9 A+B: Understanding social structure;
Social inequality
Microsociology vs Macrosociology - correct answer-Microsociology is one of the main points
(or focuses) of sociology, concerning the nature of everyday human social interactions and
agency on a small scale: face to face.
Macrosociology is an approach to sociology which emphasizes the analysis of social
systems and populations on a large scale, at the level of social structure, and often at a
necessarily high level of theoretical abstraction. Microsociology, by contrast, focuses on the
individual social agency.
Functionalism is? - correct answer-IT is a view that conceptualizes society as a living
organism with many different parts and organs, each of which has a distinct purpose. See
social functions of different structures as vital pieces that contribute to society at large
What is conflict theory? - correct answer-Conflict theory views society as a competition for
limited resources. As along as there is inequality of resources, there will be competition for it
whether it be for social, political, or material items.
What is symbolic interactionism? - correct answer-This starts at the mirco level and sees
society as the buildup of these everyday typical interactions. The theory examines the
relationship between individuals and society by focusing on communication, the exchange of
information through language and symbols.
Social constructionism argues what? - correct answer-It argues that people actively shape
their reality through social interactions - therefore reality is constructed, not inherent. It
focuses in ways that individuals and groups participate in the construction of their perceived
social reality.
What does feminist theory state? - correct answer-Feminist theory is the extension of
feminism into theoretical or philosophical discourse. It aims to understand the nature of
gender inequality.
What is the exchange-rational choice? - correct answer-Theory attempts to explain society
through individuals and interactions that assuming people make rational choices based on
evaluating their rewards and punishments of interactions and that behavior is guided by self
interest and inter dependence.
What are some criticism of exchange-rational choice theory? - correct
answer-Exchange-rational choice theory doesn't include the fact that some choices are
limited by social factors like gender, ethinicty or social class that pressures people to make
choices that aren't in their best interest?
, Also if the theory were always acting towards benefitting themselves? Then why so we help
others?
What are the assumptions of rational theory? - correct answer-The theory is based on the
idea that everything people do is fundamentally rational. Rationality is based on a pattern of
choices not individual choices. People act in self-interest and are driven by personal desires
and goals, weighs cost and benefits and chooses the option with the best outcome for
themselves.
3 assumptions:
1. every action can be ranked/ is complete (none of the options are of equal value to me)
2. Transitivity
3. independence of irrelevant alternatives
What are the assumptions of exchange theory? - correct answer-Exchange theory states
that the behavior of an individual in an interaction can be predicted predicted by comparing
the rewards/punishments.
Assumptions:
1. The more often some reward is available, the less value the reward has.
2. Interactions operate within social norms.
3. People have access to info to educate themselves about their choices
4. Most human fulfillment comes from other people (interdependence and social exchange
5. Standards people use to evaluate interaction change over time and is different per person.
Family institutions have what forms of kinship? - correct answer-There can be nuclear family
(direct bloodlines) or extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.)
What is the definition of a family? What functions does a family serve? - correct answer-A
family can be defined as a set of people related by blood, marriage, adoption, or some other
agreed-upon relationship that signifies some responsibility to each other.
1) Reproduction and the monitoring of sexual behavior
2) Protection
3) Socialization - passing down norms and values of society
4) Affection and companionship
5) Social status - social position is often based on family background and reputation.
Monogamy vs Polygamy - correct answer-Monogamy refers to one form of marriage where
two individuals are married only to each other.
Polygamy: Allows individual to have multiples wives or husbands
Polyandry vs Polygyny - correct answer-Polyandry: woman married to more than one man
Polygyny: Man married to more than one woman
Social inequality
Microsociology vs Macrosociology - correct answer-Microsociology is one of the main points
(or focuses) of sociology, concerning the nature of everyday human social interactions and
agency on a small scale: face to face.
Macrosociology is an approach to sociology which emphasizes the analysis of social
systems and populations on a large scale, at the level of social structure, and often at a
necessarily high level of theoretical abstraction. Microsociology, by contrast, focuses on the
individual social agency.
Functionalism is? - correct answer-IT is a view that conceptualizes society as a living
organism with many different parts and organs, each of which has a distinct purpose. See
social functions of different structures as vital pieces that contribute to society at large
What is conflict theory? - correct answer-Conflict theory views society as a competition for
limited resources. As along as there is inequality of resources, there will be competition for it
whether it be for social, political, or material items.
What is symbolic interactionism? - correct answer-This starts at the mirco level and sees
society as the buildup of these everyday typical interactions. The theory examines the
relationship between individuals and society by focusing on communication, the exchange of
information through language and symbols.
Social constructionism argues what? - correct answer-It argues that people actively shape
their reality through social interactions - therefore reality is constructed, not inherent. It
focuses in ways that individuals and groups participate in the construction of their perceived
social reality.
What does feminist theory state? - correct answer-Feminist theory is the extension of
feminism into theoretical or philosophical discourse. It aims to understand the nature of
gender inequality.
What is the exchange-rational choice? - correct answer-Theory attempts to explain society
through individuals and interactions that assuming people make rational choices based on
evaluating their rewards and punishments of interactions and that behavior is guided by self
interest and inter dependence.
What are some criticism of exchange-rational choice theory? - correct
answer-Exchange-rational choice theory doesn't include the fact that some choices are
limited by social factors like gender, ethinicty or social class that pressures people to make
choices that aren't in their best interest?
, Also if the theory were always acting towards benefitting themselves? Then why so we help
others?
What are the assumptions of rational theory? - correct answer-The theory is based on the
idea that everything people do is fundamentally rational. Rationality is based on a pattern of
choices not individual choices. People act in self-interest and are driven by personal desires
and goals, weighs cost and benefits and chooses the option with the best outcome for
themselves.
3 assumptions:
1. every action can be ranked/ is complete (none of the options are of equal value to me)
2. Transitivity
3. independence of irrelevant alternatives
What are the assumptions of exchange theory? - correct answer-Exchange theory states
that the behavior of an individual in an interaction can be predicted predicted by comparing
the rewards/punishments.
Assumptions:
1. The more often some reward is available, the less value the reward has.
2. Interactions operate within social norms.
3. People have access to info to educate themselves about their choices
4. Most human fulfillment comes from other people (interdependence and social exchange
5. Standards people use to evaluate interaction change over time and is different per person.
Family institutions have what forms of kinship? - correct answer-There can be nuclear family
(direct bloodlines) or extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.)
What is the definition of a family? What functions does a family serve? - correct answer-A
family can be defined as a set of people related by blood, marriage, adoption, or some other
agreed-upon relationship that signifies some responsibility to each other.
1) Reproduction and the monitoring of sexual behavior
2) Protection
3) Socialization - passing down norms and values of society
4) Affection and companionship
5) Social status - social position is often based on family background and reputation.
Monogamy vs Polygamy - correct answer-Monogamy refers to one form of marriage where
two individuals are married only to each other.
Polygamy: Allows individual to have multiples wives or husbands
Polyandry vs Polygyny - correct answer-Polyandry: woman married to more than one man
Polygyny: Man married to more than one woman
