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?

Families have always existed in their current form. Signup and view all the answers

What concept involves the examination of relationships and structural mobility?

Mobility tables Signup and view all the answers

What role do families play in social change?

They are agents of social change through evolving norms. Signup and view all the answers

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

Intra-generational mobility Signup and view all the answers

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

Shifts in social status that can be upward or downward Signup and view all the answers

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

Institutional Isomorphism Signup and view all the answers

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

Coercive Isomorphism Signup and view all the answers

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

Private Property 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?

Social Stratification Signup and view all the answers

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

Mimetic Isomorphism Signup and view all the answers

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

Later Enlightenment Thinkers Signup and view all the answers

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

In-groups hold more power or status compared to out-groups. Signup and view all the answers

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

Caste System Signup and view all the answers

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

Achieving equal opportunities and respect for all genders Signup and view all the answers

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

Talcott Parson’s sex role theory Signup and view all the answers

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

The interconnected systems of oppression impacting individuals Signup and view all the answers

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

The invisible barriers preventing women's advancement in organizations Signup and view all the answers

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

Doing gender Signup and view all the answers

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

Occupational segregation by gender Signup and view all the answers

How does conflict theory explain women's economic disadvantages?

By focusing on the roles of capitalism and patriarchy in subordination Signup and view all the answers

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

They primarily exist in service or care professions. Signup and view all the answers

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

Nuclear family with male breadwinner and female homemaker Signup and view all the answers

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

Rising childlessness as a response to economic conditions Signup and view all the answers

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

Women face a consistent tension between work opportunities and household responsibilities. Signup and view all the answers

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

Traditional family model with male breadwinner and female homemaker Signup and view all the answers

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

Women managing both paid employment and unpaid household work. Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial requirement for establishing causality in research?

Ruling out alternative explanations Signup and view all the answers

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

A rise in varied living arrangements for children. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is primarily associated with qualitative research?

In-depth interviews Signup and view all the answers

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

Cultural Assimilation Theory Signup and view all the answers

Which role do family interactions primarily fulfill?

Providing intimacy and responsible childrearing. Signup and view all the answers

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

Deductive reasoning Signup and view all the answers

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

Voluntary participation Signup and view all the answers

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

Falsification Signup and view all the answers

How is material culture defined?

Physical objects created by society Signup and view all the answers

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

Rules expected to be followed by individuals Signup and view all the answers

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

The National Research Act Signup and view all the answers

How is race primarily understood according to current social perspectives?

As a cultural construct that is subject to change Signup and view all the answers

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

Irish immigrants being regarded as non-white until the mid-20th century Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of racism as discussed?

Beliefs that different races possess unequal traits Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes race from ethnicity in social contexts?

Race is externally imposed and based on physical differences, while ethnicity is self-defined and based on cultural identity. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'color-blind racism'?

Ignoring race entirely and promoting equal treatment without considering social context Signup and view all the answers

How do prejudice and discrimination differ?

Prejudice is an emotional bias, whereas discrimination involves harmful actions against a specific racial group. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a characteristic of race?

It is culturally created and fluid over time. Signup and view all the answers

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

All races have equal potential regardless of heritage. Signup and view all the answers

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).

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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Description

Explore key concepts from sociology lectures, including C. Wright Mills' sociological imagination and Peter Berger's value-free perspective. Understand the importance of debunking, depaysement, and the application of sociological theories to societal issues, exemplified by the Holocaust. This quiz challenges you to think critically about sociology's role in interpreting modern challenges.