Ch. 1 Vovabulary Words Flashcards
Sociology
Scientific study of human society and social behaviors.
Society
A group of people who shape their lives in ways that distinguish them from others.
Beginner’s Mind
Approaching the world without preconceptions.
Sociological Imagination
Allows us to understand the relationship between our individual circumstances and larger social forces.
Theories
Propositions that explain the social world.
Structure
Social institution that meets the needs of society.
Manifest Functions
The obvious functions of a social structure.
Latent Functions
Unintended functions of a social structure.
Social Inequality
Unequal distribution of wealth, power, or prestige in a society.
Culture
The entire way of life of a group of people.
Ethnocentrism
Using ones own culture to evaluate another group. Cultures other than one’s own are inferior.
Cultural Relativism
Understanding others cultures on their own terms.
Values
What is right or wrong, good or bad in a particular group.
Norms
Guidelines regarding what kings of behavior are acceptable.
Status
Position in a social hierarchy.
Role
Behaviors expected of someone because of his/her status.
Agency
Ability of the individual to act independently.
Group
People who interact with one another because of shared attributes.
Social Loafing
More individuals added to a task, each individual decides to contribute a little less.
Socioeconomic Status
Measure of an individual’s place within a social class system.
Majority
Group of people that has the most power.
Minority
People that are denied the same access of power as the society’s dominant groups.
