Themes in sociology

• What is sociology primarily the study of?

  Sociology is the study of human society, including its development and institutions.
• Who are considered the three founding fathers of sociology?

  The three founding fathers of sociology are Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber.
• What did Karl Marx believe was necessary for equality among people?

  Marx believed that a revolution was necessary to make all people equal.
• What was Emile Durkheim's view on society?

  Durkheim believed that society is made up of different parts, each with its own function, that work together to create a stable society.
• How did Max Weber suggest sociologists should study society?

  Weber suggested that sociologists should analyze both actions and structures to understand society.
• What are the core themes in sociology mentioned in the material?

  The core themes in sociology are culture, socialization, and identity.
• How is culture defined in sociology?

  Culture refers to the way of life of a group of people, including their language, beliefs, norms, values, knowledge, and skills.
• How does culture vary according to the material?

  Culture varies from place to place and changes over time.
• What is socialization in the context of sociology?


  Socialization is the process by which culture is passed on from generation to generation.
• When does socialization begin and how does it continue?

  Socialization begins in childhood and continues into adult life.
• What are the sources of socialization mentioned in the material?

  Sources of socialization include families, schools, friends, religion, the media, and work.
• How are a society's values internalized?

  A society's values are internalized through socialization, becoming part of an individual's way of thinking.
• How is identity described in sociology?

  Identity is complex and includes both basic facts and social identity influenced by various factors.
• What influences social identity according to the material?

  Social identity is influenced by class, ethnicity, gender, age, sexuality, and societal roles.
• What is globalization in the context of sociology?

  Globalization is the idea that the world is becoming more connected, with national boundaries breaking down.
• How does globalization affect culture according to some sociologists?

  Some sociologists argue that culture is now globalized due to globalization.
• What are the core themes in sociology mentioned in the study material?

  Social Differentiation, Stratification, and Power
• What is social differentiation?

  It is the way society is divided into different groups based on various features.
• What are the key ideas related to culture, socialization, and identity in sociology?

  • Culture: Society's way of life, including language, beliefs, and norms.
  • Socialization: Process of passing culture from generation to generation.
  • Identity: Complex concept influenced by various social factors.
• What are some examples of groups that social differentiation can be based on?

  Biological features, cultural features, and personal characteristics.
• What are the roles of the founding fathers of sociology in shaping the discipline?

  • Karl Marx: Advocated for revolution to achieve equality.
  • Emile Durkheim: Emphasized the importance of social structures for stability.
  • Max Weber: Suggested analyzing both actions and structures to understand society.
• How does stratification differ from social differentiation?


  Stratification orders society into layers with a definite hierarchy.
• What are some bases for stratification in society?


  Status, income, religion, ethnicity, gender, and age.
• What is the top layer of stratification made up of?

  The richest and most powerful people in society.
• How is power usually based in society?

  Power is usually based on wealth, job, or social class.
• What is one way sociologists view power in society?

  As the ability to get someone to do something they wouldn't normally do.
• What do some sociologists argue about people who have power?


  They use it to control society and maintain their power.
• What are some research methods sociologists use?

  Interviews, questionnaires, observations, documents, government statistics, and experiments.
• What do sociologists look for after collecting data?

  Patterns and correlations to draw conclusions.
• What are the main theories of sociology mentioned in the study material?

  Marxism, functionalism, interactionism, feminism, and postmodernism.
• What are some subcategories of the main theories in sociology?

  Neo-Marxism and radical feminism.
• How should students relate core themes to their sociology topics?

  By understanding how themes like power relate to education, health, and other topics studied.
• What is the significance of the examiners in relation to power?


  Examiners hold power over the assessment process.
• What is social class?

  A division of society based on social and economic status.
• What are the implications of social stratification on individuals and society?

  It affects access to resources, opportunities, and social mobility.
• What role do government statistics play in sociological research?

  They provide quantitative data for analysis and comparison.
• Why is analyzing data important in sociology?

  It helps sociologists draw meaningful conclusions about social phenomena.