Sociology Lecture Series: Seeing and Thinking
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of the institution hypothesis?

  • Cultural traditions affecting economic activities
  • Natural influences on economic behaviors
  • Social behaviors of individuals in isolation
  • Economic policies and man-made influences (correct)
  • What does intra-generational social mobility refer to?

  • Changes in an individual's social status within their lifetime (correct)
  • Differences in social status among various families
  • Economic mobility across different regions
  • Changes in an individual's social status over generations
  • Which of the following factors is NOT associated with the relationship between inequality and social mobility?

  • Access to legacy college admissions
  • Class-based neighborhood effects
  • Availability of affordable housing (correct)
  • Class-based child-rearing practices
  • Which statement best captures a common misconception about the family?

    <p>Families have always existed in their current form. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concept involves the examination of relationships and structural mobility?

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

    What role do families play in social change?

    <p>They are agents of social change through evolving norms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of social mobility involves upward or downward shifts in status?

    <p>Intra-generational mobility (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of 'vertical mobility' in a social context?

    <p>Shifts in social status that can be upward or downward (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the process by which organizations evolve to resemble others facing similar conditions?

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

    Which mechanism of organizational isomorphism is characterized by pressures from legal or political sources?

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

    According to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, what is the primary cause of inequality in society?

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

    What concept refers to the hierarchical organization of society into distinct groups based on economic resources, prestige, and power?

    <p>Social Stratification (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the isomorphism that occurs when organizations copy successful models from others?

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

    Which theoretical perspective views inequality as a necessary incentive for hard work and economic growth?

    <p>Later Enlightenment Thinkers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of social groups, what differentiates in-groups from out-groups?

    <p>In-groups hold more power or status compared to out-groups. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What system is described as a religion-based, closed hierarchical organization?

    <p>Caste System (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of feminism as described in the content?

    <p>Achieving equal opportunities and respect for all genders (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which theory critiques traditional sex roles by questioning their functional basis?

    <p>Talcott Parson’s sex role theory (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'matrix of domination' refer to in the context of intersectionality theory?

    <p>The interconnected systems of oppression impacting individuals (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the 'glass ceiling' refer to in the context of gender stratification?

    <p>The invisible barriers preventing women's advancement in organizations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which concept focuses on gender as a performance in daily interactions?

    <p>Doing gender (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the primary mechanisms of gender inequality mentioned in the content?

    <p>Occupational segregation by gender (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does conflict theory explain women's economic disadvantages?

    <p>By focusing on the roles of capitalism and patriarchy in subordination (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of 'pink-collar' jobs as described in the content?

    <p>They primarily exist in service or care professions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary model of a family that emerged in the post-WWI era?

    <p>Nuclear family with male breadwinner and female homemaker (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements describes a trend affecting families in East Asia?

    <p>Rising childlessness as a response to economic conditions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Gender Equity Theory suggest regarding contemporary family dynamics?

    <p>Women face a consistent tension between work opportunities and household responsibilities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which family model was predominantly seen as normal during the early to mid-20th century?

    <p>Traditional family model with male breadwinner and female homemaker (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the 'second shift' problem faced by women today?

    <p>Women managing both paid employment and unpaid household work. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a crucial requirement for establishing causality in research?

    <p>Ruling out alternative explanations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of family arrangements in the US has notably changed from 1960 to 2015?

    <p>A rise in varied living arrangements for children. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method is primarily associated with qualitative research?

    <p>In-depth interviews (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a theoretical framework used to explain family trends?

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

    Which role do family interactions primarily fulfill?

    <p>Providing intimacy and responsible childrearing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which reasoning approach involves starting with a theory to create a hypothesis?

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

    What is the ethical principle that ensures participants can leave a study at their discretion?

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

    What term describes altering or omitting data to support research claims?

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

    How is material culture defined?

    <p>Physical objects created by society (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the social sciences, what does the term 'norms' refer to?

    <p>Rules expected to be followed by individuals (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which act established principles for research involving human subjects in the US?

    <p>The National Research Act (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is race primarily understood according to current social perspectives?

    <p>As a cultural construct that is subject to change (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What historical example is used to illustrate changes in racial classifications?

    <p>Irish immigrants being regarded as non-white until the mid-20th century (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definition of racism as discussed?

    <p>Beliefs that different races possess unequal traits (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes race from ethnicity in social contexts?

    <p>Race is externally imposed and based on physical differences, while ethnicity is self-defined and based on cultural identity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by 'color-blind racism'?

    <p>Ignoring race entirely and promoting equal treatment without considering social context (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do prejudice and discrimination differ?

    <p>Prejudice is an emotional bias, whereas discrimination involves harmful actions against a specific racial group. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following represents a characteristic of race?

    <p>It is culturally created and fluid over time. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a core belief associated with racism?

    <p>All races have equal potential regardless of heritage. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Causality

    A relationship where one event directly causes another. Requires correlation, time order, and ruling out alternative explanations.

    Quantitative Research

    Converts social information into numbers. Uses surveys, experiments, and statistical analyses to find trends, compare groups, and test correlation/causation.

    Qualitative Research

    Focuses on understanding meanings people assign to experiences, environments, and objects. Uses in-depth interviews, observations, and archival reviews.

    Deductive Reasoning

    Starts with a theory, develops a hypothesis, collects data, and analyzes it to confirm or reject the initial theory.

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    Inductive Reasoning

    Starts with data or patterns, analyzes them to build a theory, and draws conclusions based on the findings.

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    Material Culture

    Physical objects created by society, including technology, buildings, and everyday items.

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    Non-Material Culture

    Values, beliefs, norms, language, and symbols shared by a society.

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    Values vs. Norms

    Values are abstract, moral beliefs about what is good or bad. Norms are specific rules of conduct expected of everyone in a society.

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    Institutional Isomorphism

    Organizations become more alike over time due to similar pressures and influences.

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    Coercive Isomorphism

    Organizations change due to external pressures, like laws or regulations.

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    Mimetic Isomorphism

    Organizations copy successful models or practices from others.

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    Normative Isomorphism

    Organizations adopt professional standards and norms to gain legitimacy.

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    Social Stratification

    The hierarchical arrangement of individuals and groups within society based on unequal distribution of resources, prestige, and power.

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    Inequality

    Unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and wealth amongst social groups.

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    Jean-Jacques Rousseau's View on Inequality

    Rousseau believed private property creates inequality and fuels social conflict. He rejected the idea that progress through science and technology would solve social problems.

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    Later Enlightenment Thinkers View on Inequality

    Enlightenment thinkers argued that while private property is a consequence of surplus, it also serves as an incentive for hard work and economic growth.

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    Sex vs. Gender

    Sex refers to biological differences between males and females, while gender refers to socially constructed roles and behaviors attributed to each sex.

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    Intersex Individuals

    People born with sex characteristics that don't fit typical male or female definitions (e.g., chromosomes, hormones, genitals).

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    Gender Inequality

    Unequal distribution of power, resources, and opportunities based on gender.

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    Feminist Theories

    Theories advocating for equal rights, opportunities, and respect for women.

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    Talcott Parsons’ Sex Role Theory

    Traditional view of gender roles in society: Men are breadwinners, women are homemakers. This theory is criticized for being outdated and justifying gender inequalities.

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    Conflict Theories

    Argues that gender inequality stems from capitalism and patriarchy, where women face economic disadvantages.

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    Doing Gender

    Gender is an ongoing performance in daily interactions, shaping how we act and are perceived.

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    Intersectionality Theory

    Recognizes how gender intersects with other factors (race, class, etc.) contributing to diverse experiences of inequality.

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    Institution Hypothesis

    A theory that emphasizes how institutions, policies, and politics shape economic outcomes. It suggests that strong property rights encourage investment and participation in the economy, while constraints on powerful groups prevent exploitation and ensure equal opportunity for broader segments of society.

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    Social Mobility

    The extent to which individuals can move up or down the social hierarchy in a society. It measures the ability of individuals to change their social status throughout their lives or between generations.

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    Intra-generational Mobility

    Changes in an individual's social status within their lifetime. It can be horizontal, involving a change in occupation without altering social standing, or vertical, involving upward or downward movement in the social hierarchy.

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    Inter-generational Mobility

    Changes in social status between generations. It measures how much children's socioeconomic positions differ from their parents'.

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    Mobility Tables

    Data tables used to analyze social mobility by examining the relationships between parental and children's social positions. They help identify structural mobility (changes driven by the economy) and personal mobility (changes based on individual actions).

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    Status Attainment Model

    A model that focuses on how education and socioeconomic background influence an individual's social status. It analyzes the factors that contribute to one's position in society, particularly the role of education in achieving upward mobility.

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    Relationship Between Inequality and Social Mobility

    A strong correlation exists between high income inequality and low intergenerational social mobility. This implies that greater inequality makes it tougher for children to achieve higher socioeconomic positions than their parents.

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    Common Misconceptions About Family

    Popular beliefs about the family that are often inaccurate or overly simplistic. These include the assumptions that a single family type dominates, family has always existed in its current form, family provides a safe haven from the world, and family is independent from broader social influences.

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    Race as Social Construct

    The idea that race is not based solely on biology but is instead created through social and cultural factors, with classifications evolving over time.

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    Racism

    Beliefs that different races possess unequal traits and that one race is inherently superior to others.

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    Racial Fluidity

    The idea that racial categories are not fixed but are fluid and can change based on social factors, self-identification, or external classification.

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    Ethnicity

    A self-defined sense of belonging based on shared culture, language, religion, and customs. It's voluntary and fluid.

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    Prejudice

    A preconceived negative attitude or bias towards a particular racial or ethnic group.

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    Stereotype

    A generalized assumption about a group based on their membership, which can be either positive or negative.

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    Discrimination

    Harmful actions taken against a specific racial group, based on prejudice and stereotypes.

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    Color-blind Racism

    A new form of racism that claims to ignore race and treat everyone equally, but perpetuates discrimination by ignoring historical context and systemic inequalities.

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    Nuclear Family

    A family structure consisting of two parents and their children, typically considered the traditional family model in the Western world.

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    Second Shift

    The unpaid domestic labor and childcare responsibilities that women often take on in addition to their paid work outside the home.

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    Family as a Social Institution

    A social structure that shapes individual behaviors and relationships, provides a sense of belonging, and serves important functions like socialization and care.

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    Cult of Domesticity

    A set of beliefs and values emphasizing women's roles in the home, focusing on domesticity, motherhood, and nurturing.

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    Shrinking Birth Rates

    A decline in the number of children born per woman in a population over time.

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    Rising Childlessness

    An increasing trend of couples choosing not to have children.

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    Second Demographic Transition

    A theory explaining shifts in family patterns, primarily driven by changing attitudes towards marriage, fertility, and individual life choices.

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    Gender Equity Theory

    A theory examining the tension between women's opportunities in the workforce and their traditional family obligations.

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    Study Notes

    Lecture 2: Seeing and Thinking Like a Sociologist

    • C. Wright Mills (1959): sociologist at Columbia University, focused on how to understand current situations
    • Sociological Imagination: analyzing personal troubles in relation to public issues
    • Peter Berger's perspective (1963): sociology should be value-free; objective data collection and analysis, without personal biases
    • Debunking motif: questioning assumptions to uncover underlying meanings
    • Depaysement: viewing familiar situations with a fresh perspective
    • Sociology in practice: Holocaust example (Zygmunt Bauman) - modern technologies, bureaucracy, and societal structures played a role in the Holocaust.

    Lecture 4: The Development of Sociological Thinking

    • Theories explain why things happen, not just what
    • Multiple theories regarding industrialization, urbanization, and capitalism (Marx, Weber, Durkheim) -Marx: Capitalism's impact on individuals and society predicts a downfall due to internal conflicts and crisis -Weber: Explored the interplay of economic structures, culture, and ideas in the development of capitalism; including Calvinism's role
    • Durkheim: examined urbanization's impact on community and solidarity.

    Lecture 5: A Gentle Introduction to Sociological Research Methods

    • Scientific research methods focus on empirical evidence and systematic observation
    • Steps in the scientific method: (1) ask questions, (2) formulate a theory, (3) formulate a hypothesis (4) design and conduct a study (5), draw conclusions
    • Hypotheses and variables:
    • Independent variable: the factor believed to cause change
    • Dependent variable: the outcome or effect being studied
    • Additional variables: mediator (how), and moderator (influence strength/direction) variables
    • Correlation vs. Causation: correlation is an association between 2 variables not that one necessarily cause the other
    • Quantitative approach: collecting and analyzing numerical data (surveys, experiments)
    • Qualitative approach: understanding social phenomena through interviews, observations, and analysis (in-depth interviews, participant observation)
    • Two reasoning approaches: deductive (theory → hypothesis → data) and inductive (data/patterns → analysis → theory)

    Lecture 6: Fundamental Concept I: Culture

    • Sociological definition of culture: encompassing all aspects of human life not inherent in nature
    • Material culture: physical objects
    • Non-material culture: values, norms, beliefs, symbols
    • Key concepts: values, norms, beliefs, symbols
    • Media's role: influencing and shaping beliefs and behaviors
    • Historical examples: BLM, Nazi propaganda

    Lecture 8: Fundamental Concepts II: Networks, Groups, and Organizations

    • Key concepts of social network analysis (SNA):
    • Embeddedness & Strength of Weak Ties (Granovetter, 1985): social and economic actions integrated within social connections
    • Structural Holes: points of connection between individuals or groups with no direct ties
    • Six Degrees of Separation: the idea everyone is connected by a small number of intermediaries
    • Social Capital: resources and benefits gained through social connections (individual or societal levels).

    Lecture 9: Social Stratification and Inequality

    • Inequality: Unequal distribution of resources, wealth, and opportunities among social groups
    • Social Stratification: hierarchical organization of society into groups based on economic resources, prestige, and power
    • Theoretical perspectives on inequality (Rousseau, later Enlightenment Thinkers, Georg Hegel)

    Lecture 11: Gender and Gender Inequality

    • Sex vs Gender: sex refers to biological characteristics, gender are the roles and societal expectations that are associated with either sex
    • Feminist theories: men and women should be treated equally in terms of opportunities, and respect
    • Conflict theories: capitalism and patriarchy create inequalities
    • "Doing gender": gender are performed
    • Intersectionality: recognizes how different identities intersect and impact experience.

    Lecture 12: Race and Ethnicity

    • Race as a social construct: a concept shaped by cultural and historical contexts, not exclusively biological
    • Defining racism: beliefs that different races possess inherently unequal traits
    • Racial fluidity: understanding that race can be flexible and impermanent, shaped by self-identification and external classifications
    • Racism examples; historical context of race
    • Prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination: negative attitudes and harmful actions towards racial and ethnic groups.

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