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Levels of Sociological Analysis: Macrosociology and Microsociology

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Unit 5.1

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analysis of social life that focuses on broad features of society, such as social class and the relationships of groups to one another; usually used by functionalists and conflict theorists

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Macrosociology

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analysis of social life that focuses on social interaction; typically used by symbolic interactionists

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Microsociology

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what people do when they are in one anothers presence; includes communications at a distance

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Social Interaction

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Macrosociology focuses on the broad features of society, from international relations to factors that affect the unemployment rate. Microsociology focuses on social interaction, how people interact with one another.

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Summarize the distinction between macrosociology and microsociology.

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Each provides part of the picture of human behavior. The broad features of social life (social structure) set the context for people's behavior, but people develop their orientations and forms of interaction within their particular groups.

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Explain why we need both macrosociology and microsociology to understand social life.

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the two levels of sociological analysis, macrosociology and microsociology

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The purpose of opening this chapter with a story of the author's experience with street-corner men in Washington, D.C. is to introduce a. a method of sociological research b. the idea that an entire group can be overlooked in sociological research c. the need of social work to help street-corner men d. the two levels of sociological analysis, macrosociology and microsociology

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how these men fit into the structure of society

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If macrosociologists were to research on street-corner men, they would focus on a. why these men deserve to receive welfare b. how these men interact with on another c. how these men fit into the structure of society d. why these men commit more crime than most men

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these men interact with one another

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If microsociologists were to research on street-corner men, they would focus on how a. changes in international relations affect the U.S. job market b. these men interact with one another c. these men fit into the structure of society d. the change to an information society has left these men without work

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microsociologists

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The ways the street-corner men divide up the money they hustle from passersby would be a focus of a. conflict theorists b. macrosociologists c. social workers d. microsociologists

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macrosociologists

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How street-corner men fit within the groups that make up U.S. society would be a focus of a. symbolic interactionists b. social workers c. macrosociologists d. microsociologists

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microsociologists

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What street-corner men do during their everyday lives would be a focus of a. functionalists b. microsociologists c. conflict theorists d. macrosociologists

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each approach yields a distinctive perspective, part of the picture

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To understand social life, both macrosociology and microsociology are needed because a. each approach yields a distinctive perspective, part of the picture b. sociologists have a code that both perspectives be used c. this provides a balance in departments in sociology d. without this, we couldn't apply all three theoretical perspectives; functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism

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The Macrosociological Perspective: Social Structure

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Unit 5.2

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the framework of sociology that surrounds us; consists of the ways that people and groups are related to one another; this framework gives direction to and sets limits on our behavior

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Social Structure

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Social structure is the framework of society: the ways its groups are related to one another and its typical patterns. Social structure sets limits and provides guidance for your behavior.

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Explain what social structure is and why it is important.

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All of us live our lives within the particular structure that our society provides. This pushes our behavior into certain directions, and along with it influences our orientations to life, including our ideas, attitudes, and emotions.

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Explain how social structure influences the lives of street people, your instructor, and yourself.

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the framework of society that was laid out before you were born

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A simple definition of social structure is a. what people do in one anothers presence b. the way people act c. street people staying up all nite drinking wine d. the framework of society that was laid out before you were born

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the typical patterns of a group

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Another simple definition of social structure is a. teachers lecturing despite personal problems b. students staying quiet when they would like to be celebrating c. the typical patterns of a group d. the changes that occur in society over time

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are influenced by social structure

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From this unit, it is apparent that street people a. are immoral b. are influenced by social structure c. should get help from social workers d. don't care about other people

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breaking off the neck of a wine bottle and glaring at an enemy

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If you enter a crowded classroom late and say "Excuse me" when you claim a desk on which someone has placed their books, from the framework of social structure, this is the same as the street-corner man a. breaking off the neck of a wine bottle and glaring at an enemy b. trying to break out of social structure c. remembering what life used to be like before bad luck hit d. getting married

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social structure

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The differences in behavior between yourself and street-corner men can be traced to differences in a. morality b. age c. race-ethnicity d. social structure

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social structure

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In football and other team sports, the positions on the team are social statuses. The person who occupies a status has a role to perform. If you think of an entire team's positions, you have an example of a. a football game b. social statuses c. social structure d. the various positions on a football team

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The Components of Social Structure: Culture, Social Class, Groups, Social Status, and Role

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Unit 5.3

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a position that is earned, accomplished, or involves at least some effort or activity on the individual's part

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Achieved Status

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a position an individual either inherits at birth or receives involuntarily later in life

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Ascribed Status

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people who have something in common and believe that what they have in common is significant; also called a social group

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Group

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a status that cuts across or dominates someone's other statuses

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Master Status

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the behaviors, obligations, and privileges attached to a status

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Roles

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large numbers of people who have similar amounts of income and education and who work at jobs that are roughly comparable in prestige

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Social Class

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the position a person occupies within a social group (also called social status)

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Status

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ranking high on some dimensions of social status and low on others; also called status discrepancy

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Status Inconsistency

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all the statuses or positions that an individual occupies

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Status Set

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things that identify a status, such as titles (professor, doctor), a wedding ring, or a uniform

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Status Symbols

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Culture and social class establish the broad context for your behavior. Your group memberships, statuses, and roles provide more specific contexts, setting limits and giving more specific direction for how you should act and even feel.

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Explain how the components of social structure influence your life.

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At birth, you are assigned ascribed statuses, such as you sex and race-ethnicity. Later in life, you attain achieved statuses such as college graduate, teacher, and married. Master statuses such as your sex and wealth or poverty can cut across all your other statuses. You use status symbols to announce to others what your statuses are. They set the stage for interaction.

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Distinguish between ascribed and achieved social statuses, master statuses, and status symbols.

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Each status comes with a role - expectations of behaviors and attitudes. You tend to become the roles you play.

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Explain how roles are related to statuses and how they influence your life.

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yield to others the right to judge your behavior

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When Clarissa joined Xi Alpha Alpha, the other members evaluated her wardrobe and suggested changes for her hair and makeup. While this reaction is more focused than most, whenever you join a group you a. know that others are going to look you over b. never know what will happen because people often switch their statuses and roles c. yield to others the right to judge your behavior d. become a member of a social status

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saying that as long as their daughter wants to remain a member of the family in good standing, her behavior must conform to their expectations

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Marcellus and Francisca were furious when their 15-year-old daughter came home after midnight. They told her, "As long as you are living under our roof, you had better be home by 9 o'clock on a school night and no later that 11 o'clock on a weekend." These parents are a. being too strict b. expressing similar concerns that parents the world over have c. following general middle-class norms, which have eased up during the past 10 years d. saying that as long as their daughter wants to remain a member of the family in good standing, her behavior must conform to their expectations

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the position that someone occupies, such as a waitress

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To demonstrate your growing knowledge of sociology, you say to a friend, "I found out that sociologists use status in a different way. They don't mean prestige. When they use status, they are referring to" a. how people strive to get ahead, even when they face severe obstacles to their advancement b. the position that someone occupies, such as a waitress c. large numbers of people who have similar amounts of income and education d. people who interact with one another

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ascribed statuses

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Social class of your parents when you were a child are examples of a. how society sets up controls that make it difficult to attain a higher social class b. how inherited factors must be overcome in order to attain a higher social class c. achieved statuses d. ascribed statuses

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achieved status

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Jamie was determined not to be like his father, who could never hold a job. He studied hard, graduated from college, and then went to law school. He became a successful lawyer, specializing in corporate acquisitions. Jamie's change in life is an example of a. how individuals can overcome the controls that society sets up that make it difficult to attain a higher social class b. how inherited factors must be overcome in order to attain a higher social class c. achieved status d. ascribed status

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achieved status

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Stanton was an average student when he started to hang around a group of boys who had a shady reputation. He was later arrested for drugs and sent to a reformatory. Stanton's status as a juvenile delinquent is an example of a. how society fails students with low grades b. how schools fail marginal students c. achieved status d. ascribed status

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status symbols

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The security officer at the bank stands tall and proud as she surveys the customers, her gun at the ready and her badge gleaming in the reflected sunlight. This person is displaying a. pride in her work b. status symbols c. as excess of authority d. what is wrong with this country

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status inconsistency

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Teachers and bosses always got on Phil's nerves. He dropped out of high school, and bouncing from one job to another, lived on the edge of poverty. Down on his luck as usual, Phil spent his last $5 on a lottery ticket. To his amazement, Phil won $10 million. Phil's low education and background of low-paying and low-prestige jobs (he doesn't work anymore) combined with is mansion and fancy cars are an example of a. how the American dream can come true if you keep working hard b. the development of motivation c. social class d. status inconsistency

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master status

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Everyone around town is talking about Phil's new wealth. Wherever he goes, people point him out. The waitresses at "The Dew Drop Inn" rush to serve Phil. Phil used to have trouble getting dates, but now women flock to him. Phil's wealth is a a. role b. status set c. master status d. status envy

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role

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Janie is disappointed with her job as a waitress at "The Dew Drop Inn." She knew that she would be expected to take orders from customers, deliver their food, and put up with jokes from people like Phil, but she didn't know that she would be expected to mop the floors. This expectation is part of a a. social class b. role c. growing inequality in society d. status inconsistency

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Another Component of Social Structure: Social Institutions

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Unit 5.4

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the organized, usual, or standard ways by which society meets its basic needs

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Social Institutions

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Social institutions are family, religion, education, economy, medicine, politics, law, science, military, ans mass media

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State what the social institutions are.

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Social institutions surround us from birth to death. We are born within them, socialized within them, and live our lives within them.

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Explain why social institutions have such powerful effects on our lives.

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a society's standard or usual way of meeting its basic needs

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This is the definition of social institutions a. people who interact with one another b. the change of ascribed statuses into achieved statuses c. large numbers of people who have similar amounts of income and education d. a society's standard or usual way of meeting its basic needs

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social institutions

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The family, religion, education, economics, medicine, politics, law, science, the military, and the mass media are a. similar in most societies b. changing in the same direction around the world c. social institutions d. separated by law and custom

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have their own groups, statuses, values, and norms

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The social institutions a. are the antislavery movement in the 1600s b. are a means of transferring wealth to the needy c. are becoming less relevant to our lives d. have their own groups, statuses, values, and norms

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Comparing Functionalist and Conflict Perspectives

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Unit 5.5

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The functionalist view is that the social institutions work together to meet the basic needs of society: replacing members, socializing new members, producing and distributing goods and services, preserving order, and providing a sense of purpose.

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Summarize the functionalist perspective on social institutions.

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The conflict view is that powerful groups control the social institutions, using them to maintain their places of privilege.

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Summarize the conflict perspective on social institutions.

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social institutions are the ways that a society meets its basic needs

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Fundamentalists point out that no society is without social institutions because a. the power of each society uses social institutions to control society b. social institutions are the ways that a society meets its basic needs c. they change from one society to another d. all societies need to be controlled by a superior elite

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functional requisites

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A fundamentalist was speaking to an intro class to sociology. She described five basic needs that societies have; to replace its members, socialize new members, produce and distribute goods and services, preserve order, and provide a sense on purpose. She was referring to what functionalists call a. new social institutions b. the socialized function of social institutions c. the need to preserve social order d. functional requisites

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less visible because they meet their basic needs more informally

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Except for the mass media, a recent development historically, all societies have some form of the ten social institutions. In industrial and post-industrial societies, these social institutions are formal, highly visible, and specialized. In tribal societies, in contrast, some social institutions are a. merged into their formal system of law b. taken over by more powerful groups c. less visible because they meet their basic needs more informally d. discarded because the chief and elders are threatened by more democratic forms

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view social institutions as working harmoniously for the common good

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Conflict theorists agree with the functionalists that social institutions were developed originally to meet basic survival needs. However, they do not a. view social institutions as working harmoniously for the common good b. think that powerful groups manipulate the social institutions c. view social institutions as changing d. think that tribal groups have social institutions

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a fairly small group of people gets the lion's share of our nation's wealth

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In support of their view that powerful groups control our society's social institutions, conflict theorists point out that a. some members of Congress get arrested b. few governor's sons and daughters serve in the military c. most primary teachers are women d. a fairly small group of people gets the lion's share of our nation's wealth

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is behind the nation's major decisions, including whether or not to go to war and to move capital, technology, and jobs out of the country

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According to conflict theorists, an elite group a. works untiringly for the welfare of the majority of the country's citizens b. is elected to major positions because they have Hollywood contacts and know how to use the media effectively c. is behind the nation's major decisions, including whether or not to go to war and to move capital, technology, and jobs out of the country d. meet together secretly and makes the country's major decisions

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gender is an element of social structure, with social institutions dividing males and females into separate groups, each with unequal access to society's resources

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Feminist sociologists (both men and women) have used conflict theory to gain an understanding of how social institutions affect gender relations. Their basic insight is that a. men and women are born with different characteristics that guide them into distinctive directions in life b. gender is an element of social structure, with social institutions dividing males and females into separate groups, each with unequal access to society's resources c. housework is not naturally women's work and should be shared by men and women d. for reasons we don't yet fully understand, men are more attracted to positions of power than are women

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work together to meet universal human needs

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The basic view of functionalists is that social institutions a. work together to meet universal human needs b. are ways that the wealthy and powerful reserve the social order so that they can maintain their positions of privilege c. change as society changes d. change, but slowly and only reluctantly

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are ways that the wealthy and powerful reserve the social order so that they can maintain their positions of privilege

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The basic view of conflict theorists is that social institutions a. constantly change as society adopts new technology b. work together to meet universal human needs c. exist in industrial and post-industrial societies but not in tribal societies d. are ways that the wealthy and powerful reserve the social order so that they can maintain their positions of privilege

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What Holds Society Together?

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Unit 5.6

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the splitting of a group's or a society's tasks into specialties

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Division of Labor

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a type of society in which life is intimate; a community in which everyone knows everyone else and people share a sense of togetherness

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Gemeinschaft

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a type of society that is dominated by impersonal relationships, individual accomplishments, and self-interest

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Gesellschaft

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Durkheim's term for the unity (a shared consciousness) that people feel as a result of performing the same or similar tasks

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Mechanical Solidarity

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Durkheim's term for the interdependence that results from the division of labor; as part of the same unit, we all depend on others to fulfill their jobs

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Organic Solidarity

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the degree to which members of a group or a society are united by shared values and other social bonds; also known as social cohesion

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Social Integration

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Mechanical solidarity refers to community life, where people are united by shared activities and orientations of life. Little diversity of views and behavior is tolerated. Organic solidarity refers to people being united by a division of labor, in which the labor of each contributes to their society. This does not require similarity of orientations, and greater diversity is tolerated.

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Distinguish between mechanical and organic solidarity.

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Gemeinschaft refers to intimate village life marked by strong kinship links and lifelong associations. Gesellschaft refers to urban life marked by self-interested, impersonal, short-term associations.

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State the difference between Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft.

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Our orientations to life (ideas, beliefs, attitudes, goals) come from our associating (contacts) with others. As society changes, so do its orientations, and along with it, our own.

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Explain why people change as society changes.

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is made up of many groups, each with its own interests

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To say that we live in a large, pluralistic society is to say that our society a. might be ripped apart one day as groups fight one another b. is a Gemeinschaft socirty c. is based on mechanical solidarity d. is made up of many groups, each with its own interests

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mechanical solidarity

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The social solidarity of village life is based on people identifying with one another because they do similar work and share similar orientations to life. Sociologists Emile Durkheim called this form of social solidarity a. division of labor b. Gesellschaft c. organic solidarity d. mechanical solidarity

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organic solidarity

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In contemporary society, social solidarity is based on a division of labor. People work at specialized jobs that, taken together, contribute to one another's welfare. Sociologist Emile Durkheim called this form of social solidarity a. labor reductionist b. the new contemporary society c. organic solidarity d. mechanical solidarity

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organic solidarity

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This kind of society has greater tolerance for diverse orientations to life (behaviors, attitudes, beliefs) because solidarity depends on a division of labor, mot on living close to one another and sharing the same kind of work a. mechanical solidarity b. organic solidarity c. Gemeinschaft d. village society

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Gemeinschaft society

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Sociologist Ferdinant Tonnies analyzed the fundamental change from village to urban life where everyone knows everyone else and people think alike is a. Gemeinschaft society b. Gesellschaft scoiety c. social solidarity d. organic solidarity

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because social structures sets the context for what we do, feel, and think, as societies change, so do people's orientations to life

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This main point lies behind the terms Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft and mechanical and organic solidarity a. Gesellschaft society changed into Gemeschaft society b. we live in a large, pluralistic society that is based on mechanical solidarity c. because social structures sets the context for what we do, feel, and think, as societies change, so do people's orientations to life d. social solidarity comes in many forms

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The Microsociological Perspective: Social Interaction in Everyday Life

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Unit 5.7

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the ways in which people use their bodies to give messages to others

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Body Language

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We all have a "personal bubble" that we protect from intrusion. The size of people's personal bubbles varies from one culture to another. Americans have four "distance zones," ranging from where they hug to where they listen to public speakers. The distance zones are the intimate, personal, social, and public.

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Explain what personal space is and how we use four basic distance zones.

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Because symbolic interactionists focus on face-to-face interactions - what people do in one another's presence - such behaviors are smiling, making eye contact, touching, and so on are their natural areas of interest.

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Understand why eye contact, smiling, and body language are topics of research by symbolic interactionists.

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face-to-face interaction

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In contrast to macrosociologists who examine broad features of society, microsociologists examine narrower slices of social life. The primary focus of microsociologists is a. social change b. global stratification c. social structure d. face-to-face interaction

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microsociologists

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How people view things (the meaning that things have for people) is a primary focus of a. conflict theorists b. functionalists c. microsociologists d. macrosociologists

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microsociologists

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How people use personal space, eye contact, and body language are most likely to be topics of research by a. conflict theorists b. functionalists c. microsociologists d. macrosociologists

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the amount of space that people prefer when they interact with others

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The term "personal bubble" refers to a. the amount of space that people prefer when they interact with others b. changes in out ideas over time c. the idea that as the population increases we each have limited space d. an interchange of values between generations

question

close this individual wanted to be while they were talking

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The "personal bubble" is not the same in all cultures. Anthropologist Edward Hall recounts an incident in which he talked with a student from South America. Hall was surprised at how a. the individual used his body to express hostility b. loudly the individual spoke c. quickly this person understood cultural differences d. close this individual wanted to be while they were talking

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intimate distance

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Hall uncovered four "distance zones" used by North Americans. This space extends about 18 inches from our bodies and is used for comforting, protecting, hugging, intimate touching, and lovemaking a. intimate distance b. personal distance c. social distance d. public distance

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social distance

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Extending about 4 to 12 feet from us, we use this zone for such things as job interviews a. intimate distance b. personal distance c. social distance d. public distance

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flirting with them

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Ideas of proper face-to-face interaction can differ from one society to another. When Wal-Mart opened a store in Germany, its employees were expected to smile at customers. The reaction of German customers was negative. They felt that the employees were a. flirting with them b. pressuring them to buy more merchandise c. not sincere d. wasting time

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terrorism

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Interpreting body language, the ways people use their bodies to give messages to others, is a skill that we learn as children. The government has now applied body language in its fight against a. music and video piracy b. tax evasion c. false advertising d. terrorism

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Dramaturgy: The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life

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Unit 5.8

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where people rest from their performances, discuss their presentations, and plan future performances

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Back Stages

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an approach, pioneered by Erving Goffman, in which social life is analyzed in terms of drama or the stage; also called dramaturgical analysis

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Dramaturgy

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techniques used to salvage a performance (interaction) that is going sour

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Face-Saving Behavior

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place where people give performances

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Front Stages

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people's efforts to control the impressions that others receive of them

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Impression Management

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conflicts that someone feels between roles because the expectations are at odds with one another

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Role Conflict

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the ways in which someone performs a role; showing a particular "style" or "personality"

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Role Performance

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conflicts that someone feels within a role

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Role Strain

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a term used by Goffman to refer to how people use social setting, appearance, and manner, which people use to communicate information about the self

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Sign-Vehicle

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two or ore people working together to manage impressions jointly

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Teamwork

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Dramaturgy compares social interaction to a stage performance. The stage is wherever we perform our roles. We use the sign-vehicles of setting, appearance, and manner to manage impressions. Teamwork is people working together to give certain messages.

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Explain dramaturgy: stages, role performance, sign-vehicles, and teamwork.

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Role conflict refers to incompatible expectations between roles. Role strain refers to incompatible expectations within a role.

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Understand the difference between role conflict and role strain.

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We tend to incorporate roles into our self-concept, especially roles we play repetitively.

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Explain this statement: "We become the roles we play."

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Like everyone else, you use sign-vehicles to try to manage the impressions others receive of you.

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Understand how you are an actor on the stage of life.

question

impression management

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Dramaturgy, a term adopted from the theater by Erving Goffman, refers to social life being like a performance on a stage. Another term used in this unit for dramaturgy is a. stage analysis b. symbolic interaction c. sign-vehicle d. impression management

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wherever we give our performances

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If social life is like a stage performance, then where is the stage? a. wherever people gather to watch a performance b. it is a portable concept that we carry with us c. wherever we give our performances d. there is no stage

question

the bathroom

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In the theater, there is a front stage where performances are given and a back stage where actors get away from the prying eyes of their audience. In everyday life, this is the best example of a back stage a. the kitchen b. the bathroom c. the living room d. the hallway that runs between offices or classrooms

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a role performance

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Brenda decided that she would try to get Jed interested in her. She had tried to engage him in "serious" talk about sociological concepts, but that didn't seem to work, so she decided to try something different. That morning she put on a shorter skirt, a low-cut blouse, and, unusual for her, makeup. Brenda is about to engage in a. a role performance b. role strain c. a bad move d. insincerity

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role conflict

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Just as Brenda was talking to Jed - and she could see his new interest - her cell phone rang. It was her mother, who said that she (her mother) had just been called into work on an emergency and Brenda needed to come home right away to take care of her little brother. Caught between the roles of "flirtatious girlfriend" and "good daughter," Brenda is experiencing a. a role performance b. teamwork c. role strain d. role conflict

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role strain

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Disappointed, but back at home, Brenda is taking care of her 10-year-old brother. She notices that he has turned on a TV program that he is not allowed to watch, thinking that his sister will let him get away with it. When he begs her to let him watch the program, Brenda is torn between being the "good, understanding, nice sister" and the "older, responsible sister." Brenda is experiencing a. the failure of props b. a role performance c. role strain d. role conflict

question

teamwork

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Brenda's brother spilled soda on the carpet, and both Brenda and her brother know they will be in trouble, the brother for spilling the soda and Brenda for not watching him more carefully. Both Brenda and her brother work furiously to clean up the soda so it doesn't leave a stain. When the mother returns and asks if there was any trouble, both Brenda and her brother smile and say that everything went well. Brenda and her brother have just engaged in a. a sign-vehicle b. teamwork c. role strain d. role conflict

question

face-saving behavior

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The mother smiles at her children's rush to say that everything went well, knowing that something isn't quite right. As she takes off her shoes in the living room, she feels a damp spot on the carpet. She immediately knows what has happened, but impressed that the children had cleaned up whatever the mess was, she just smiles and says nothing. The mother has just engaged in a. face-saving behavior b. role strain c. role conflict d. back stage behavior

question

scenery

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At school the next day, Brenda decides to change strategies concerning Jed. When she sees him walking toward her, she reaches into her locker, making it appear that she is so intent on getting something out of it that she doesn't notice him. In dramaturgical terms, the locker Brenda was using is called a. role performance b. a back stage c. a sign-vehicle d. scenery

question

a prop

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Brenda decides to continue the strategy of ignoring Jed. This time, when she sees him walking toward her, she turns away and begins to adjust her necklace, seeming so intent on the task that she doesn't notice Jed. In dramaturgical terms, the necklace Brenda was using is called a. a back stage b. teamwork c. a prop d. a social setting

question

Ethnomethodology: Uncovering Background Assumptions

answer

Unit 5.9

question

a deeply embedded, common understanding of how the world operates and of how people ought to act

answer

Background Assumptions

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the study of how people use background assumptions to make sense out of life

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Ethnomethodology

question

Ethnomethodology refers to studying how people go about doing their everyday lives, how people use background assumptions to make sense of life.

answer

State what ethnomethodology is.

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Background assumptions are the things we assume to be normal, the way life "is." They serve as unexamined guidelines for our behavior.

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Explain what background assumptions are and how they help us navigate everyday life.

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The students violated background assumtions of intimate relations at home, fixed prices at stores, and moving inside the "intimate distance zone" while talking to strangers.

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Explain some of the exercises Garfinkel conducted with his students.

question

how people use common sense understanding to make sense of life

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The term ethnomethodology means the study of how people use background assumptions to make sense out of life. Another way to phrase this is to say ethnomethodology is the study of a. ethnos b. methods c. ologies d. how people use common sense understanding to make sense of life

question

ideas about the way life is and how thing ought to work

answer

If ethnomethodology is the study of people's background assumptions, what are background assumptions? a. the myths that hold a society together b. ideas that people are discussing c. ideas about the way life is and how thing ought to work d. trial and error solutions to complex problems

question

background assumptions

answer

When Kathy took her son to the Rainbow Gardens preschool, she expected that he would be treated politely, given wholesome food, and play active games. Instead, he was treated rudely, given Kool-Aid and crackers, and plopped in front of a TV. These action's violated Kathy's a. morals b. background assumptions c. educational background d. research on preschools

question

bewilderment and shock

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Two common reactions when Garfinkel's students broke background assumptions, such as acting as though they were boarders in their own homes, were a. bewilderment and shock b. humor and laughter c. sadness and tears d. friendliness and helpfulness

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The Social Construction of Reality

answer

Unit 5.10

question

William I. and Dorothy S. Thomas' classic formulation of the definition of the situation: "If people define situations as real, they are real in their consequences"

answer

Thomas Theorem

question

the use of background assumptions and life experiences to define what is real

answer

The Social Construction of Reality

question

Social construction of reality refers to ways we have learned to view life. We act on our views, not on what is actually "out there." The Thomas theorem, also called the definition of the situation, summarizes this: "If people define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."

answer

Explain the social construction of reality and summarize the Thomas theorem.

question

If we think a tiger is prowling outside our house, we likely will stay inside. It does not matter that there is no tiger out there. We act on our definitions (views of reality), not on reality.

answer

Explain how our behavior is based not on what is real but on our views of what is real.

question

In gynecological examinations, team players work together to promote the definition of nonsexuality. The use the sign-vehicles of setting, appearance, and manner - from where the patient undresses to the use of the drape sheet.

answer

Explain how the gynecological examination is socially constructed to provide a definition of nonsexuality.

question

the Thomas theorem

answer

The statement, "If people define situations as real, they are real in their consequences," is known as a. the situational response b. sociological relativity c. a background assumption d. the Thomas theorem

question

our interpretation of facts (reality)

answer

According to the Thomas theorem (developed by William I. and Dorothy S. Thomas), also called the definition of the situation, we do not act on facts (reality) but on a. how facts are related to one another b. the challenges we face in our everyday lives c. our interpretation of facts (reality) d. an attempt to improve our lives

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our interpretation of their acts

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What Hitler or Osama bin Laden or any other historical figure means to us depends on a. their acts b. our interpretation of their acts c. what we read in history books d. the context of related historical events

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the social construction of reality

answer

Gynecological examinations were used to illustrate a. the social construction of reality b. the advancement of the medical profession c. the high cost of current medical treatment d. changes in the practice of medicine

question

must know how people define reality

answer

The main point of this unit is that to understand human behavior, we a. need to do research b. should go to college c. should get away from books and see how people really deal with life d. must know how people define reality

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basic distance zones

answer

Intimate distance, personal distance, social distance, and public distance are all types of _____ that Hall observed in North America. a. basic distance zones b. impression management c. role performance d. body language

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body language

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When we look at facial expression, posture, and gestures to understand how to react to someone, we are examining their _____. a. role playing b. impression management c. body language d. eye contact

question

status symbol

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A police uniform is an example of a _____. a. master status b. achieved status c. status symbol d. ascribed status

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a back stage

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When you retreat to your bedroom and close your door, you are entering _____. a. a front stage b. an intimate distance zone c. a personal distance zone d. a back stage

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Gesellschaft

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A society that uses contracts instead of handshakes is an example of _____. a. organic solidarity b. mechanical solidarity c. Gesellschaft d. Gemeinschaft

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powerful groups manipulate social institutions to maintain their own privileged positions

answer

Which of the following is an example of the conflict perspective? a. powerful groups manipulate social institutions to maintain their own privileged positions b. social institutions were not designed to meet the basic needs of everyone in society c. social institutions work together for the common good d. social institutions with differing agendas produce social conflict

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organic solidarity

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A society that depends on one another to contribute to various groups through their specific work is exhibiting what form of solidarity? a. Gemeinschaft b. organic solidarity c. mechanical solidarity d. Gesellschaft

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background assumption

answer

If you were to barter with a clerk in the grocery store, you would be breaking a _____. a. role performance b. social protocol c. social class d. background assumption

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macrosociology

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A sociologist studying social class is focused on what level of analysis? a. functionalism b. macrosociology c. conflict perspective d. microsociology

question

student

answer

Which of the following in not a master status? a. student b. sex c. wealth d. age

question

the social structure

answer

Differences in behavior and attitudes are due not to biology, but to people's location in _____. a. their social status b. the social structure c. social institutions d. their ascribed status

question

microsociology

answer

Sociologist studying body language of individuals at a funeral are focused on what level of analysis? a. conflict perspective b. microsociology c. functionalist d. macrosociology

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role conflict

answer

Your boss has called to tell you that you need to cover a shift on the same night that your family will be celebrating your brother's birthday. You are experiencing _____. a. dramaturgy b. role conflict c. role strain d. impression management

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social structure

answer

Your friends are going to the beach, but you have been scheduled to work a shift at your part-time job. You need the money from your job to help pay for your tuition. This is an example of how _____ set(s) limits on your behavior. a. achieved statuses b. social class c. social structure d. status symbol

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social construction of reality

answer

Your friend believes in ghosts, as does the rest of her family. Neither you nor your family members believe that ghosts exist. Through her interactions with her family members, your friend has learned a way at looking at life that differs from your way of looking at life. This is an example of the _____. a. conflict perspective b. symbolic interactionist perspective c. dramaturgy d. social construction of reality

question

mechanical solidarity

answer

The Amish way of life is an example of _____. a. organic solidarity b. social integration c. mechanical solidarity d. division of labor

question

True

answer

When we use background assumptions to define what is real we are socially constructing our reality. a. True b. False

question

role strain

answer

You received really high grades this semester and want to tell your parents when they ask if you have any news to share. You decide not to share your news because you know that your sister did not do so great. This is an example of _____. a. ascribed status b. role conflict c. achieved status d. role strain

question

Ascribed statuses

answer

_____ are inherited at birth or are received involuntarily later in life. a. Ascribed statuses b. Achieved statuses c. Status symbols d. Master statuses

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False

answer

Division of labor occurs when a society or group gets smaller. a. True b. False

question

status symbols

answer

Which term refers to the behaviors, obligations, and privileges attached to a status? a. master status b. roles c. status symbols d. social class

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achieved statuses

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Student, friend, and lawyer are examples of _____. a. status symbols b. master statuses c. ascribed statuses d. achieved statuses

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master status

answer

A _____ can be ascribed or achieved and cuts across other statuses. a. master status b. status set c. status symbol d. social class

question

False

answer

Using only the macrosociological level of analysis will give a complete understanding of street-corner men. a. True b. False

question

True

answer

People learn their attitudes and behaviors because of their location in the social structure. a. True b. False

question

symbolic interactionism

answer

Which level of sociological analysis examines the relationships of groups to one another? a. macrosociology b. functionalism c. symbolic interactionism d. microsociology

question

social structure

answer

What is the term that is used to describe the framework of society that surrounds us? a. social structure b. culture c. social class d. social institutions

question

law

answer

Having the right to a trial by one's peers is a value established by which social institution? a. politics b. education c. law d. military

question

functional requisites

answer

What is the term that functionalists use to describe the five basic needs of societies? a. functional requisites b. mechanical solidarity c. organic solidarity d. functional survival

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