The Sociological Perspective
What are the two key elements of the sociological perspective?
History and biography
Who is known as the "father of sociology"?
Auguste Comte
Name one natural science and one social science.
Natural science - biology, chemistry, geology...; Social science - sociology.
What is a sociological theory?
A framework used to understand and analyze how society operates and influences human behavior
What is Verstehen?
Weber's concept of understanding social behavior by putting oneself in another’s shoes.
What is "social location"?
The group memberships that people have because of their location in history and society, including factors like jobs, income, education, gender, age, and race-ethnicity.
What is "positivism"?
The application of the scientific method to the study of society.
What is the primary focus of anthropology?
The study of culture, including artifacts, social structures, values, and language.
How does symbolic interactionism explain human behavior?
It focuses on how individuals create and interpret meaning through symbols in social interactions.
What are social facts?
Patterns of behavior that characterize a social group.
Who coined the term "sociological imagination" and what does it mean?
C. Wright Mills; the ability to see the connection between personal experiences and larger social influences.
Which sociologist introduced the idea of "social integration" and conducted studies on suicide?
Emile Durkheim
How does sociology differ from psychology?
Sociology focuses on external social factors, while psychology focuses on internal mental processes.
What is functional analysis?
The view that society is a system of interrelated parts that work together to maintain stability.
What is a generalization in sociology?
A statement that applies to a broader group or situation based on patterns found in research.
What is "globalization" in sociology?
The increasing interconnectedness of societies through communication, trade, and travel.
What was Karl Marx’s view on class conflict?
He believed society is divided into two main classes—bourgeoisie (owners) and proletariat (workers)—and that class struggle leads to social change.
What is political science concerned with?
The study of government, power, and political institutions.
Who is the founder of conflict theory?
Karl Marx
Why should sociology be "value-free" according to some sociologists?
To ensure objectivity and avoid bias in research.
How do external influences shape our thinking and motivations?
Our experiences become part of our thought processes and decision-making, shaping how we view the world.
Who believed that the Protestant ethic led to the spirit of capitalism?
Max Weber
Which social science focuses primarily on a single social institution?
Economics.
How does conflict theory explain society?
It sees society as composed of groups competing for scarce resources, leading to conflicts and social change.
What is the best way to verify research findings?
Replication of the study.