Issues and Debates Key Terms Flashcards
Universality
Any underlying characteristics of human beings that is capable of being applied to all, despite differences in experience and upbringing
Gender Bias
When considering human behaviour, bias is a tendency to treat one individual or group in a different way. In terms of gender, research or theories may offer a view that does not represent male or female behaviour
Androcentrism
When normal behaviour is judged to a male standard
Alpha Bias
Theories that suggest there are real differences between men and women, these typically undervalue women
Beta Bias
Theories that ignore or minimize the differences between the sexes
Cultural Bias
Refers to a tendency to ignore cultural differences and interpret all phenomena through the “lens” of their own culture
Ethnocentrism
Judging other cultures by the standards and values of one’s own culture. In an extreme form, it is the belief in the superiority of one’s own culture which could lead to prejudice and discrimination
Cultural redativsm
The idea that norms and values can only be meaningful and understood within specific social and cultural contexts
Free Will
The notion that humans can make choices and are not determined by biological or external forces
Determinism
The view that an individuals behaviour is shaped or controlled by external or internal forces rather than an individual’s will to do something
Hard Determinism
Implies that free will is not possible as our behaviour is always caused by internal or external forces beyond our control
Soft Determinism
All events have causes,but behaviour can also be caused by our choices in the absence of coercion
Biological Determinism
Behaviour is caused by biological influences that we cannot control
Environmental Determinism
Behaviour is caused by features in the environment that we cannot control
Psychic Determinism
Behaviour is caused by unconscious conflicts that we cannot control