic Interactionism

  • This perspective focuses on small-scale interactions.
  • Society is built up by everyday interactions, emphasizing subjective meanings.
  • Meanings are assigned to things through interactions and language; these meanings can influence behavior.
  • Human behavior and social interactions are central to this theory.

Feminist Theory

  • Feminist theory critiques macro perspectives.
  • It examines societal stratification and inequalities, specifically focusing on gender.
  • Different types of feminist theories emerged, emphasizing gender differences, inequality, and oppression.

Rational Choice Theory and Exchange Theory

  • These theories center on economics, viewing people as rational actors who weigh costs and benefits.
  • Exchange theory applies rational choice to social interactions, emphasizing the exchange of resources.
  • People act in self-interest, driven by personal desires and goals.

Social Theories Overview

  • Functionalism emphasizes societal stability and equilibrium.
  • Conflict theory highlights ongoing change due to societal conflicts.
  • Social constructionism examines how society creates its reality through agreed-upon meanings.
  • Symbolic interactionism focuses on individual interactions and the creation of meaning.

Rational Choice Theory Assumptions

  • People act in ways that maximize benefits and minimize costs.
  • Behavior is based on subjective values and standards.
  • Interaction is influenced by information, standards, and perspectives.

Relating Social Theories to Medicine

  • Functionalism views medicine as maintaining societal equilibrium.
  • Conflict theory examines the unequal access to healthcare.
  • Social constructionism considers how illness is defined.
  • Symbolic interactionism analyzes the doctor-patient relationship, influenced by the meanings each party assigns to the interaction.

Demographics (continued)

  • Societal changes affect demographics, particularly age groups/generations.
  • The aging population is a significant demographic trend.

Age Stratification Theory

  • Age is a factor in regulating behavior, impacting activity, disengagement, and continuity throughout life.
  • Societal roles and expectations are based on age.

Race and Ethnicity

  • Race is a social construct influenced by physical differences and social perceptions.
  • Racial formation theory explains how societal forces craft racial identities.

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Psychology: Social Theories (Pages 98-104) PDF

Description

Explore the dynamics of large societies and the theories that explain their interdependence and conflicts. This quiz delves into functionalism, conflict theory, and the contributions of theorists like Marx, Gumplowicz, and Weber. Test your understanding of how social structures and roles evolve.

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