Understanding Social Structure

Question 1

microsociology

Answer 1

Focuses on small groups and the individual.

Question 2

macrosociology

Answer 2

Focuses on large groups and social structure.

Question 3

functionalism

Answer 3

The study of structure and function of each part of a society.

Question 4

conflict theory

Answer 4

Focuses on how power differentials are created and how they contribute to the maintenance of social order. (Marx)

Question 5

symbolic interactionism

Answer 5

The study of ways individuals interact through a shared understanding of words, gestures, and other symbols.

Question 6

social constructionism

Answer 6

Focuses on how individuals put together their social reality.

Question 7

exchange theory

Answer 7

An extension of rational choice theory. Focuses on interactions in groups: individuals will carry out certain behaviors because anticipated rewards, or avoid them due to anticipated punishments, and they will make these choices based on projected response from others.

Question 8

rational choice theory

Answer 8

Focuses on decision-making in the individual, and attempts to reduce the process to careful consideration of benefits and harms to the individual (i.e.: punishments and rewards).

Question 9

feminist theory

Answer 9

Attempts to explain social inequalities that exist on the basis of gender. Focuses on the subordination of women through social and institutional discrimination.

Question 10

glass ceiling

Answer 10

The inability for women to be promoted as frequently or hold as many top-level roles as men in the workplace.

Question 11

hidden curriculum

Answer 11

Formal education provides not only book-based knowledge but also the “hidden curriculum” of social norms, attitudes, and beliefs.

Question 12

teacher expectancy

Answer 12

Teachers tend to get what they expect from students. An example of self-fulfilling prophecy.

Question 13

religiosity

Answer 13

Refers to how religious one considers themselves to be, and includes strength of religious beliefs, engagement, and attitudes about religion.

Question 14

church

Answer 14

A large, universal religious group that can be divided into several coexisting denominations.

Question 15

sect

Answer 15

A religious group that has chosen to break off from the parent religion.

Question 16

cult

Answer 16

A religious sect that takes on extreme or deviant philosophies.

Question 17

secularization

Answer 17

When a society shifts away from a religion as a whole toward more scientific or rational thinking.

Question 18

fundamentalism

Answer 18

Maintenance of strict adherence to a religious code.

Question 19

modernization

Answer 19

The shift of religious norms to fit with the reality of life in a contemporary society.

Question 20

division of labor

Answer 20

Specific components of a larger task are separated and assigned to skilled trained workers (Capitalism).

Question 21

democracy

Answer 21

Allows every citizen a political voice, usually through electing representatives.

Question 22

monarchy

Answer 22

Includes a royal ruler, although their powers may be limited by a constitution or parliamentary system.

Question 23

dictatorship

Answer 23

A single person holds power.

Question 24

theocracy

Answer 24

System where power is held by religious leaders.

Question 25

capitalism

Answer 25

Focuses on free market trade, where success is based on consumerism with little intervention from governing bodies.

Question 26

socialism

Answer 26

Treats large industries as collective, shared businesses, and profit is distributed equally in the workforce.

Question 27

medicalization

Answer 27

The treatment of normal aspects of the human condition as medical conditions.

Question 28

the sick role

Answer 28

In the 20th century, patients were supposed to behave as though they were not responsible for their illness, but had an obligation to want to become well and seek out help.

Question 29

material culture

Answer 29

The exploration of the meaning of objects in a given society.

Question 30

symbolic culture

Answer 30

Focuses on the ideas that represent a group of people.

Question 31

culture lag

Answer 31

Symbolic culture is slower to change than material culture.

Question 32

assimilation

Answer 32

The process by which an individual’s or group’s behavior and culture begin to resemble that of another group.

Question 33

culture shock

Answer 33

The tendency of cultural differences to seem quite dramatic when traveling outside of one’s own culture.

Question 34

multiculturalism

Answer 34

Communities and societies containing multiple cultures.

Question 35

subcultures

Answer 35

Groups of people within a culture that distinguish themselves from the primary culture to which they belong.

Question 36

counterculture

Answer 36

A subculture group that gravitates toward and identity that is at odds with the majority culture and deliberately opposes the prevailing social norms.

Question 37

cultural transmission

Answer 37

The manner in which a society socializes its members.

Question 38

cultural diffusion

Answer 38

The spread of norms, customs, and beliefs throughout a culture.

Question 39

patterns of kinship

Answer 39

Terms for different family members may not be consistent across cultures: they have differing patterns of kinship.

Question 40

child abuse

Answer 40

Most commonly manifests as neglect, but other types are also possible (physical, sexual, psychological)

Question 41

elder abuse

Answer 41

Neglect or abuse of an older relative.

Question 42

spousal abuse

Answer 42

Domestic violence, most common in families with drug abuse history, especially alcoholism.