Foundations of Sociology
Sociology is the scientific study of ________ and ________.
Society and social behavior
This social science studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.
Economics
Who is known as the “Father of Sociology”?
Auguste Comte
What is the sociological imagination?
Connecting personal struggles to societal/public issues
This perspective views society as a system where all parts work together for stability.
Functionalism
What major historical event led to sociology’s development in the 18th–19th centuries?
The Industrial Revolution
Which social science studies past events and their effects on society?
History
Which sociologist believed class conflict drives social change?
A. Karl Marx
B. Harriet Martineau
C. Jane Addams
D. George Herbert Mead
A. Karl Marx
Name 3 people, groups, or organizations a part of the power elite
Economy: CEOs, major brands and companies, major media outlets
Political System: SCOTUS, POTUS, Congress, State governments
Military: any military agency
This perspective focuses on power, inequality, and competition for limited resources.
Conflict Theory
Name two early problems created by industrialization that sociologists tried to study.
Poverty, overcrowding, inequality, or crime
Sociology studies groups and patterns; this social science focuses on individual behavior and mental processes.
Psychology
Which sociologist focused on symbols, communication, and role-taking in social interaction?
A. Karl Marx
B. Harriet Martineau
C. Jane Addams
D. George Herbert Mead
D. George Herbert Mead
A student feels stressed about paying for college. How would Mills interpret this using the sociological imagination?
It’s not just personal — it reflects larger issues like economic inequality and rising tuition costs.
A school implements uniforms to reduce distractions and promote unity. Which perspective explains this best and why?
Functionalism — uniforms create order and social cohesion.
What does the term “social structure” mean?
The organized pattern of relationships and institutions that make up society
Which social science most overlaps with sociology in studying culture and human traditions?
Anthropology
DAILY DOUBLE
What sociologist coined the term "double-consciousness" in respect to the duality of being black and American?
What did Mills mean by the “power elite”?
A small group controlling politics, economy, and the military
What are the 5 key concepts in sociology?
Social Structure, Power, Social Action, Culture, and Functional Integration
What are the 3 key components used when studying society?
social behavior, social relationships, and institutions
Explain one way sociology and political science might study voting differently.
Political science studies laws and government systems; sociology studies social groups and influences on voting behavior.
What sociologist coined the terms "sociological imagination" and the "power elite"?
C. Wright Mills
How does the power elite relate to the sociological imagination?
The power elite are often responsible for creating the social issues that become personal problems. People can use the sociological imagination to see that their personal problems are often caused by policies and actions of the power elite
Apply all three: How would each perspective explain social media use?
Functionalism — connection and communication
Conflict — attention and power inequality
Symbolic — self-presentation and meaning of likes/followers