Sociology 101
What is the definition of sociology?
The scientific study of human social behavior, society, and social institutions.
Who is known as the "Father of Sociology"?
Auguste Comte.
What are the two main types of social norms?
Folkways and mores.
Who conducted the study on suicide and social integration?
Emile Durkheim.
Who coined the term “sociological imagination”?
C. Wright Mills.
What research method do sociologists use to analyze social patterns?
The scientific method, including observations, surveys, and experiments.
Which theorist believed in the class struggle between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat?
Karl Marx.
What is a role in sociology?
Expected behavior associated with a social status.
What was the main finding of Durkheim’s study on suicide?
People with strong social ties are less likely to commit suicide.
How does sociological imagination apply to education?
It helps analyze how family income affects student success.
What is a social institution?
A system of social structures that meets basic human needs, such as family, education, and government.
What type of solidarity, according to Durkheim, is found in traditional societies?
Mechanical solidarity.
What is role conflict?
When expectations of different social roles clash (e.g., being a student and an employee).
What research method did Durkheim use in his study on suicide?
Statistical analysis.
How can sociological imagination explain homelessness?
By looking at systemic issues like housing policies and job markets rather than individual choices.
What is the difference between micro and macro sociology?
Micro sociology focuses on small-scale interactions, while macro sociology examines large-scale social processes.
How did Weber connect religion to capitalism?
He argued that Protestant beliefs contributed to the rise of capitalism.
What is a sanction in sociology?
A reward or punishment that reinforces social norms.
How does social class affect crime rates, according to sociologists?
Poverty and lack of opportunities contribute to higher crime rates.
How do sociologists explain differences in crime rates?
By analyzing social factors like poverty, education, and policing.
What is the difference between social structure and social agency?
Social structure refers to stable patterns in society, while social agency refers to individuals’ ability to make choices.
How did Weber’s approach differ from Marx’s?
Weber focused on ideas and culture, while Marx focused on economics and class struggle.
What is the difference between an in-group and an out-group?
An in-group is one a person identifies with; an out-group is one they don’t belong to.
What is participant observation?
A research method where sociologists actively engage in the environment they study.
How can sociological imagination be used to study globalization?
By examining how global economic policies affect local communities.