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Chapter 1: Introduction – Understanding Sociology

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Notes:sociological theorya set of interrelated ideas that provide a systematic understanding of the social world.

-macro sociology, a level of analysis focusing on social systems and populations on a large scale.

-micro sociology, a level of analysis focusing on individuals and small groups within the larger social system

two classes according to Karl Marx:-proletariatthe majority, who were the poor, property-less industrial working class,

-bourgeoisthe small minority who were the wealthy class

 conflict theorya sociological perspective emphasizing the role of political and economic power and oppression as contributing to the existing social order.

Durkheim\\\’s theory

functionalist theory, a macro view of how the parts of society serve to maintain stability 

manifest functionsintentional and formally sanctioned functions of social institutions and society

Latent functionsunintentional and informally sanctioned functions of social institutions and society

dysfunctionthe undesirable disruptions of social patterns resulting in negative consequences within society 

Mead theory

 socialized self, which states that the self cannot develop apart from society

symbolic interactiona micro view of how society is the product of interactions between people, which occur via symbols that have distinct meanings 

social facts — social patterns that are external to individuals and greatly influence our way of thinking and behaving in society

verstehen (vûrst e hen), an empathetic approach to understanding human behavior, loosely translated as understanding or interpretation.

feminist theorya view on anti-oppression, gender relations, and gender inequality,

applied sociologythe use of sociological theory, research, and methodologies to find solutions to problems in society

postmodern social theorya critical view rejecting the historical, scientific, and structured means of investigating and interpreting the social world

rationalization of societythe replacement of traditional values and personal connections with bureaucracy, efficiency, and a means-end approach.

bureaucracy — a hierarchical authority structure that uses task specialization, operates on the merit principle, and behaves with impersonality