Sociology Lesson 2: theory and research methods

Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of sociology?

Understanding the social world

Who are the 'big three grandfathers of sociology'?

Max Weber, Karl Marx, and Emil Durkheim

What was the primary motivation for developing sociology?

To apply the scientific method to society

What is the scientific method comprised of?

Theorizing and empirical research Signup and view all the answers

When did sociology emerge as a distinct field of study?

After the Enlightenment period in Europe Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between sociology and the scientific method?

Sociology is an application of the scientific method to society Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of sociologists?

To understand the social world Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Max Weber, Karl Marx, and Emil Durkheim in sociology?

They are the founders of sociology Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of empirical research?

To observe and test phenomena Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of testing a theory by observing the world and creating a theory based on those observations?

Inductive reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of using empirical research to test a theory?

Dropping a pen to test the theory of gravity Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of creating a theory and then testing it?

Deductive reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a theory that was created using inductive reasoning?

The theory of gravity Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of testing a theory?

To understand the phenomenon Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a phenomenon that does not follow the theory of gravity?

A helium balloon Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of using empirical research to create a theory and then test it?

The scientific method Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a myth that was created using empirical research?

The story of Sir Isaac Newton and the apple Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using empirical research in the scientific method?

To understand phenomena Signup and view all the answers

What is a theory in the context of social science?

A generalization or simplification that helps understand patterns or predict behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of empirical research in science?

To test theories to be true or not true Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a theory in economics?

The law of demand Signup and view all the answers

What happens when people's incomes go up, according to the theory of demand?

They tend to substitute out cheap goods for more expensive ones Signup and view all the answers

What is the limitation of a theory in social science?

It is sometimes correct, but not always Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to test theories empirically?

To determine if a theory is correct or not Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a good that people tend to buy less of when their income goes up?

Potatoes Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between income and demand, according to the theory of demand?

As income increases, demand always increases Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using statistics and empirical investigation in social science?

To determine if a theory is correct or not Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of a good theory in social science?

It is a statement about the world Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial step in creating a theory about the world?

Looking at the world and creating a theory inductively Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of testing a theory using the scientific method?

To understand if the theory always holds true Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of social sciences in policy-making?

To develop theoretical understandings and create policies Signup and view all the answers

What is the foundation of sociology according to the passage?

Physics, biology, culture, and politics Signup and view all the answers

What is a policy?

A plan of action to influence outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What is one way to test the existence of patriarchy?

Comparing the salaries of men and women with the same job and education level Signup and view all the answers

What did Sir Isaac Newton say about understanding people?

He could calculate the motion of heavenly bodies but not the madness of people Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of testing a theory empirically in social sciences?

To understand the validity of the theory Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an unprovable assumption in social sciences?

Humans are fundamentally greedy Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of sociologists after discovering evidence of patriarchy?

To design policies to address the issue of patriarchy Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of inductive reasoning in scientific inquiry?

It is used to create theories about the world Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental premise of the discipline of economics?

Humans are fundamentally greedy Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a policy that sociologists might develop to address patriarchy?

Implementing quotas for women in leadership positions Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of deductive reasoning in the scientific method?

It is used to test theories Signup and view all the answers

Why are theories in the social sciences often contentious?

Because they are complex and involve human interaction Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of making assumptions in social sciences?

To create theories and policies Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a policy in social sciences?

A plan to convince people to recycle Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of doing an altruistic act, according to the passage?

A dopamine hit Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of testing a theory in social sciences?

It is used to understand the validity of the theory Signup and view all the answers

What is the analogy used by Friedrich Von Hayek to describe the complexity of social sciences?

A tree with branches representing different disciplines Signup and view all the answers

What is one way to measure the existence of patriarchy?

Measuring the amount of incidents of violence against women Signup and view all the answers

Why do people argue about the complexity of sociology?

Because it is incredibly complex and difficult to understand Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of creating a theory about the world?

To understand the world and make informed decisions Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge in understanding sociology, according to the passage?

Difficulty in proving assumptions Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of social scientists in addressing patriarchy?

To design policies to address patriarchy Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a way to test the existence of patriarchy in the workplace?

Comparing the salaries of men and women with the same job and education level Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the example of the guy running towards money tied to his back by a stick?

To illustrate the concept of greed Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of sociologists in studying patriarchy?

To understand how patriarchy affects society Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of arguing about unprovable assumptions in social sciences?

A never-ending cycle of arguments Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a way to measure the existence of patriarchy in politics?

Counting the number of women in parliament Signup and view all the answers

What is the main issue with disproving the statement 'God created the universe'?

It is impossible to prove or disprove it Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental assumption required to do social science?

The universe is real Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following theoretical schools in sociology is concerned with understanding how the world works in order to fix it?

Conflict Theory Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with inventing the term 'sociology' and is considered one of the fathers of sociology?

Comte Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Symbolic Interactionism in sociology?

Analyzing small human interactions Signup and view all the answers

What is the main approach of Structural Functionalism in understanding society?

Descriptive analysis of social structures Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sociologists is associated with Structural Functionalism?

Talcott Parsons Signup and view all the answers

What is the analogy used by Structural Functionalism to understand society?

Society is like an organism Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between Structural Functionalism and Conflict Theory?

One is concerned with understanding how the world works, while the other is concerned with fixing it Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of Sociological theories?

They are competing and ongoing Signup and view all the answers

What is the core idea behind structural functionalism?

That institutions and structures are interconnected and support each other Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the Western European family structure?

Nuclear family Signup and view all the answers

According to structural functionalism, what is the role of the market in society?

To integrate private greed with social need Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the concept that individuals are naturally greedy, but this greed is transformed into social benefit through the market?

The invisible hand Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a dysfunction in society, according to structural functionalism?

Airline overcrowding at Christmas time Signup and view all the answers

Why do structural functionalists tend to be conservative in their views?

Because they believe that change is unnecessary and might disrupt the functioning of society Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary unit of analysis in structural functionalism?

The institution Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe institutions and structures in society, according to structural functionalism?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of structural functionalists in addressing social dysfunctions?

To make tweaks to the system to address the symptoms of the dysfunction Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the family and the economy, according to structural functionalism?

The family is an integral part of the economy and is shaped by it Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary theme depicted in the 1950s coffee commercial?

The strict social order and traditional gender roles Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument of structural functionalism in the context of the free market?

Humans are inherently greedy and the market will regulate itself Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary criticism of structural functionalism?

It is too conservative and resistant to social change Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between conflict theory and structural functionalism?

Conflict theory is more critical of social institutions, while structural functionalism is more conservative Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of conflict theory?

To critique and challenge existing social institutions Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Adam Smith's work in the context of structural functionalism?

He developed the concept of the invisible hand Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of structural functionalism in the context of the family?

The strict social order and traditional gender roles Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of structural functionalism's argument that the free market has a natural mystic element?

The market will naturally regulate itself and lead to better outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between structural functionalism and conflict theory in terms of their views on social institutions?

Structural functionalism sees institutions as a means to maintain social order, while conflict theory sees them as a means to promote social change Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary critique of structural functionalism's view on the free market?

It fails to account for the negative consequences of the free market Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the nuclear family, according to conflict theorists?

To reproduce labor power and maintain the capitalist system Signup and view all the answers

Who is exploited in the capitalist system, according to early conflict theorists?

Both the working-class man and the woman in the nuclear family Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideology promoted by the nuclear family, according to conflict theorists?

Individualism and consumerism Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the woman in the nuclear family, according to conflict theorists?

To create labor power for the working-class man Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the nuclear family, according to conflict theorists?

To maintain the capitalist system and reproduce labor power Signup and view all the answers

Who developed the theory of the nuclear family, according to the text?

Frederick Engels Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the nuclear family and the capitalist system, according to conflict theorists?

The nuclear family is a product of the capitalist system Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of the nuclear family's role in reproducing labor power, according to conflict theorists?

The capitalist system is maintained Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of critical sociology?

To analyze how current institutions and social systems work in the interests of some groups over others Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Industrial Revolution in the development of conflict theory?

It made the conflict between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat clear Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern of conflict theory?

Inequality and conflicts at all levels, including macro and micro levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ideology in the nuclear family, according to conflict theorists?

It reinforces the capitalist system Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used by Karl Marx to describe the wealthy class that owns the means of production?

Bourgeoisie Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used by conflict theorists to describe a belief system that works in the interests of one group over another?

Ideology Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea of conflict theory, according to Marx and Engels?

All institutions and organs of society are set up to work in the interests of the powerful and wealthy bourgeoisie Signup and view all the answers

According to conflict theorists, what is the nature of institutions and structures in society?

They are self-reinforcing but not natural or forever. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of conflict theory at the micro level?

Interactions between men and women in a patriarchal society Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea expressed in John Lennon's song, according to the context?

The exploitation of the working class by the wealthy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used by conflict theorists to describe the social and economic systems that maintain inequality and conflicts?

Structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the education system, according to the context?

To prepare students for a career and to maintain social order. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the famous conflict theorists who developed the concept of bourgeoisie and proletariat?

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the exploitation of peasants in feudal times and the exploitation of workers in capitalist societies?

There is no difference, it's just a different form of exploitation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of conflict theorists?

To describe and analyze conflicts and inequality in society Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary message of the song, according to the context?

That the system is designed to keep people in their place. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of conflict theory at the macro level?

The general economy, national economy, and global level Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why people in the United States are unlikely to move from the poorest to the richest segment, according to the context?

Because statistically, you get rich by being born into a rich family. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Norway in the context of social mobility?

It's the country with the highest rate of social mobility. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the ideology that 'if you work hard, you can be rich like the wealthy'?

To distract people from the reality of exploitation and maintain social order. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the situation in Canada and the United States, according to the context?

Canada has more social mobility and wiggle room. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary criticism of the education system, according to the context?

It's designed to scare people into working and not questioning the system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the Scandinavian countries' social democracies and the United States' approach to social welfare?

The Scandinavian countries have stronger education and healthcare systems, which are seen as key components of their social democracies, whereas the United States prioritizes individual freedom and entrepreneurship. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of symbolic interactionism in sociology?

Examining how people's ideas and ideologies develop in everyday life Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the study on mothers and babies dressed in pink and blue?

It demonstrates how social roles are learned from a young age Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea behind the movie trailer example mentioned in the text?

It demonstrates how boys and girls are socialized to behave differently from a young age Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase 'because they like you' in the context of the movie trailer example?

It demonstrates how mothers rationalize boys' behavior as a sign of affection Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between symbolic interactionism and conflict theory?

Symbolic interactionism focuses on small-scale social interactions, while conflict theory examines large-scale social structures Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea behind the concept of social roles in sociology?

People learn social roles through socialization and interaction with others Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the study on mothers and babies in the context of symbolic interactionism?

It highlights how social roles are learned through interaction and socialization Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between symbolic interactionism and structural functionalism?

Symbolic interactionism focuses on small-scale social interactions, while structural functionalism examines large-scale social structures Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the concept of socialization in the context of symbolic interactionism?

It refers to the process of learning social roles and expectations through interaction and socialization Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The human brain is evolutionarily engineered to be a social species
Sociologists study how humans act as a species and how the social world functions

Sociology and the Scientific Method

Sociology is a social science that applies the scientific method to understand the social world
The scientific method involves two complementary processes: theorizing and empirical research
A theory is a generalization or simplification that predicts patterns or behaviors in the social world
A theory is abstract, conceptual, and written as a statement about the world
Theories can be tested empirically using statistics, experiments, and observation

Empirical Research

Empirical research is the process of systematically observing, testing, and experimenting to understand a phenomenon or test a theory
Examples of empirical research include:
- Testing the theory of gravity by dropping objects
- Analyzing data on income and demand for goods to test the law of demand

Types of Reasoning

Deductive reasoning: using a theory to make predictions and test them
Inductive reasoning: using observations to create a theory

Social science is used to make policy, which is a plan of action to influence outcomes or change the way the world works
Policy is implemented by individuals, groups, businesses, or governments
Examples of policy include:
- Recycling programs
- Vegetarianism
- Affirmative action for women in government

Testing Theories and Developing Policy

Example of testing a theory: patriarchy and discrimination against women
Methods of testing:
- Analyzing journal articles and books
- Comparing wages and job opportunities for men and women
- Examining education levels and representation of women in government
Developing policy based on the theory:
- Implementing quotas for women in government
- Creating programs to support education and work experience for women

Social science is complex and contentious because it involves human behavior and interactions
Theories can be difficult to prove or disprove
Assumptions and fundamental premises of social science can be difficult to prove or disprove, such as the idea that humans are fundamentally greedy### Fundamentally Greedy or Not?
The debate about whether humans are fundamentally greedy or not is unprovable, but it's an ongoing discussion in social sciences.
The concept of dopamine hits, which makes people feel good, raises questions about the motivations behind seemingly selfless acts.

Unprovable Assumptions

Assumptions about the nature of the world, such as the existence of God, are unprovable and can lead to opposing arguments.
In social sciences, assumptions are necessary to study the world, but they can be conflicting and lead to different theoretical arguments.

The Three Major Schools of Sociology

Structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism are the three major schools of sociology.
Each school has its own perspective on how society works and how to study it.

Structural Functionalism

Associated with names like Max Weber, Emile Durkheim, and Talcott Parsons.
A descriptive theory that looks at society as an organism, with institutions and structures working together to maintain equilibrium.
Institutions and structures, such as the family, economy, and health care system, are seen as organs that work together to make society function.
Examples of institutions and structures include markets, education, and government.
The theory is conservative in nature, not wanting to change the existing social structure.

Critiques of Structural Functionalism

Can be seen as conservative, not wanting to fix systemic problems.
The theory assumes that the current social structure is natural and should not be changed.
The nuclear family, in its Western European form, is seen as natural and essential to society's functioning.

Conflict Theory

A general sociological theory that tries to explain the whole world, not just specific parts.
A critical theory that looks at society as a whole, situating institutions and structures in a larger social context.
The theory cares about inequality at all levels, including macro and micro levels.
Conflict theorists see conflicts between different groups, such as men and women, young and old, and different races.
The theory looks at how the structure of society works to maintain inequality.

Founding Works of Conflict Theory

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels' works are foundational to conflict theory.
The theory says that the organs and institutions of society are set up to work in the interests of the powerful and wealthy bourgeoisie.
The nuclear family, as an institution, is seen as a way to reproduce labor power, exploiting the poor and maintaining the power of the wealthy.

Key Concepts in Conflict Theory

Structure: The way society is organized, which can be seen as a prison that keeps some people down.
Ideology: A belief system that works in the interests of one group over another.
Bourgeoisie: The wealthy owners of the means of production.
Proletariat: The poor workers who are exploited by the bourgeoisie.### Conflict Theory
Exploitation of women in the capitalist system is seen as doubly exploited, firstly by the capitalist and secondly by the male worker who is also exploited.
The ideology of the nuclear family, where women are seen as nurturers, is reinforced by the capitalist system.
Families promote individualism and consumerism, teaching children to be hedonistic and selfish, and to define themselves through material possessions.
The ideology of individualism and consumerism is taught in the family and reinforced by the capitalist system, leading to the exploitation of individuals and the maintenance of the social system.

Song by John Lennon

The song "Working Class Hero" by John Lennon reflects conflict theory, suggesting that the education system is designed to scare individuals into working and not questioning the system.
The song critiques the idea that individuals can become rich through hard work, suggesting that the system is designed to keep people in their place.
The lyrics "You're still ******* peasants" suggest that the exploitation of workers is similar to the exploitation of peasants in feudal times.

Statistically, it is unlikely for individuals to move from a poor economic class to a rich one through hard work alone.
In the United States, the largest capitalist country in the world, statistics show that individuals are more likely to remain in their economic class of birth.
However, in countries with strong social democracies, such as Norway, there is more social mobility and individuals are more likely to move from a poor economic class to a rich one.

Symbolic Interactionism

Symbolic interactionism focuses on how people's ideas and ideologies develop, and how social roles are learned and performed.
The study of mothers and babies, where mothers interacted with babies dressed in pink and blue, shows how social roles are learned from a young age.
The study suggests that social roles are learned through symbolic interaction, such as through the color of clothes and the type of toys given to children.

Socialization

The movie trailer example shows how mothers reinforce social roles in children, such as telling a girl that a boy's teasing is a sign of affection.
This type of socialization can lead to the expectation of being treated badly by men and the development of unhealthy relationships.
Symbolic interactionists would investigate these patterns and explore how they are reinforced in society.

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Description

This quiz covers the introduction to the social brain, exploring how the human brain evolved to be a social species. It also delves into the main tenants of sociological theory and research methods, covering classical sociology and influential thinkers.