Sociology Paradigms Quiz

Theoretical frameworks that guide how sociologists understand and interpret social phenomena.

Perspective that views society as a complex system with interconnected parts working together to maintain stability.

Views society as characterized by competition and struggle among groups for scarce resources.

Focuses on micro-level interactions and the meanings people create in everyday life.

Systematic plans for gathering and analyzing observations in research.

A statement that suggests a possible relationship between two variables.

A broad viewpoint that focuses on large-scale social structures and institutions (e.g., the economy, education system).

The internal conflict African Americans feel, seeing themselves through a prejudiced society's lens.

Society's structure is shaped by racial tensions due to unequal resources and power.

Understanding one's place in society.

Focuses on how societal structures perpetuate gender inequality, challenging traditional functionalist views.

Women were excluded from academia until the 20th century.

A shift from traditionalism to rational thought, characterized by rational methods, calculability, and methodical behavior.

Adoption of rational methods like calculability and methodical behavior.

Three types of authority - traditional, legal-rational, and charismatic.

Pioneer sociologist who made sociology accessible and critiqued U.S. values; introduced sampling and cross-cultural studies, gaining feminist recognition later.

Behavior that goes against societal norms (e.g., crimes, veganism). It's socially constructed, not inherently bad.

Mechanisms that regulate behavior using sanctions (both positive and negative). It helps maintain order in society.

Groups purposefully formed to achieve specific goals (e.g., IRS, Google). They have a structured hierarchy and procedures.

Organized systems with specialization, hierarchy, and rules for efficiency. It's often found in large organizations.

Challenges that arise in bureaucratic organizations, like inefficiency, rigid rules, elite rule, and worker dissatisfaction.

A lifelong process where individuals learn societal norms, values, and behaviors, shaping their personality and identity.

The initial socialization process occurring within the family, shaping fundamental values and beliefs.

Socialization outside the family, taking place in schools, workplaces, and peer groups, expanding social knowledge.

Non-financial assets, such as education, skills, and knowledge, that provide advantages in society.

Unofficial lessons learned in schools, beyond academic content, such as social norms and expectations.

The impact of peer groups on individual behaviors, shaping social norms and trends.

Groups that individuals use as benchmarks for comparing their own behaviors and values.

Groups individuals feel a sense of belonging and identify with.

Groups individuals view as different or opposing their interests.

Connections and relationships that individuals have with others, providing potential support and resources.

A group of people sharing a common culture and territory. This includes shared values, beliefs, and traditions that shape how they live.

The process of how societies transform with the development of new technologies, leading to changes in social organization and ways of life.

Small, nomadic groups that rely on hunting animals and gathering plants for survival. They have low social inequality and are focused on immediate needs.

Societies that domesticate plants and animals, leading to resource surplus, specialization, and more complex social structures, with increased inequality.

Advanced farming societies with large populations, complex social hierarchies, and the rise of institutions. These societies exhibit greater inequality.

Societies powered by machines and factories, leading to urbanization, a decline in traditional family roles, and a rise in public institutions.

Societies dominated by information and service industries, where technological advancements and financial wealth are important. This era sees heightened global inequality.

Social change is driven by economic conflict between social classes, with inequality increasing as societies become more advanced.

Ideas and rationalization play a crucial role in social change, particularly from agrarian to industrial societies. Not just technology, but also beliefs drive transformation.

Societies are held together by different types of social solidarity: simple, traditional societies have 'Mechanical Solidarity' while complex, specialized ones have 'Organic Solidarity'.