Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which sociological perspective is most likely to view social stratification as a necessary mechanism for ensuring that the most talented individuals occupy the most important positions in society?
Which sociological perspective is most likely to view social stratification as a necessary mechanism for ensuring that the most talented individuals occupy the most important positions in society?
- Conflict theory
- Functionalism (correct)
- Postmodernism
- Symbolic interactionism
A society's system of social stratification is LEAST likely to affect which of the following?
A society's system of social stratification is LEAST likely to affect which of the following?
- An individual's physical characteristics, such as height or eye color. (correct)
- An individual's exposure to the criminal justice system.
- An individual's opportunities for social mobility.
- An individual's access to healthcare and education.
How would a conflict theorist explain the existence of deviance in society?
How would a conflict theorist explain the existence of deviance in society?
- Deviance arises from a lack of social regulation and weakens social bonds.
- Deviance is learned through interactions with others who are already deviant.
- Deviance is a result of individuals not having equal opportunities to achieve socially approved goals.
- Deviance is defined by those in power to maintain their dominance and suppress challenges to the status quo. (correct)
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of 'labeling theory' in the context of deviance?
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of 'labeling theory' in the context of deviance?
Which of the following research methods is MOST suitable for gaining an in-depth understanding of the everyday experiences of a marginalized community?
Which of the following research methods is MOST suitable for gaining an in-depth understanding of the everyday experiences of a marginalized community?
A researcher wants to study the impact of social media on political polarization. Which research method would be most effective for establishing a cause-and-effect relationship between social media use and political attitudes?
A researcher wants to study the impact of social media on political polarization. Which research method would be most effective for establishing a cause-and-effect relationship between social media use and political attitudes?
Which of the following is NOT a key component of culture?
Which of the following is NOT a key component of culture?
What is the sociological significance of cultural relativism?
What is the sociological significance of cultural relativism?
According to Émile Durkheim, what is the primary function of social institutions?
According to Émile Durkheim, what is the primary function of social institutions?
How does symbolic interactionism differ from functionalism and conflict theory?
How does symbolic interactionism differ from functionalism and conflict theory?
A society that has a high degree of social mobility is most likely to be characterized by:
A society that has a high degree of social mobility is most likely to be characterized by:
Which of the following is an example of informal social control?
Which of the following is an example of informal social control?
What is a key ethical consideration that sociologists must address when conducting research?
What is a key ethical consideration that sociologists must address when conducting research?
The proliferation of smartphones and social media has led to increased cultural exchange and interconnectedness across the globe. This phenomenon is best described as:
The proliferation of smartphones and social media has led to increased cultural exchange and interconnectedness across the globe. This phenomenon is best described as:
Which theorist is most closely associated with the concept of the 'Protestant ethic' and its influence on the development of capitalism?
Which theorist is most closely associated with the concept of the 'Protestant ethic' and its influence on the development of capitalism?
A researcher hypothesizes that increased access to education leads to lower rates of crime. In this scenario, what is the independent variable?
A researcher hypothesizes that increased access to education leads to lower rates of crime. In this scenario, what is the independent variable?
A group of teenagers starts using a new slang that is not understood by older generations. This is an example of:
A group of teenagers starts using a new slang that is not understood by older generations. This is an example of:
Which of the following social theories emphasizes the importance of symbols and language in shaping social interaction and creating meaning?
Which of the following social theories emphasizes the importance of symbols and language in shaping social interaction and creating meaning?
A factory worker who feels alienated from the production process and his fellow workers is experiencing what Karl Marx described as:
A factory worker who feels alienated from the production process and his fellow workers is experiencing what Karl Marx described as:
Which of the following best describes the concept of 'anomie' as defined by Émile Durkheim?
Which of the following best describes the concept of 'anomie' as defined by Émile Durkheim?
Flashcards
Sociology
Sociology
The systematic study of human society and social interaction.
Social Stratification
Social Stratification
A system where society ranks people into categories, which often results in unequal access to resources.
Caste System
Caste System
Stratification based on ascribed status.
Class System
Class System
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Social Mobility
Social Mobility
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Deviance
Deviance
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Social Control
Social Control
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Surveys
Surveys
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Experiments
Experiments
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Ethnography
Ethnography
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Content Analysis
Content Analysis
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Quantitative Research
Quantitative Research
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Qualitative Research
Qualitative Research
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Culture
Culture
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Material Culture
Material Culture
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Non-Material Culture
Non-Material Culture
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Norms
Norms
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Subcultures
Subcultures
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Social Theory
Social Theory
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Functionalism
Functionalism
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Study Notes
- Sociology is the systematic study of human society and social interaction
- It examines societal structures like institutions, communities, and populations
- Social change, conflict, and inequality are a few of the social processes that are studied
- Sociology seeks to grasp how society influences individuals and vice versa
Social Stratification
- Social stratification is a hierarchical system ranking categories of people in society
- This ranking commonly results in unequal access to resources like wealth, power, and prestige
- Stratification systems include caste systems based on ascribed status
- Class systems, based on achieved status, is another stratification system
- Social mobility is the capacity to move within the stratification system
- Functionalist viewpoints consider stratification essential for societal function
- Conflict perspectives highlight how stratification sustains inequality
Deviance and Social Control
- Deviance involves actions violating social norms that provoke negative responses
- What constitutes deviance varies across cultures and time
- Strain theory suggests deviance arises from lacking legitimate means to achieve societal goals
- Conflict theories posit that those in power define deviance to maintain their dominance
- Labeling theory examines how being labeled deviant can lead to further deviance
- Social control involves mechanisms regulating conduct and maintaining order in society
- Formal mechanisms include laws and the criminal justice system
- Social norms and customs are examples of informal mechanisms
Sociological Research Methods
- Sociological research uses systematic methods to investigate social phenomena
- Surveys gather data from a sample of individuals through questionnaires or interviews
- Experiments are preformed to manipulate variables to determine cause-and-effect relationships
- Ethnography involves immersing oneself in a social setting to observe and understand behavior
- Texts or media is analyzed to identify patterns and themes through content analysis
- Quantitative research centers on numerical data and statistical analysis
- Qualitative research focuses on the meaning and interpretation of social phenomena
- Ethical considerations are important, including informed consent, confidentiality, and avoiding harm
Cultural Sociology
- Culture encompasses shared values, beliefs, norms, symbols, and practices of a group
- Material culture comprises the physical objects a society creates
- Non-material culture refers to abstract ideas and beliefs
- Cultural values are general principles about what is good or desirable
- Norms are rules or expectations for behavior
- Subcultures are groups within a larger society having distinct values, beliefs, and norms
- Cultural change is the transformation of culture over time
- Innovation and diffusion contribute to cultural change
- Cultural relativism dictates understanding cultures on their own terms, without judgment
- Ethnocentrism involves viewing one's own culture as superior and judging others in comparison
Social Theory
- Social theory offers frameworks for understanding and analyzing social phenomena
- Émile Durkheim stressed social solidarity and the importance of social institutions
- Karl Marx focused on class conflict and economic structures
- Max Weber examined the links between culture, ideas, and social action
- Functionalism views society as interdependent parts working to maintain stability
- Conflict theory emphasizes the role of power, inequality, and conflict
- Symbolic interactionism focuses on individuals creating meaning through interaction
- Contemporary social theories build upon classical perspectives to address new issues
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