MCAT Psychological Social Foundations Flashcards: 9a Sociological Theoretical Perspectives

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on 9a Sociological Theoretical Perspectives, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for MCAT Psychological Social Foundations.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: Which concept best fits: a person changes behavior because they believe others see them as "smart"?

Answer: Looking-glass self. Self-perception shaped by imagined judgments of others.

Flashcard 2: What is class consciousness in conflict theory?

Answer: Awareness of shared class position and common economic interests. Necessary for collective action to challenge existing power structures.

Flashcard 3: What is the core focus of symbolic interactionism in explaining social life?

Answer: Micro-level meaning-making through symbols and social interaction. People create reality through shared symbols in daily interactions.

Flashcard 4: Which theoretical perspective best fits this claim: "A handshake has meaning because people agree on it"?

Answer: Symbolic interactionism. Gestures gain meaning through collective interpretation.

Flashcard 5: Which perspective best fits a study of how people negotiate meaning through everyday conversation?

Answer: Symbolic interactionism. Focuses on micro-level meaning-making processes.

Flashcard 6: What is anomie in Durkheim's framework?

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

Flashcard 7: What is the definition of social constructionism as a sociological perspective?

Answer: Categories and knowledge are created and maintained through social processes. Reality isn't fixed but shaped by collective agreement.

Flashcard 8: What is dramaturgical theory (Goffman) primarily used to explain?

Answer: Impression management in social interactions. Life as theater where we perform roles for audiences.

Flashcard 9: What is the core idea of symbolic interactionism in sociology?

Answer: Social reality is constructed through meanings from interactions. This micro-level approach emphasizes how individuals create and interpret symbols in everyday interactions to form social reality.

Flashcard 10: Which perspective most directly analyzes how institutions reproduce inequality: functionalism, conflict theory, or interactionism?

Answer: Conflict theory. Focuses on power struggles and resource distribution.

Flashcard 11: What is the latent function of a social institution or practice?

Answer: Its unintended or unrecognized function. Latent functions are hidden consequences that may still support social order but are not intended or immediately apparent.

Flashcard 12: What is the dramaturgical perspective (Goffman) in one sentence?

Answer: Social interaction is like performance with impression management. Goffman's approach likens social life to theater, where individuals perform roles to manage impressions in front and back stages.

Flashcard 13: In Mead's theory, what is the "generalized other"?

Answer: Internalized norms and expectations of the broader society. Represents society's collective attitudes and expectations.

Flashcard 14: What is a latent function in structural functionalism?

Answer: An unintended or unrecognized consequence of a social institution. Like schools creating social networks beyond just education.

Flashcard 15: Identify the theoretical perspective: inequality persists because dominant groups protect privilege.

Answer: Conflict theory. Views society through lens of power struggles.

Flashcard 16: What is the definition of cultural capital in Bourdieu's theory?

Answer: Nonfinancial assets (knowledge, tastes, credentials) that confer advantage. Education and cultural competence reproduce inequality.

Flashcard 17: What is the bourgeoisie in Marxist class theory?

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

Flashcard 18: What is the defining feature of a bureaucracy in Weber's analysis?

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

Flashcard 19: In dramaturgical theory, what is the "back stage"?

Answer: Private setting where individuals drop the public performance. Where people relax and prepare for public performances.

Flashcard 20: What is the core focus of conflict theory in explaining social life?

Answer: Power and resource inequality drive social structure and change. Views society as groups competing for scarce resources.

Flashcard 21: Identify the concept: behavior shaped by anticipating others' judgments and reactions.

Answer: Looking-glass self. Cooley's concept of self-image formed through perceived social reflections.

Flashcard 22: What is a dysfunction in structural functionalism?

Answer: A social pattern that disrupts stability or causes negative effects. Example: unemployment disrupts economic stability.

Flashcard 23: What is the means of production in Marxist theory?

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

Flashcard 24: What is a latent function of a social institution?

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

Flashcard 25: What is impression management in Goffman's framework?

Answer: Efforts to control how others perceive one's identity and actions. Strategic self-presentation to shape others' impressions.

Flashcard 26: What is the conflict theory definition of power?

Answer: The ability to control resources and influence others' outcomes. Central to understanding domination and resistance in social relations.

Flashcard 27: What is impression management in Goffman's dramaturgical approach?

Answer: Efforts to control how others perceive one's identity in interaction. Strategic presentation of self to achieve social goals.

Flashcard 28: What is social solidarity in Durkheim's terms?

Answer: Social cohesion created by shared norms and interdependence. The glue holding society together through common values.

Flashcard 29: What is a self-fulfilling prophecy in sociological terms?

Answer: A belief that leads to behaviors that make the belief come true. It occurs when expectations prompt actions that confirm the original false conception, often in social contexts.

Flashcard 30: What is the term for the group that owns the means of production in Marxist conflict theory?

Answer: Bourgeoisie. Marx's term for the capitalist class controlling production.

Flashcard 31: Which perspective best explains inequality as produced by institutionalized competition for resources?

Answer: Conflict theory. Analyzes how systems perpetuate advantage for dominant groups.

Flashcard 32: What is manifest function in a structural functionalist analysis?

Answer: An intended and recognized consequence of an institution. The explicit, stated purpose that everyone recognizes.

Flashcard 33: What is the central claim of structural functionalism about society?

Answer: Society is a system of interdependent parts that maintain stability. Each part serves a function to keep the whole system balanced.

Flashcard 34: What is false consciousness in conflict theory?

Answer: Misunderstanding one's class interests that supports the status quo. Example: workers believing they'll become wealthy through hard work alone.

Flashcard 35: What is the difference between micro- and macro-level sociological theories?

Answer: Micro: face-to-face interaction; Macro: large-scale social structures. Micro studies individuals; macro studies institutions and systems.

Flashcard 36: What does the rational choice theory perspective assume about social behavior?

Answer: Individuals act to maximize benefits and minimize costs. Applies economic logic to all human decisions and interactions.

Flashcard 37: What is dysfunction in functionalist theory?

Answer: A social pattern that disrupts stability or harms system functioning. Like crime undermining trust needed for social cooperation.

Flashcard 38: What is social capital in sociological theory?

Answer: Resources gained through social networks and relationships. Benefits derived from group membership and social connections.

Flashcard 39: What does symbolic interactionism emphasize as the basis of social reality?

Answer: Shared meanings created through social interaction shape social reality. Focuses on how people construct meaning through symbols and interactions.

Flashcard 40: What does social control theory propose about why people do not deviate?

Answer: Strong social bonds and monitoring reduce deviant behavior. Hirschi's theory suggests that attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief in social norms deter individuals from deviance.

Flashcard 41: Which concept describes the way social norms regulate behavior through rewards and sanctions?

Answer: Social control. Society enforces conformity through praise and punishment.

Flashcard 42: What is the key idea of the dramaturgical approach (Goffman) to interaction?

Answer: People manage impressions by performing roles for an audience. Social life is theater where we act out scripts for others.

Flashcard 43: Which sociological perspective best fits: society is held together by shared norms?

Answer: Structural functionalism. This perspective emphasizes consensus and social integration.

Flashcard 44: Which theoretical perspective best fits this claim: "Schools transmit shared values that bind society"?

Answer: Structural functionalism. Education serves to unify society through common culture.

Flashcard 45: What is the core assumption of functionalism about how society operates?

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

Flashcard 46: What is the difference between manifest and latent functions in functionalism?

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

Flashcard 47: What is the main focus of critical race theory in sociology?

Answer: Racism is systemic and embedded in laws, institutions, and policies. Challenges colorblind approaches to racial inequality.

Flashcard 48: What is the conflict theory definition of power?

Answer: The ability to influence others and control resources despite resistance. Differs from authority, which is legitimate power accepted by others.

Flashcard 49: What is the core claim of structural functionalism about how society is organized?

Answer: Society is a system of interdependent parts that maintain stability. Each part serves a function to keep the whole system balanced.

Flashcard 50: In Mead's theory, what is the "I" component of the self?

Answer: The spontaneous, impulsive, subjective part of the self. The creative, unpredictable aspect before social filtering.

Flashcard 51: Which sociological perspective is primarily a macro-level approach: functionalism or symbolic interactionism?

Answer: Functionalism. Analyzes society-wide structures and institutions, not individual interactions.

Flashcard 52: What is dysfunction in structural functionalism?

Answer: A social pattern that disrupts stability or produces negative consequences. Like unemployment undermining economic stability.

Flashcard 53: What is the core idea of social constructionism about categories such as race or gender?

Answer: They are created and maintained through social processes. Society collectively agrees to treat concepts as real.

Flashcard 54: What are the three types of authority in Weber's typology?

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

Flashcard 55: Identify the theoretical perspective: society is held together by shared values and institutions.

Answer: Functionalism. Emphasizes consensus and institutional stability.

Flashcard 56: Which perspective best fits: education reproduces class inequality via hidden curriculum?

Answer: Conflict theory. Emphasizes power dynamics and inequality in institutions.

Flashcard 57: What is the definition of the looking-glass self in Cooley's theory?

Answer: Self-concept forms from perceived judgments of others. We see ourselves through how we think others see us.

Flashcard 58: What is anomie in Durkheim's theory?

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

Flashcard 59: Identify the best theoretical perspective: "A handshake signals respect through shared meaning."

Answer: Symbolic interactionism. Symbolic interactionism interprets gestures like handshakes as symbols that convey mutual understanding and social norms.

Flashcard 60: What is a manifest function in structural functionalism?

Answer: An intended, recognized consequence of a social institution. Example: schools' intended purpose is education.

Flashcard 61: What is the generalized other in Mead's theory of social development?

Answer: Internalized attitudes of the broader society. Society's collective viewpoint we adopt as our own.

Flashcard 62: What is the key idea of Marx's view of class conflict?

Answer: Bourgeoisie exploit proletariat through control of the means of production. Owners profit from workers' labor through ownership.

Flashcard 63: What is the core claim of feminist theory as a sociological perspective?

Answer: Gender inequality is structurally produced and maintained by patriarchy. Analyzes how male dominance shapes social institutions.

Flashcard 64: What is social dysfunction in structural functionalism?

Answer: A social pattern that disrupts system stability or social order. Elements that harm society's equilibrium and functioning.

Flashcard 65: What is the definition of role-taking in Mead's theory?

Answer: Adopting another person's perspective to guide one's behavior. Understanding situations by mentally standing in others' shoes.

Flashcard 66: What is the key assumption of social constructionism about categories like race or gender?

Answer: They are created and maintained through social processes and meaning. Reality is socially constructed, not naturally given.

Flashcard 67: Identify the theoretical perspective: "A label like 'delinquent' shapes identity and future behavior."

Answer: Symbolic interactionism. Shows how labels become self-fulfilling prophecies.

Flashcard 68: What is the core claim of conflict theory about the basis of social order?

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

Flashcard 69: Which sociological perspective is primarily a micro-level approach: conflict theory or symbolic interactionism?

Answer: Symbolic interactionism. Examines face-to-face interactions and individual meaning-making processes.

Flashcard 70: Which sociological perspective best fits: inequality persists because it benefits elites?

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

Flashcard 71: What does labeling theory propose is the key driver of deviance?

Answer: Deviance is amplified by social labels and resulting self-identity. Labeling creates a deviant identity through societal reactions, leading to secondary deviance as individuals internalize the label.

Flashcard 72: Identify the concept: shared values and norms that hold society together.

Answer: Social cohesion (value consensus). Durkheim's term for unity through shared beliefs.

Flashcard 73: What is the Thomas theorem in sociology?

Answer: If situations are defined as real, they are real in consequences. The theorem highlights how subjective interpretations of situations influence behavior and produce tangible outcomes.

Flashcard 74: What is the core idea of structural functionalism in sociology?

Answer: Society is a system of interdependent parts that maintain stability. This perspective views society as an organism where each component contributes to overall equilibrium and functionality.

Flashcard 75: Which perspective most directly emphasizes micro-level meanings and symbols?

Answer: Symbolic interactionism. This micro-oriented theory focuses on how individuals use symbols and interactions to construct personal and social meanings.

Flashcard 76: What does the social constructionism perspective claim about social reality?

Answer: Social reality is created and maintained through shared meanings. Nothing is inherently real; society collectively defines what's real.

Flashcard 77: Which concept best describes Marx's idea that workers are separated from their labor?

Answer: Alienation. Workers don't control the products or profits of their work.

Flashcard 78: What is the core claim of symbolic interactionism about social life?

Answer: Social reality is constructed through meanings created in interaction. People actively create shared meanings through symbols.

Flashcard 79: What is anomie in Durkheimian theory?

Answer: Normlessness from weakened social regulation and guidance. Durkheim's term for breakdown of social norms.

Flashcard 80: What does structural strain theory (Merton) propose causes deviance?

Answer: Strain from blocked access to culturally valued goals via legit means. Merton's theory argues that deviance emerges from anomie when societal structures limit access to approved methods for achieving success.

Flashcard 81: Which sociological perspective views society as interdependent parts that maintain stability?

Answer: Structural functionalism. Views society as a system where each part contributes to overall stability.

Flashcard 82: Identify the best theoretical perspective: "Schools reproduce class inequality."

Answer: Conflict theory. Conflict theory views education as a mechanism that perpetuates social stratification and dominant class interests.

Flashcard 83: What is the definition of the self-fulfilling prophecy in sociology?

Answer: A belief evokes behaviors that make the belief come true. Expectations create their own reality through action.

Flashcard 84: What is the looking-glass self in Cooley's symbolic interactionism?

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

Flashcard 85: What is manifest function in functionalist theory?

Answer: An intended and recognized consequence of a social institution. Purposeful outcomes that institutions are designed to achieve.

Flashcard 86: What is the definition of the looking-glass self (Cooley)?

Answer: Self-concept forms from imagining how others perceive and judge us. We see ourselves through others' perceived reactions.

Flashcard 87: What is a manifest function in functionalist theory?

Answer: An intended and recognized consequence of a social institution. Like education's goal to teach skills - obvious and planned.

Flashcard 88: What is role strain in sociology?

Answer: Stress from incompatible demands within a single social role. Role strain arises when conflicting expectations within the same role create stress for the individual.

Flashcard 89: What is the definition of a social institution in sociological analysis?

Answer: An organized system of norms and roles meeting social needs. Established patterns fulfilling essential societal functions.

Flashcard 90: What is social solidarity in Durkheimian functionalism?

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

Flashcard 91: What is mechanical solidarity?

Answer: Cohesion from similarity and shared collective conscience. Found in traditional societies with homogeneous beliefs and lifestyles.

Flashcard 92: Which adaptation rejects both cultural goals and legitimate means in Merton strain theory?

Answer: Retreatism. Retreatists withdraw from societal expectations, often leading to isolation or alternative lifestyles like addiction.

Flashcard 93: What is a latent function in functionalist theory?

Answer: An unintended and often unrecognized consequence of an institution. Like schools creating social networks - hidden side effects.

Flashcard 94: Identify the theoretical perspective: "Education reproduces class inequality and benefits elites."

Answer: Conflict theory. Sees schools as maintaining class divisions.

Flashcard 95: What is the central focus of conflict theory in explaining social organization?

Answer: Power differentials and competition over scarce resources shape society. Emphasizes inequality and struggle between groups for limited resources.

Flashcard 96: What is the Thomas theorem in sociology?

Answer: If situations are defined as real, they are real in consequences. Shows how subjective reality creates objective consequences.

Flashcard 97: What is the key distinction between Mead's "I" and "me"?

Answer: "I" is spontaneous self; "me" is internalized social expectations. Creative impulse vs socialized component of self.

Flashcard 98: What is latent function in functionalist theory?

Answer: An unintended and unrecognized consequence of a social institution. Hidden benefits that emerge without planning.

Flashcard 99: Which concept best fits this example: school teaches punctuality and obedience without stating it?

Answer: Latent function. Unintended socialization into workplace norms.

Flashcard 100: What is the definition of the generalized other in Mead's theory?

Answer: Internalized societal expectations used to evaluate one's actions. Society's voice in your head judging right from wrong.