Ch. 1 Vovabulary Words

Question 1

Sociology

Answer 1

Scientific study of human society and social behaviors.

Question 2

Society

Answer 2

A group of people who shape their lives in ways that distinguish them from others.

Question 3

Beginner’s Mind

Answer 3

Approaching the world without preconceptions.

Question 4

Sociological Imagination

Answer 4

Allows us to understand the relationship between our individual circumstances and larger social forces.

Question 5

Theories

Answer 5

Propositions that explain the social world.

Question 6

Structure

Answer 6

Social institution that meets the needs of society.

Question 7

Manifest Functions

Answer 7

The obvious functions of a social structure.

Question 8

Latent Functions

Answer 8

Unintended functions of a social structure.

Question 9

Social Inequality

Answer 9

Unequal distribution of wealth, power, or prestige in a society.

Question 10

Culture

Answer 10

The entire way of life of a group of people.

Question 11

Ethnocentrism

Answer 11

Using ones own culture to evaluate another group. Cultures other than one’s own are inferior.

Question 12

Cultural Relativism

Answer 12

Understanding others cultures on their own terms.

Question 13

Values

Answer 13

What is right or wrong, good or bad in a particular group.

Question 14

Norms

Answer 14

Guidelines regarding what kings of behavior are acceptable.

Question 15

Status

Answer 15

Position in a social hierarchy.

Question 16

Role

Answer 16

Behaviors expected of someone because of his/her status.

Question 17

Agency

Answer 17

Ability of the individual to act independently.

Question 18

Group

Answer 18

People who interact with one another because of shared attributes.

Question 19

Social Loafing

Answer 19

More individuals added to a task, each individual decides to contribute a little less.

Question 20

Socioeconomic Status

Answer 20

Measure of an individual’s place within a social class system.

Question 21

Majority

Answer 21

Group of people that has the most power.

Question 22

Minority

Answer 22

People that are denied the same access of power as the society’s dominant groups.