Sociological Theoretical Perspectives (9A) - MCAT Psychological and Social Foundations

Awareness of shared class position and common economic interests. Recognition that leads to collective action against exploitation.

Resources and tools used to produce goods (factories, land, capital). Marx saw control of these as the basis of class division.

Formal rules, hierarchy, specialization, and impersonal relationships. Weber emphasized these characteristics create efficient but rigid organizations.

Traditional, charismatic, and rational-legal authority. Based on custom, personal qualities, or legal-rational systems respectively.

Wage laborers who sell labor and do not own the means of production. Marx's term for the working class exploited under capitalism.

The capitalist class that owns the means of production. Marx's term for those who profit from others' labor.

Social order reflects competition over scarce resources and power inequalities. Sees society as shaped by struggle between groups with unequal resources.

Normlessness due to weakened social regulation and unclear expectations. Occurs when rapid social change disrupts traditional norms and values.

Social cohesion arising from shared norms and interdependence. The bonds that unite members through common values and mutual dependence.

Dysfunction. Elements that harm social stability rather than contributing to it.

Manifest: intended effects; latent: unintended effects. Manifest are planned outcomes; latent are unexpected consequences.

How individuals create meaning through symbols and social interaction. Examines micro-level processes of communication and interpretation.

Society is a set of interdependent parts that maintain stability and order. Views society as an organism where each part contributes to overall functioning.

The ability to impose one’s will despite resistance. Weber defined it as overcoming opposition to achieve desired outcomes.

Misunderstanding of one’s class interests due to dominant ideology. When workers accept capitalism despite it harming their interests.

Self-concept formed by imagining how others perceive and judge us. We see ourselves reflected in others' reactions to us.

Adopting another person’s perspective to guide one’s behavior. Understanding social expectations by imagining others' viewpoints.

Structural functionalism. This perspective emphasizes consensus and social integration.

Conflict theory. This perspective focuses on power struggles and resource competition.

A small group controlling major political, military, and economic institutions. Elite coordination across society's key sectors.

Stratification also reflects status (prestige) and party (power). Added social honor and political influence to class analysis.

Symbolic interactionism. Focuses on face-to-face interactions and meanings.

Functionalism. Emphasizes consensus and institutional stability.

If situations are defined as real, they are real in their consequences. Perceptions shape actual outcomes and behaviors.

Society is a system of interdependent parts that maintain stability. Each part serves a function to maintain equilibrium.

Society is shaped by competition over scarce resources and power. Groups with power maintain dominance over those without.

Social reality is constructed through shared meanings in interaction. People create meaning through symbols and interactions.

An intended and recognized consequence of an institution. Explicitly stated purposes that institutions fulfill.

An unintended or unrecognized consequence of an institution. Hidden effects that emerge beyond stated goals.