Sociological Theory & Frameworks Flashcards

Which theorist introduced the concept of 'anomie' to describe a state of normlessness in society?

Answer: Émile Durkheim

Durkheim introduced anomie to describe conditions where social norms are weakened or absent, contributing to deviance and suicide.

In Talcott Parsons' AGIL framework, what does the 'I' stand for?

Answer: Integration

The 'I' in AGIL stands for Integration, referring to how a system coordinates its parts to function as a whole.

Symbolic interactionism focuses primarily on which level of social analysis?

Answer: Micro-level face-to-face interactions

Symbolic interactionism examines how individuals create meaning through everyday face-to-face interactions and shared symbols.

Which concept from W.E.B. Du Bois describes the internal conflict experienced by African Americans living within a dominant white society?

Answer: Double consciousness

Du Bois coined 'double consciousness' to describe the sense of always looking at oneself through the eyes of others in a racist society.

According to conflict theory, social institutions primarily serve to:

Answer: Reproduce and legitimize existing power inequalities

Conflict theorists argue that institutions such as education and law reinforce the dominance of powerful groups over subordinate ones.

The concept of 'verstehen,' as used by Max Weber, refers to:

Answer: Empathic understanding of social action

Weber used 'verstehen' (German for 'understanding') to describe the interpretive method of grasping the subjective meaning behind social actions.

Which feminist theoretical framework emphasizes that gender, race, and class intersect to create overlapping systems of discrimination?

Answer: Intersectionality

Intersectionality, developed by Kimberlé Crenshaw, examines how multiple social identities combine to shape unique experiences of oppression.