Sociological Theory & Frameworks Flashcards

George Herbert Mead's concept of the 'generalized other' refers to:

Answer: The internalized expectations of society as a whole

Mead described the generalized other as the internalized attitudes and standards of the broader community that guide individual behavior.

Which theoretical perspective would most likely analyze how mass media reinforces dominant cultural values?

Answer: Conflict theory

Conflict theory examines how mass media can serve as a tool for powerful groups to propagate ideologies that maintain their dominance.

Robert Merton's concept of 'manifest functions' refers to:

Answer: Intended and recognized functions of social institutions

Manifest functions are the intended, recognized consequences of social institutions, as opposed to latent functions which are unintended.

In exchange theory, social behavior is primarily explained by:

Answer: Calculations of costs and rewards

Exchange theory, associated with George Homans and Peter Blau, views social interaction as driven by rational assessment of benefits versus costs.

Which concept from Erving Goffman's dramaturgical theory describes the management of personal information to control one's image?

Answer: Impression management

Goffman's concept of impression management describes how individuals strategically present themselves to shape how others perceive them.

Anthony Giddens' structuration theory argues that structure and agency are:

Answer: Dually constitutive — each producing and reproducing the other

Giddens argued that social structures are both the medium and outcome of human action, making structure and agency inseparable.

Which term describes the phenomenon where individuals conform to group norms even when they privately disagree with them?

Answer: Normative conformity

Normative conformity occurs when individuals comply with group expectations to gain acceptance or avoid rejection, despite private disagreement.