Sociological Imagination
Who introduced the concept of the sociological imagination?
C. Wright Mills.
Which theory sees society as a system of interdependent parts working together for stability?
Structural Functionalism.
What is the difference between basic and applied research?
Basic research expands knowledge; applied research solves specific real-world problems.
According to conflict theory, what drives social change?
Struggles over power and resources.
In securitization theory, what justifies extraordinary measures?
The creation of a threat
What is the difference between a personal trouble and a public issue?
A personal trouble affects an individual; a public issue affects large groups and is linked to social structures.
Which theory focuses on meaning, symbols, and how people interpret situations?
Symbolic Interactionism.
What type of method is best for understanding personal experiences and internal meanings?
Interviews.
According to conflict theory, what happens to group solidarity when there is an external threat?
Internal cohesion increases.
What three elements must exist in a securitizing move?
A securitizing actor, an audience, and a constructed threat.
A student says, “I’m stressed because I’m bad at managing my time.” How would sociology reframe this?
It would examine institutional pressures, academic competition, economic stress, and cultural expectations.
If we analyze unpaid internships as benefiting elites and reproducing inequality, which theory are we using?
Conflict theory.
If a city wants to understand the COLLECTIVE opinion regarding any issue, what method is most appropriate?
Focus Groups
What is the difference between conflict and violence?
Conflict is disagreement over interests; violence is a physical or coercive manifestation of conflict.
If migrants are described as a “caravan invasion,” what is happening in terms of securitization?
Migration is being securitized and framed as a threat to justify stricter measures. Use of sensationalist language.
Why does sociology challenge “common sense” explanations?
Because common sense often individualizes structural problems and ignores institutions and power.
Which theory would analyze social media anxiety as a result of internalized expectations shaped by others’ reactions?
Symbolic Interactionism.
What is the core rule connecting theory and method?
Your theory determines what you think the problem is; your method determines how you go look for it.
How can conflict centralize authority?
External threats push groups to emphasize hierarchy and discipline.
Mention at least 2 good habits when speaking in public
Body language, tone, slides' text length, use of images, not being behind the desk all the time, use of questions, and silences.
Give one example of how unemployment can be both a personal trouble and a public issue.
Personal trouble: one individual loses a job. Public issue: structural economic downturn, automation, and policy failures affecting many.
How would intersectionality analyze burnout differently from functionalism?
It would examine how race, gender, class, and other identities shape who experiences burnout and how.
Mention at least 2 skills that job recruiters are looking for right now.
Social skills, conflict and communication management, time administration, accountability,
Mention at least two rude things that you can do when your peers are presenting?
Hard typing, looking at non-related class material, checking your cellphone, being late, side-chatting/whispering.
What is the difference between critical agreement and simple agreement?
A simple agreement just says “I agree” without explanation.
Critical agreement explains why you agree, identifies a specific part of the argument, and may add conditions, evidence, or clarification.