I. Define social institution and identify the five major social institutions in contemporary societies (family, state, economy, religion, education).
Encyclopedia Britannica- Social Structure"Social structure, in sociology, the distinctive, stable arrangement of institutions whereby human beings in a society interact and live together. Social structure is often treated together with the concept of social change, which deals with the forces that change the social structure and the organization of society." -Form, Wilterdink
II. Recognize the main ideas of three of the following theoretical paradigms: functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, postmodernism.
Cliff's Notes- 3 Major Perspectives in Sociology"Sociologists analyze social phenomena at different levels and from different perspectives. From concrete interpretations to sweeping generalizations of society and social behavior, sociologists study everything from specific events (the micro level of analysis of small social patterns) to the “big picture” (the macro level of analysis of large social patterns)."
III. Give an example of how systems of social stratification (e.g. class, race, gender, sexuality, age) organize the distribution of social advantages and disadvantages.
Sociology Guide- Social Stratification"The process by which individuals and groups are ranked in a more or less enduring hierarchy of status is known as stratification. Even the most primitive societies had some form of social stratification. As Sorokin pointed out stratified society with real equality of its members is a myth that has never been realized in the history of the mankind. Social stratification means the differentiation of a given population into hierarchically superimposed classes."
IV. Describe the relationship between social structure and individual behavior.
Study.com- How Types of Group Norms Influence Individual Behavior"Groups, though made up of individuals, have their own sets of norms. These sets develop as the group grows and interacts and can change a person's behavior that might be new to the group. Here we review types of norms present in groups and their potential impact on an individual's behavior." -Wengrzyn
V. Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative approaches to conducting sociological research.
VI. Define the major components of culture, including the role of socialization, social norms, and deviance.
Khan Academy- Social norms and deviant behavior"Social order is fundamental for every society. Social order is group’s typical and customary social arrangements, which members of society base their actions on. Social “norms” lay out the basic guidelines for the roles we should play and how we interact with others. "
Give an example of the social causes and consequences of a major social change (e.g. globalization, environment, technology, population shifts).
