Deck · MCAT
Sociology
Sociological theories, social structure and institutions, social interaction, demographics and change, culture, stratification and inequality, and deviance for the MCAT.
120 cards · audited · SM-2 spaced repetition
Included with the full MCAT program — 8 decks, 1,519 cards.
Sample cards
What is the central claim of structural functionalism in sociology?
Society is a complex system whose parts (institutions) work together to promote stability and solidarity; each part serves a function that contributes to the survival of the whole. Associated with Émile Durkheim.
In functionalism, what is the difference between a manifest function and a latent function?
A manifest function is an intended, recognized consequence of a social structure; a latent function is an unintended, often unrecognized consequence. (Robert Merton's distinction.) A latent dysfunction is an unintended harmful consequence.
What is the central claim of conflict theory?
Society is characterized by inequality and competition over scarce resources; social order is maintained by the dominance of powerful groups over subordinate ones, and change arises from this conflict. Rooted in the work of Karl Marx.
In Marxist conflict theory, who are the bourgeoisie and the proletariat?
The bourgeoisie are the owners of the means of production (capitalists); the proletariat are the workers who sell their labor. Class conflict between them drives social change.
What is the central focus of symbolic interactionism?
A microsociological perspective focusing on how individuals create and interpret meaning through everyday social interaction and shared symbols (especially language). Associated with George Herbert Mead and Herbert Blumer.
Showing 5 of 120 cards. Unlock the program to study them all.
More in MCAT
Master sociology — and the rest of MCAT.
One program. 1,519 audited cards across 8 decks.