MCAT Behavioral Science: Chapter 11 - Social Structure and Demographics

Introduction

• Presented by: Iman
• Chapter Title: Social Structure and Demographics
• Main Objectives:
  1. Sociology
  2. Culture
  3. Demographics

Objective 1: Sociology

• Study of Society: How we create, interact within, change, and define normalcy in society.
• Levels of Sociological Study:
  • Micro level: Family, local communities
  • Meso level: Organizations, institutions, ethnic subcultures
  • Macro level: National and international systems

Theoretical Approaches in Sociology

1. Symbolic Interactionism

   • Studies symbols used in communication
   • Symbols include body posture, facial expressions, hand gestures
   • Three assumptions:
     1. Humans act towards symbols based on meanings
     2. Meanings come from social interaction
     3. Humans interpret these meanings, influencing their actions
   • Limitations: Often overlooks macro structures like cultural norms or class interactions

2. Social Constructionism

   • Meaning of symbols changes over time
   • Example: Peace sign's meaning evolving
   • Studies social constructs (e.g., honor, justice, integrity)
   • Limitations: Useful for micro and meso-level phenomena; falls short in macro-level explanations

3. Rational Choice (Exchange) Theory

   • Focuses on individual decision-making
   • Humans make rational choices to further their self-interests
   • Weighs costs and benefits (e.g., purchasing decisions, social relationships)

4. Conflict Theory

   • Views society through conflict between different groups
   • Originated from Karl Marx’s critique of capitalism
   • Modern applications: Examines conflicts beyond class (e.g., age groups, religions)
   • Limitations: Less effective in addressing individual choices and social cohesion

5. Structural Functionalism

   • Views society as a complex system similar to a living organism
   • Focuses on social cohesion and equilibrium
   • Functions:
     • Manifest Functions: Intended contributions (e.g., medical conferences educate physicians)
     • Latent Functions: Unintended benefits (e.g., strengthening professional bonds)
   • Limitations: Struggles to account for social change and individual interactions

6. Feminist Theory

   • Critiques institutional power structures disadvantaging women
   • Views society as inherently patriarchal

Social Institutions

• Definition: Well-established social structures that dictate patterns of behavior
• Exist at Meso Level: Part of society but not dependent on individuals.
• Examples:
  1. Education: Provides skills useful to individuals and society
  2. Family: Differs by culture; involves socialization and bonding
  3. Religion: Organized around beliefs and practices addressing existence
  4. Government and Economy: Affect rule-making, representation, labor division
  5. Healthcare and Medicine: Maintain or improve health status
• Medical Ethics (US):
  1. Act in patient's best interest
  2. Do no harm
  3. Respect patient autonomy
  4. Justice - fair distribution of healthcare resources

Objective 2: Culture

• Definition: Encompasses entire lifestyle of a group
• Categories:
  1. Material Culture: Physical items made, possessed, valued
  2. Symbolic (Non-material) Culture: Ideas representing a group, slower to change
• Subtypes of Culture:
  • Culture Lag: Delay in cultural adjustment to changing social conditions
• Language:
  • Vital for expressing ideas and experiences
  • Crucial for understanding culture

Values, Beliefs, Norms, and Rituals

1. Values: Core principles; guide ethical behavior and decisions
   • Example: Influence on healthcare decisions
2. Beliefs: Convictions accepted as truths
3. Norms: Rules outlining acceptable behavior
4. Rituals: Formal ceremonies with specific objects and behaviors

Evolution and Human Culture

• Role in Knowledge Transmission: Tool-making, hunting, agriculture
• Influence on Group Identity: Us vs. them mentality
• Impact on Biological Evolution: Genetic traits selected for within cultural contexts
  • Example: Lactose digestion in dairy-dependent cultures

Conclusion

• This covers the introduction to the first two objectives
• Next video will cover the third objective (Demographics)
• Encouragement to leave questions and comments
• Good luck and happy studying!