Notes:
Positivism – authentic and valid knowledge of the social world is found only through scientific and empirical pursuit
Sociological Theory – a 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
Conflict Theory (Marx) – a sociological perspective emphasizing the role of political and economic power and oppression as contributing to the existing social order
Functionalist Theory (Durkheim) – a macro view of how the parts of society serve to maintain stability
Manifest Functions – intentional and formally sanctioned functions of social institutions and society
Latent Functions – unintentional and informally sanctioned functions of social institutions and society
Dysfunction – undesirable disruptions of social patterns resulting in negative consequences within society
Socialized Self – the self cannot develop apart from society
Symbolic Interaction (Mead) – a 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
Feminist Theory – a view on anti-oppression, gender relations, and gender inequality (conflict theory)
Applied Sociology – the use of sociological theory, research, and methodologies to find solutions to problems in society
Queer Theory – a critical view that rejects the traditional categories of gender, sex, and sexuality in contemporary society
Postmodern Social Theory – a critical view rejecting the historical, scientific, and structured means of investigating and interpreting the social world
Social Structures – the distinctive and stable arrangements of social patterns that from the society as a whole
Social patterns must be outside a formal organization
Rationalization of Society – the replacement of traditional values and personal connections with bureaucracy, efficiency, and a means-end approach
Objective Conditions – the scope of a problem
Subjective Concerns – people\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\’s feelings about a problem
Sustainability – idea that current and future generations should have equal or greater access to social, economic, and environmental resources
Fair Trade – organizational movement and certification process to help producers in developing countries receive a fair price for their products with the goals of reducing poverty, providing for the ethical treatment of workers and farmers, and promoting environmentally sustainable practices
Social Inequality – unequal distribution of power, property, or prestige in society
Sociological Imagination – ability to see the details of our own lives in the context of larger structures as opposed to merely personal choices or personal troubles
Public Issue – a matter that impacts society as a whole
Anomie – the breakdown of social values, norms, and order resulting in social instability – division between the individual and society
Globalization – worldwide integration of our culture, economic, and political lives that results from ever-increasing levels of business, trade, and technology
Applied Sociology – use of sociological theory, research, and methodologies to find solutions to problems in society