2.9 Application and Discussion: Questions and Key Terms

Application and Discussion questions are intended to be used for student reflection and response; in class discussions, or online forum discussions.

Key terms are needed to understand the concepts in this chapter and will appear in other chapters in the text.

2.9.1 Reflective Questions

  1. What can you expect to learn from studying families?
  2. How will studying families impact your family and your work life in the future?
  3. What are the main methods for researching families?
  4. What are the nuances of objectivity coupled with humanity?
  5. How will cultural humility help you understand other people?
  6. What are the major theoretical perspectives? Which ones make the most sense to you?
  7. What is a social problem? What social problems have you experienced or observed?
  8. How will having a sociological imagination and understanding equity equip you to learn about families in the United States?

2.9.2 Key Terms

  • age: the developmental changes and transitions that come with being a child, adolescent, or adult.
  • cultural humility: the focus on staying other-centered in order to learn about and understand the experiences and viewpoints of people with social identities different from your own.
  • culture: the shared meanings and shared experiences passed down over time by individuals in a group.
  • disabilities: the visible or hidden and temporary or permanent conditions that provide barriers or challenges.
  • ethnicity: one’s social identity based on the culture of origin, ancestry, or affiliation with a cultural group.
  • experiments: a primary form of research in natural and physical sciences that involves comparing and contrasting at least two different interventions.
  • first language: the language learned in early childhood.
  • gender: the socially constructed perceptions of what it means to be male or female in our society.
  • objectivity: the act of staying free from the influence of personal experiences and opinions.
  • observational studies: a type of field research that includes both participant observation and nonparticipant observation.
  • origin: the geographical location where a person was born and spent (at least) their early years in.
  • qualitative research: the descriptive, in-depth study of a topic.
  • quantitative research: the numbers-based, measurable study of a topic.
  • race: the categorization of humans using observable physical or biological criteria, such as skin color, hair color or texture, facial features, etc.
  • research: a systematic investigation into a particular topic, examining materials, sources, and/or behaviors.
  • scientific process: the process of formulating hypotheses, making observations, gathering and testing data, drawing conclusions, and modifying hypotheses.
  • secondary data analysis: the study of existing research.
  • sex: a biological descriptor involving chromosomes and internal/external reproductive organs
  • sexual orientation: a person’s emotional, romantic, erotic, and spiritual attractions toward another in relation to their own sex or gender.
  • social class: a person’s income or material wealth, educational status, and/or occupational status.
  • sociological perspective: viewpoints that emphasize causes, effects and actions of groups of individuals, looking for patterns.
  • social model of ability: a view of diagnoses from a social and environmental perspective and considers multiple ecological levels.
  • social problem: a large issue that affects many people, can threaten the health and well being of society, is recognized as a problem by many, includes multiple causes and effects, and needs a systemic solution.
  • subjectivity: influenced by personal experiences and opinions
  • survey: a method by which sociologists gather their data by asking questions.
  • theory: a structural framework, explanation, or tool that has been tested and evaluated over time.

2.9.3 Licenses and Attributions for Application and Discussion: Questions and Key Terms

2.9.3.1 Open Content, Original

“Application and Discussion: Questions and Key Terms” by Elizabeth B. Pearce is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

License

Contemporary Families: An Equity Lens 2e Copyright © by Elizabeth B. Pearce. All Rights Reserved.

Share This Book