Sociology
Sociology is the study of human social relationships and institutions. It examines social interactions on both micro and macro levels to understand the organization and dynamics of societies and human behavior. Focusing on everything from small groups like families up to entire civilizations, sociologists analyze origins, cultures, organizations, trends, and current issues facing humankind.
Key Terms
- Feminism
- Postmodernism
- Functionalism
- Marxism
Feminism
Feminism in sociology theorizes about gender inequality, analyzing the power structures, norms, and assumptions that subordinate women; it focuses on understanding women's experiences and social positions while advocating for social, economic, and political equality between women and men, freedom over bodies and representation, and justice regarding gender-based violence and marginalization.
Postmodernism
Postmodernism in sociology is a theoretical perspective questioning accepted ways of thinking and perceiving reality, rejecting grand theories for understanding society, and focusing on pluralism, ambiguity, fragmentations, and localized narratives and identities constructed by discourse and power relations. Postmodern sociologists analyze how language, symbols, and texts shape fluid social identities and relationships.
Functionalism
Functionalism is a sociological theory that sees society as a complex system with interconnected parts that work together to promote solidarity, stability, and well-being; it focuses on the functions various elements of society serve to keep society running. Functionalists examine the purposes social institutions like family, education, and religion serve to meet society's needs.
Marxism
Marxism is a sociological theory based on the ideas of Karl Marx that focuses on the concepts of social class, means of production, exploitation, oppression, and revolution as driving forces in history and society. Marxists analyze social stratification, the conflicts between social classes, and systems of inequality
Frequent Asked Questions
The family functions to reproduce and socialize children, meet members’ emotional and material needs, regulate sexual behavior and partnerships, provide social status and inheritance, educate informal roles and behaviors, maintain connections between generations, and confer legal rights and responsibilities regarding children and spouses’ care, assets, and medical decisions.
There may be bias in careers advice and/or in allocating work placements; girls and boys may be encouraged to consider different career paths based on gender stereotypes.
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