Intro Sociology Vocabulary Chapter 1

The scientific study of social groups and human interaction.

The growth of worldwide interdependence.

The act of comparing one's status to others' around him or her to set one's state of mind.

The analysis of face-to-face interactions

The analysis of large-scale social systems.

The idea that symbolic thought frees us from being limited to what we actually see, hear, and feel.

A theory that emphasizes the importance of moral consensus in maintaining the order of a society.

A combination of sociology and political reform that emphasized class conflict and division of power to a greater extent than non-Marxists.

Highlights gender relations and gender inequalities as determinants of society.

Believes that self-interest best explains society. E.g.: Marriage

Believes that classic social thinkers' idea that history has a shape has collapsed. Meaning is created by flow of images.

(1798 - 1857): Invented the word sociology (social physics). Wanted to contribute to the welfare of humanity by using science to understand, predict, and control human behavior.

(1858 - 1917): Thought Comte's work lacked depth. Durkheim wanted to study social facts (aspects of social life that shape our actions as individuals), saying, "study social facts as things!" Viewed society as a system, such as the human body; organic solidarity. The continuation of society depends on cooperation.

(1818 - 1883): Developed the materialist concept of history: social change is prompted primarily by economic influences. "All human history is the history of class struggles." Believes that Capitalism is a class system that creates division and social tension. 1/3 of the world used to be Communist.

(1864 - 1920): Saw class conflict as being less of an issue than Marx thought it was. He said that economic influence was just as important as ideas and values. He concluded that aspects of Christianity influenced the rise of Capitalism.