Sociological Perspective In Psychology

Rachel McGuy

Soc 201

Barry

Final Exam

Part A

The sociological perspective states that our social backgrounds influence our choices and behavior. We are individuals, yet social beings that share basic characteristics with one another. The sociological perspective takes this into account when viewing a culture, their attitudes, and way of life. Society is influenced through language, body language, social roles, expectations, and political views. America believes in an individualistic society. Thus, our society believes in competition, independence, and individual rights. Whereas in a collectivist culture, dependency isn’t seen as shameful. Its promoted and is the norm. Voting, for example, is an individual choice. Young adults in the 2008

A strong society means maintaining social stability with change slow enough for people to adapt. When neighborhoods became more populated, less farmers needed to grow food since there were so many farmers already. So, citizens adapted and started their own trades such as sewing, educating, and so on, to contribute to a functioning society. With this slow change, society was able to maintain homeostasis and remain functional. Functionalism is an interdependent social system which seeks balance. Any rapid change creates stress and chaos. Deviance in a functional society helps keep the status quo. It clarifies acceptable behaviors and strengthens conformity among the community. Reactions lead to slow social change which strengthens bonds among the community. Travis Hirschi believes deviance derives from weak bonds to conventional institutions. It results in gangs so they can feel a sense of attachment and involvement. Although deviance is a function of society, not all deviant acts are good. To decrease crime rates, the government creates stronger ties between the

The way we perceive the world is through our culture’s subjective analysis of the situation and symbols. The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis uses language to define our subjective view on the world. Language reflects cultural values and is interdependent with one another. The use of terms such as “bastard” has real meaning in society. Thomas Thereom states that if people believe that something (or meaning of a situation) exists, then it is real and has real consequences. Since society believes that the term “bastard” reflects one is born out of wedlock then its in deed a real term with a real stigma that follows. Language and symbols affects our beliefs and daily interactions with one another. Social stratification examines differences between each class. For example, the upper-class society shows off their wealth through purchases of new cars, products, and clothes. Society has define new cars and lavish products as “rich” because that is what we deem as real. While the lower-class purchases used cars and other lower priced items. This depicts the vast difference between the two classes through its symbolic meanings. The only downfall of the interactionalism perspective is that is does not explain stratification; it only examines the