Psychology/Sociology Chapter 11: Social Structures

Question 1

social capital

Answer 1

social connections someone has

Question 2

Cultural capital

Answer 2

knowledge, skills and education gained from experiencing a specific culture

Question 3

Economic capital

Answer 3

financial resources of goods and money that someone has available

Question 4

Assimilation

Answer 4

strategy in which the individual seeks to interact with the new culture and reject the native culture

Question 5

General strain theory

Answer 5

holds that individuals who have experienced various negative events feel negative emotions, which lead to negative behaviors.

Question 6

Anomie theory

Answer 6

states that individuals who experience weakened social values are less likely to behave in ways that are helpful to that society

Question 7

Relative deprivation theory

Answer 7

individuals who perceive themselves as having fewer resources than others will often act in ways to obtain these resources

Question 8

Functionalism

Answer 8

is a theoretical perspective that views society as a system of interconnected parts working together to maintain stability, order, and social equilibrium. Each part of society—such as institutions, norms, and roles—has a specific function or purpose that contributes to the functioning of the whole.

Question 9

functionalist theoryofsocial stratification

Answer 9

social stratification serves a purpose for society. power is legitimately distributed.

those who fill the top careers in society do so because they are the most qualified and make the most significant contribution

Question 10

utilitarian organization

Answer 10

organizations in which members are compensated for their involvement. Employees of a particular company share membership in a utilitarian organization.

Question 11

coercive organization

Answer 11

organizations in which members are forced to join. Prison is a classic example.

Question 12

mimetic organization

Answer 12

are ones that attempt to copy another organization

Question 13

Meritocracy

Answer 13

is a system in which individuals are rewarded, promoted, or given opportunities based on their abilities, achievements, and talents rather than on factors like wealth, social status, or personal connections. The idea is that the most competent and capable individuals should rise to positions of power and influence, ensuring efficiency and fairness in decision-making.

Equal opportunities but not equal outcomes