sociology
the systematic study of individuals, groups, etc. (looking for patterns)
how is intersectionality used?
- theorize social problems
- analyze and critique policies meant to address such problems
- understand the complexities of the social world
what is intersectionality?
it addresses the convergence of a variety of social identity characteristics in the context of interacting social forces and institutions
-reveals hegemonic normativity and power (straight, white, male)
domains of power
disciplinary- certain specific restrains within a field
interpersonal- individual identities come with power and privilege
structural- institutions can perpetuate inequalities and distributions of power
cultural- certain beliefs, values, norms
what is the objective definition of a social problem?
a social condition that has negative consequences for individuals, our social world, or physical world
what is the subjective definition of a social problem?
for a social problem to exist someone has to
-notice it
-define it as negative
-tell other people
what is the Thomas Theorem?
if men describe their situation as real it is real in its consequences
what are the macro theories?
functionalism
feminist
conflict
what are the micro theories?
symbolic interactionalism
what is the the functionalist theory?
the human body, interdependent functioning parts held together by norms, values, and common morality
- how society creates and maintains order
-don’t like rapid change
what is the conflict theory?
society is held together by power and domination to benefit those at the top
- based on class conflict
- overcome through class consciousness
- Karl Marx
what is the feminist theory?
they look into patriarchal power, gender, other areas of oppression
- who is being excluded from analysis of power?
- what identities have power?
what is the (symbolic) interactionist theory?
how we use shared language and symbols to create and maintain our social reality
- highlights what we take for granted
- how do interactions and language shape understanding of the situation?
what is symbolic interactionism?
the existence of mind, self, society, emerge from interaction and the use and shared understandings of symbols
what are some components of social class?
education, location, investments, financial literacy, family structure, job title
what is wealth?
total value of assets
- checking, savings, vehicles, stock, property
what is gross wealth?
the total wealth
what is net wealth?
gross wealth minus any debt
what is the difference between wealth and income?
wealth preserves economic divisions and is more unequally distributed than income
what is absolute poverty?
the lack of basic needs
what is relative poverty?
cannot achieve a quality lifestyle relative to others (can’t maintain a good quality standard of living)
what is the federal definition of poverty?
pre-tax income is less than three times the cost of a minimum food budget
what are some of the trends of poverty?
- threshold doesn’t change based on location
- gender, location, race, age
- higher in young people
what are some consequences of poverty?
- no food security/ hunger
- lack of quality affordable housing
- unaffordable healthcare
