2025/2026 SOCI 287 Final prep Introduction to Sociology I (Athabasca University)
Sociology Final Prep
Unit 1: Introduction to Sociology
1. What is “sociological imagination?” How might it be used to study a
particular issue?
“The awareness of the relationship between personal experience and the wider society.
The capacity to shift from one perspective to another-from the political to the
psychological; from examination of a single family to comparative assessment of the
national budgets of the world.”
2. According to Marx, what is the basis of the conflict between the bourgeoise and
the proletariat?
Marx argued that the capitalist Borugeoise cruelly exploited the public. He recognized
that the work carried out by the public created great wealth for the capitalist...In this
way, the capitalist, who controls the process of production, makes a profit
3. What area of social life does symbolic interaction theory attempt to explain?
Symbolic interactionism is an approach that looks at the meaning of symbolism in our
daily lives. It focuses on individuals rather than larger social structures. It seeks to
explain the meaning we communicate with one another about relationships through
shared interests, and role models through symbols. An example of this would be two
men giving each other a subtle nod, then engaging in a “bro” hug.
4. What is a total institution? Why do they exist? What are some of the key features
of total institutions?
A total institution is “a range of institutions in which whole blocks of people are rigidly
processed, whilst being physically isolated from the normal round of activities, by
being required to sleep, work and play within the confines of the same institution”
Examples: Prisons, psychiatric hospitals, monasteries, boarding schools, convents-and
other institutions where residents are powerfully regulated, controlled, or manipulated.
5. Using Goffman’s dramaturgical approach, explain the difference between “front
stage” and “back stage” as they might apply to a restaurant.
The dramaturgical approach is a way of conducting research as if everyday life were
taking place on the stage of a theater. Using the example of a restaurant, wait staff may
act differently when they are “front stage” dining room area with eye of customers than
when they are “back stage”, behind the kitchen door with their colleagues. Goffman
called this “impression management”
6. What is the role of critical sociology and conflict theory? How is feminism
related to conflict perspectives?
Critical sociology challenged both established sociological theories and research that
sociologists do. Its aim is to make sure that professional sociologists do not lose sight of
the goals of sociological inquiry, specifically to bring about meaningful social change.