Sociology is the study of groups and group interactions, societies and social interactions, from small and personal groups to very large groups. A group of people who live in a defined geographic area, who interact with one another, and who share a common culture is what sociologists call a society. Sociologists study all aspects and levels of society. Sociologists working from the micro-level study
small groups and individual interactions, while those using macro-level analysis look at trends among and between large groups and societies. For example, a micro-level study might look at the accepted rules of conversation in various groups such as among teenagers or business professionals. In contrast, a macro-level analysis might research the ways that language use has changed over time or in social media outlets. Topic 1: Elements of Culture Topic 1: Stereotypes For this course, We will look at problems through the lens of functionalist, conflict theorist and interactionist perspectivesYou should know these definitions and be able to use them throughout the course.
The Functionalist perspective is based largely on the works of Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim, and Robert Merton. According to functionalism, society is a system of interconnected parts that work together in harmony to maintain a state of balance and social equilibrium for the
whole.Conflict theory, first purported by Karl Marx, is a theory that society is in a state of perpetual conflict because of competition for limited resources. Conflict theory holds that social order is maintained by domination and power (rather than consensus and conformity). According to conflict theory, those with wealth and power try to hold on to it by any means possible, chiefly by suppressing the poor and powerless. A basic premise of conflict theory is that individuals and groups within society will work to maximize their own benefits.Symbolic interactionism is a theory that focuses on the relationships among individuals within a society. Communication—the exchange of meaning
through language and symbols—is believed to be the way in which people make sense of their social worlds. This perspective sees people as being active in shaping the social world rather than simply being acted upon. Which sociological perspective generalizes about everyday forms of social interaction in order to understand society as a whole?Cards
Which sociological perspective focuses on the struggle for scarce resources in society?Conflict theory focuses on the competition among groups within society over limited resources. Conflict theory views social and economic institutions as tools of the struggle among groups or classes, used to maintain inequality and the dominance of the ruling class.
Which sociological perspective emphasizes the way in which the parts of society are structured to maintain its stability?he functionalist perspective emphasizes the way in which parts of a society are structured to maintain its stability.
Which sociological perspective holds the view that people create their social worlds through everyday interactions symbols and meaning making?Symbolic interactionism theory assumes that people respond to elements of their environments according to the subjective meanings they attach to those elements, such as meanings being created and modified through social interaction involving symbolic communication with other people.
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