Term
|
Definition
-Macro-level: structural functional, social conflict
-Micro-level: symbolic interaction
|
|
|
Term
Structural Functionalism:
|
|
Definition
-Society as a complex system whose individual parts work together to promote solidarity and stability
-Social structure gives our lives shape
-Society is held together by values, rules, and shared practices
-Commonality and conformity are key
-When society gets “out of whack” need to re-structure to re-establish balance
|
|
|
Term
| Emile Durkheim elaborates on Structural Functionalism |
|
Definition
-Society is created by individuals but emerges as a social force that extends beyond individuals
-Social forces impact the way we live out lives: teaches us to conform to the “norms”, establishes boundaries
-Argued that suicide was a social phenomenon: three types of suicide
-Egoistic: not integrated enough into society
-Altruistic: too integrated into society, willing to die for society (martyrs, terrorists), lost sense of self
-Anomic: wild fluctuations, something has happened in society that is so drastic it causes people to kill themselves (suicide after stock market crash)
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
-Society as characterized by inequality, which creates conflict
-Society is structured to benefit some while depriving others
-Social systems create inequality and take individuals out of their natural harmonious position
-Conflict should be expected as lower classes struggle to improve their lot in society
|
|
|
Term
Karl Marx elaborates on Conflict Perspective:
|
|
Definition
-Believed there was a constant struggle between social classes over valued resources
-Fight between capitalists and proletariats
-Economics dominates all aspects of social life and society: whoever holds the power economically calls the shots
-Focused on how the Industrial Revolution ripped individuals out of their natural habitat and created alienation from: products created, process of creation, our selves (species being), from others
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
-Sees society as the product of everyday interactions of individuals
-Individuals construct “reality” as they interact with one another
-The meaning we attach to things creates its reality
-Nothing exists until we define it into existence
-Individual realities vary and are subjective
|
|
|
Term
Max Weber: The Rationalization of Society
|
|
Definition
-Believed human ideas shape the world: how we interpret the meaning of the world creates its reality
-Modernization creates a “rational” society: matter-of-fact calculations about how things can be done most efficiently, leads to industrialization, capitalism, and the rise of the great bureaucracy
-Felt these were the most efficient ways to run society even though there were significant consequences (alienation, loss of meaning), he was more ambivalent about the consequences than Marx who was highly critical of the system
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
-Inequality is naturally part of the system (rooted in theology)
-Inequality as a “necessary evil” that maintains stability (social order) within society
-Social Darwinism explains structure
-Stratification supports hard work through merit-based recognition
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
-Equality is natural; inequality results from imbalance in structure
-Challenges from outside the system lack resources to fight injustices within it
-Social relations of production helps to explain inequality
-Stratification limits ability through blocked access
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
-Why are some countries so poor: human insecurity, political instability, economic instability, disaster-prone, gender inequality (70% of the world’s poor are women)
-Relative Poverty: some people lack resources taken for granted by others
-Absolute poverty: poverty that is life threatening
-More than 40% of all children under 5 are seriously underweight in many parts of Africa, Asia, and South America
-The life expectancy in many low-income countries hovers around 35
-In many low income countries 10 – 20% of all infants born die before reaching their 1st bday
-Even in wealthy countries, there are regions where poverty is absolute
|
|
|
Term
| Basic characteristics of poverty, Modernization Theory: |
|
Definition
-Poverty is the starting point for all societies
-Technology and culture explains why some countries have modernized while other lag behind
-Traditionalism inhibits ability to keep up with progress
-Evolution over time as societies adopt capitalistic modes of production
-Prosperity is relative rather than absolute
-Weaknesses
-Many haven’t been able to modernize despite attempts
-Rich tend to benefit from “status quo”
-International relations impact growth and ability to modernize
-Western ideologies as “best” ignores importance of culture
-Tendency to blame the victim for their position
|
|
|
Term
| Basic characteristics of poverty, Dependency Theory: |
|
Definition
-Rich countries have historically exploited poor countries for labor and resources (Colonialism)
-Capitalism relies on continued exploitation – inexpensive materials, cheap labor
-Creation of export-oriented economies
-Rich need continued dependency of poor countries to fuel capitalistic model
-Weaknesses
-Prosperity does not always come at the expense of the poor
-Isolation rather than dependency as primary cause of poverty
-Overly simplified explanation for persistent poverty (not simply Capitalism)
|
|
|
Term
| Gender, Sociological Elements |
|
Definition
-Gender as socially constructed:
-Assumes that domination creates difference (power over biology)
-Gender as a property of society:
-Institutions within society are gendered
-Individuals within institutions are gendered (looks/feels different depending on ID of those inhabiting institution)
-Individuals DO gender as part of an interactive process
-Socialized difference between men and women:
-Differences in how society views boys and girls creates difference from birth (naming, room colors, songs, dress, etc) “Gender Roles”
-Different parenting styles, expectations, etc
-Institutions perpetuate difference: Education, Religion, Media, Work, Politics
|
|
|
Term
Gender, Biological Justification: Structural Functional
|
|
Definition
-Individually-oriented & rooted in our bodies (childbearing, violence)
-“Natural” division of labor creates balance – places women in the home
-“Natural” division of labor creates role specialization
-Feminist ideology at war with nature
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
-Cultural Justification: Symbolic Interaction
-Begin as sex but definitions create gender (taught difference)
-The “meaning” we attach to gender creates difference (Why only 2 genders?)
-Cultural ideals create division of labor (Changeable but only after collective refusal to buy into cultural ideals)
|
|
|
Term
Gender, Social/Structural Explanations: Conflict
|
|
Definition
-Institutional access to resources is gender-based
-Competition between men and women over resources creates dominance
-Power structure created by men necessarily limits women’s entry (Sex discrimination is done subtly)
-Use biological justifications to “keep women down”
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
-Private ownership of property/companies
-Government plays a limited role in regulation (how “free is out market?”)
-Consumers regulate the economy (supply and demand)
-Competition creates a better product
-Everyone profits from hard work (fiercely individualistic, production leads to prosperity, freedom to achieve the American dream)
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
-Collective ownership of property
-Collective pursuit of goals – share equally in production and consumption of labor
-Government control of the economy creates economic “equality” across classes
-Freedom from basic wants
-In order to understand how structure drives “choice”, must re-visit the major work-related shifts within society:
-Pre-industrial to Industrial (1870s – 1960s)
-Industrial to post-industrial (Late 20th century – Present)
-Increased technology creates atmosphere for shift
-Increased number of trade agreements creates incentive to outsource
-Post-WWII prosperity creates market for goods
|
|
|
Term
| Benefits of increased technology: |
|
Definition
-Increases productivity in work
-Decreases barriers to international trade
-Fuels the economy by expanding consumer choice
-Establishes new ways of communicating
|
|
|
Term
| Consequences of increased technology: |
|
Definition
-Decreases need for workers
-Reduces number of jobs available in the US – particularly in manufacturing
-Creates an atmosphere where conspicuous consumption thrives
-Becomes an alienating force within society
|
|
|
Term
| Benefits of increased number of trade agreements: |
|
Definition
-Cheaper to manufacture products elsewhere: cheaper labor, fewer government/environmental regulations, better tax breaks
-Increased variety of goods
-Lower costs of goods
-Job creation and rising standard of living within non-developed world
-Peace and prosperity for “all”
|
|
|
Term
| Consequences of increased number of trade agreements: |
|
Definition
-Loss of American jobs (manufacturing)
-Declining importance of unions
-Conditions of foreign workers & human rights issues
-Lower costs that come from reduced government/environmental regulations come at a “cost” – corporations not contributing to our tax base; polluting the earth
-Cultural differences can lead to conflict
|
|
|
Term
| Benefits of Post-WWII prosperity: |
|
Definition
-Increased amount of disposable income
-Created a market for the growth of entertainment
|
|
|
Term
Consequences of Post-WWII prosperity:
|
|
Definition
-Cultural shift from thrift to spend
-Increased credit card spending
-Consumption as means to economic growth
-Two roads diverged (technology sector and services sector)
|
|
|
Term
| The changing nature of work, individual impacts: |
|
Definition
-Job loss: industry moves South, agriculture become corporatized
-Targeted job transition: certain types of jobs no longer available, career “choice” driven by structure
-Increased difficulty making ends meet: growth of dual-income household
-Need for increased education
-Government regulations benefit corporations over individuals
|
|
|
Term
| The changing nature of work, community impacts: |
|
Definition
-Death of the “little man’s shop”
-Increased corporatization of communities: Wal-mart targeted expansion, loss of fishing industry along Atlantic coast
|
|
|
Term
| The changing nature of work, societal impacts: |
|
Definition
-Increased globalization: rising economic interdependency
-Rise in corporate conglomerates: revenues exceed many countries GNPs, political heavyweights (lobbying, increased corporate welfare)
|
|
|
Term
| The Functions of Religion (Durkheim) |
|
Definition
-All societies separate the profane from the sacred
-Society establishes religion through development of sacred symbols (totem)
-Ritual as important
-Religion provides social cohesion, social control, meaning
|
|
|
Term
| Religion as Oppressor (Marx) |
|
Definition
-Religion legitimizes inequality and endorses patriarchy
-The power to oppress
-It is the opiate of the people
|
|
|
Term
| Religion as “blessing” – Capitalism as religiously motivated |
|
Definition
-Calling/Vocation as motivator to pursue worldly success
-Desire to glorify God through work
-Work and wealth
-Religious ideology shapes rational activities: rigorous self-discipline, hard work, rational accumulation of wealth
-Combined effects of ascetic lifestyle and the pursuit of one’s calling fuels capitalism
Sources of Religious Tension:
-Simultaneous rise of secularism and religious fundamentalism
-The “prosperity” gospel as factor in market crash
-The limits of religious freedom/security
|
|
|
Term
Family: Structural Functionalism:
|
|
Definition
-Primary agent of socialization
-Teaches of values and morals
-Teaches us how to be responsible citizens with society
-Regulates sexual activity within “normal” boundaries
Answer: The Family (as an institution) is in decline
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
-Rigid definitions of the family are exclusionary and do not accurately reflect realities
-Inequalities persist
-Women have little power
-Class acts as invisible barrier
Answer: The Family is evolving – change is good
|
|
|
Term
| Family: Future Considerations |
|
Definition
-Changing family structures may force us to reconsider the “family”
-New reproductive technologies are raising different kinds of questions about the family
-Financially supporting “family values” may alleviate some of the family-based struggles
-Tensions remain between the private and the public
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
-As a social construct it defines cultural/social norms
-The importance of interaction - similar actions foster different reaction depending on race
-The importance of definitions – dominant groups determine what is socially valued
-Within the institutional realm it is directly related to access and opportunities
-One way to look at race/ethnicity is from a social interaction perspective
-The importance of definitions
-Sorting process based on skin color without recognition of cultural heritage (Ethinicity) – color has its own meanings
-Labeling creates the concept of race
-What does it mean to be a black/white/brown person
-Immigration policy as a race and ethnicity debate
-Blacks passing as white during slavery
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| prejudice result of frustrations by disadvantaged groups |
|
|
Term
| Authoritarian Personality Theory |
|
Definition
| strict, authoritarian households with demanding parents |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| bogardus social distance scale – prejudice is rooted in culture |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
prejudice as tool used by powerful to divide and control
|
|
|
Term
| Merton’s research on the difference between prejudice and discrimination further guides us in our understanding of race in America: |
|
Definition
-All Weather Liberals: not prejudice, don’t discriminate, genuinely believe in the human race, color blind, sexual orientation blind
-Fair Weather Liberals: not prejudice individually, but discriminate by sitting still
-Timid Bigots: does discriminate openly, but holds deep prejudices
-Active Bigots: actively prejudice and discriminates, KKK etc
|
|
|
Term
Race, Cultural Explanations:
|
|
Definition
-Focuses on the ways in which cultural norms/ideals are created and maintained
-The media serves as an important influence in constructing ideas about race & ethnicity
-Cultural explanations make it easy for society to “blame the victim” – in a society where the American Dream is esteemed it is minority people’s own fault if they aren’t getting it
|
|
|
Term
Race, Structural Explanations:
|
|
Definition
-Social, economic, and political structure of society creates racial inequality
-Laws – voting, property
-Access to institutions
-Place in society
-African Americans never had a chance from the beginning
-Slavery institutionalized
-“Freedom” created institutional spheres of “separate but equal”
-Society comes to rely on the suppression of some to the benefit of others
-Assimilation almost impossible – intra and inter-group conflict
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
-How might we look at health as a social construct?
-Cultural notions shape our understanding of health
-In America, how does the biomedical model shape our beliefs about health?
-What is the importance of role theory in understanding health?
-Health as bound by time
-Certain factors help to determine propensity toward “good” health or risk of illness: personal (genetics), social characteristics (race/gender), structural (physical place, governmental structure, demographic environment)
Structure of Health in America:
-Highest cost of care in the world, highest quality of care in the world (based on ability to pay)
-Compared with other wealthy nations America has the greatest disparities between the rich/poor
|
|
|
Term
| Education: the general purpose from a Functionalist Perspective |
|
Definition
-Transmit knowledge
-Social placement
-Socialize individuals in society
-Teach social norms and values
-Create an educated labor force
-Teach skills
-Support the economy
-Educational workforce
-Allow parents to work
|
|
|
Term
| Education: the general purpose from a Social Conflict View |
|
Definition
-Transmit far more than simply math, science
-“Hidden curriculum” used as a means to control and to keep the status quo
-Bias in standardized testing and other aptitude tests
-Tracking acts as a means to create class-based segregation
-Inequality in funding across schools limits access to equal opportunities
|
|
|
Term
Education in Society: Not Simply about Structure
|
|
Definition
-The importance of interaction in determining success
-Self-fulfilling prophecies
-Language used, homework given, reward/punishment structures
-Perception of students by administrators
-Overall values, mission of school
|
|
|
Term
Challenges within the Public Educational System:
|
|
Definition
-Funding – How should schools get funded?
-Inequitable distributions through property taxes
-Equitable distributions based on state-based model
-Private and/or corporate sponsorship
-Are the problems in education even related to funding?
-Teacher Issues: recruitment, retention, accountability
-Student Issues: accountability (standardized testing, work ethic), passivity (teaching to the test), qualitatively “different” from the past
-Societal Issues: value of education, choice, family, work issues
-Access to higher education
-Only 30% of whites, 20% of African Americans, and 13% of Hispanics attend 4+ years of college
-Grade inflation: Stanford and the new “F”
-Entitlement issues
-Expansion of professor responsibilities
-The University as a business
|
|
|
