Sociology Exam Review PDF

**[CHA CHA EXAM REVIEW]** **[The Big Three]** **What is sociology** - the study of society, social relationships and social institutions. It examines how individuals interact with each other and how these interactions shape social structures, cultures and norms. Sociologies explore various aspects...

**[CHA CHA EXAM REVIEW]** **[The Big Three]** **What is sociology** - the study of society, social relationships and social institutions. It examines how individuals interact with each other and how these interactions shape social structures, cultures and norms. Sociologies explore various aspects of social life including family dynamics, education, crime, and inequality to understand how societies function and change over time. **Foundational theories**: Conflict theory, feminist theory, social constructionism, symbolic interactionism, structural functionalism **Questions scientist of each science would ask** **Schools of Thought** **What is psychology** - The study of the mind and behaviour. It explores how individuals think, feel and act, both individually and in groups. Psychologists investigate various aspects of human experience, including emotions, cognition, perception, personality, and social interactions. **Foundational theories:** psychoanalytic theory, behaviourism, cognitive theory, humanistic psychology, biopsychology **Questions scientist of each science would ask** **Schools of Thought** **What is anthropology** - The study of humans, their behavior, cultures, societies and development throughout history. **Foundational theories:** cultural anthropology, archeology, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology, applied anthropology. **Questions scientist of each science would ask** **Schools of Thought:** 1. - - - - - - 2. - - - - - - **[Social Change]** **What is social change?** - it\'s when the way people in society live, think, or interact with each other changes over time. It can involve a shift in culture, laws, behaviorism or ideas, often aimed at improving fairness, rights or opportunities for everyone. Example: the gender equality movement. **Anthropological Change**- change is usually slow and steady. Change varies by country or region due to geography, economy, how connected they are with the rest of the world and what norms are within that society (each society has its own norms) *[Change is driven by:]* - - - - *[Culture is learned and internalized by (enculturation):]* - - - - **Psychological Change** - People's attitudes and behaviours are strongly connected. If attitude changes, so does behaviour. Behaviour is modified by Friends, family, information, experience, social pressure... all influence attitudes, but different methods are needed for different people. *[Why do we change our minds?:]* - - *[Change is driven by:]* - - - **Sociological Change** - Change occurs in groups and whole societies. Change is an inevitable process. Varying concepts of social change include; Decay due to materialism and declining spiritualism, Cycles of growth and decay (not just decay), Progress --building on the successes and experiences of other societies *[Social change is not universal or uniform:]* - - *[Social change is an observable difference in patterns of behaviour:]* - - - - **Effects of social change:** - - - - - **Challenges faced by societies and individuals because of social change:** - - **[Catalysts -]** *helps influence change:* Leadership Social elites Population ready for change (want) Technology **[Social impediment (like a speed bump)]** - *it slows you down but won\'t stop you:* - - - - - - - **What is socialization? -** Its when people interact and mix with others **Knowledge vs Intuition:** Knowledge -To know based on empirical evidence through research /experimentation Intuition- To think based on personal experience or feelings **Describe 4 factors that contribute to a person's development and behaviour?** a. b. c. d. e. f. g. **What are the major theories, perspectives, and methodologies related to social change?** *[Theories:]* - - - - - *[Perspectives of social change:]* - - - - *[Methodologies for studying social change:]* - - - - - - *[Key concepts and processes in social change: ]* - - - - - **[Technology]** **What are the patterns and effects of technological change?** [Patterns of technological changes ins society:] - - - - - [Effects of technological change in society] - - - - - **Digital media** Digital media profoundly impacts society by transforming communication, information sharing, and culture. It connects people globally, enabling instant access to information and multiple perspectives on situations. However, it also influences social behaviours, fuels misinformation and shapes public opinion. While digital media fosters creativity and activism, it can amplify social divides and mental health challenges. **Technological determinism** [What is is:] Technological determinism is a theory that suggests technology is the primary driver of societal development, shaping social structure, behaviours, and cultural values. It argues that technological advancements determine the direction of social change, influencing everything from economic systems to interpersonal relationships. [Why is it important for sociology:] This concept is crucial. It helps explain how tech impacts social patterns and trends, such as globalization, shifts in communication, and the changing nature of work. It also sheds light on how technology influences social interactions, for instance, through social media and online communities. **[Structure of Society]** **What is the importance of studying demographics in understanding social patterns and trends?** Studying demographics is important for understanding social patterns and trends because it provides insight into population characteristics like age, gender ethnicity, income and education. This helps identify shifts in societal needs, predict future trends and address issues like inequality, resource allocation and cultural changes. Demographics guide policy making, marketing and social planning by revealing how different groups interact and evolve within a society. Example: in nations like Italy and Japan, a growing elderly population and declining birth rates highlight the need for increased healthcare services, retirement planning, and policies addressing labour shortages. **Demographic Transition** Demographic transition refers to the process of change in a society\'s population over time, typically in four or five stages, as it shifts from high birth and death rates to low. 1. 2. 3. 4. Both birth and death rates are low, leaving to a stable population with little growth 5. **How do social forces impact social patterns and trends?** Social forces play a large role in shaping social trends and patterns by influencing individuals\' behaviours, values and beliefs within society. This can tem from various sources such as; a. b. c. d. e. f. **Goffman\'s dramaturgical theory** Role theory: - - - - **How do social structures and conditions influence global inequality?** Social structure and conditions such as class, race and gender influences global inequality by shaping individuals opportunities and life chances. These structures often result in unequal distribution of wealth, education, healthcare, and political power across different regions and populations. Historical factors like colonization perpetuate disparities, creating conditions where some countries or groups have more power and resources, while others remain disadvantaged. This reinforces global inequality, making it harder for less privileged groups or nations to break free out of the cycle of poverty and undevelopment. **What is the impact of globalization on individuals and groups?** Globalization connects people around the world, bringing more opportunities for trade, culture and information. However it can also make the rich richer and leave some groups behind creating both benefits and challenges for different people. **How does exploitation of people and resources impact society?** Exploitation of people and resources leads to inequality, poverty and environmental damage, harming society by creating division and limiting opportunities for many. Example: sweatshop labour, workers are paid low wages and work in poor conditions to produce cheap goods for companies. This leads to increased profits for the businesses but keeps workers poor. This creates inequality and social unrest. **Social unrest** - people are expressing anger and dissatisfaction about something, often by demonstrating or rioting **Maslow** *Abraham Maslow\'s hierarchy of needs*. A theory used to understand human behaviour in social context. There is 5 levels of human needs, which influence motivation and social interactions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. **Comunism vs capitalist** **[Steps in the scientific method]** 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. **Variables** - - - **Components of culture** Some components of culture include; language, beliefs, values, norms, costumes and traditions, art and music, religion, food and clothing, technology, and social institutions. **Participant-Observation** - research method where the researcher becomes actively involved in the group/community they are studying. This allows them to have first hand insight into groups culture and social structure while observing them in their natural environment. **[Deviance]** **Merton's theory of social strain;** **What is it -** Merton\'s strain theory was developed by Robert Merton in 1938 to understand why members of a society exhibit deviant behavior. He argued that a person could experience strain when they cannot achieve culturally acceptable goals via socially-acceptable means. Example: one who accepts the goal of wealth but cannot get a legal job will turn to illegal means of earning money. **How does it connect to deviance -** **Anomie -** a state of normlessness or social instability where societal rules break down, often during periods of rapid change. Émile Durkheim introduced it to describe how individuals feel disconnected when norms weaken. Robert Merton expanded on it, linking anomie to strain theory, where societal pressure for success clashes with limited access to legitimate means, leading to deviance. **Social strain:** the tension or stress experienced by individuals or groups within a society when they are unable to achieve their desired goals or aspirations through legitimate means. **5 ways people adapt to social strain -** 1.Conformists: **Accepting** societal goals and the **legitimate** means to achieve them. 2.Innovators: **Accepting** societal goals but using **unconventional** or illegal means. 3.Ritualists: **Rejecting** societal goals but **continuing** to follow the means. 4.Retreatists: **Rejecting** both societal goals and means, withdrawing from society. 5.Rebels: **Rejecting** and seeking to replace both societal goals and means with new ones. **Theories of deviance** 1. 2. 3. 4. - - - - Critique: some forms of neutralization (e.g. "she had it coming") become **[Conformity vs deviance]** **Conformity -** to follow or adhere social norms, subjective validity, normative influences **Influences in conformity:** friends, school, law, parents, behavior of others **Deviance -** go against or ignore social norms, deviant behaviour is going to influence some type of social change, challenge traditional norms, can be constructive or destructive, good or bad **Influences in deviance:** friends, education, behavior of others, culture, different perspective **What are some reasons someone may be socially excluded** Social exclusion occurs for various reasons, often tied to societal norms, prejudices, and individual differences. People may be excluded for deviating from social norms, such as unconventional behavior, appearance, or beliefs. Perceived differences, like cultural background, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disabilities, often lead to marginalization. Socioeconomic status, criminal history, and physical appearance can also result in exclusion. Prejudices like racism, sexism, and ageism further isolate individuals, as do poor social skills, group dynamics, and differing religious or ideological beliefs. Historical and systemic inequalities often reinforce exclusion, which, in the context of deviance, acts as a form of social control to maintain societal norms. **How does social deviance and the response to it affect individuals and society?** Social deviance and the response to it shape individuals and society by reinforcing norms and values. For individuals, it can lead to stigma, isolation, or personal growth. For society, it promotes social order but can also highlight the need for change in unfair norms or systems. **[Bias]** **Cognitive bias - A cognitive bias is a mistake in thinking that happens because your brain tries to simplify information. It can lead to inaccurate judgments or decisions based on assumptions, shortcuts, or emotions instead of facts.** **BIASES-** a. b. c. d. e. f. **Ethnocentrism - t**he belief that the people, customs, and traditions of your own race or country are better than those of others **[People]** **Hans Rosling BOTH videos** **Marshall McLuhan** "We become what we behold. We shape our tools and thereafter our tools shape us " **[Short Answer question for the exam.]** a. Labeling theory: