SOC100: Intro to Sociology - The Sociology of Education

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to the sociology of education, highlighting both theories and practical implications.

Sociology

The study of social behavior, society, and social institutions.

Education

A formal process of learning and acquiring knowledge, often through schools.

Structural Functionalism

A sociological perspective that views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote stability.

Conflict Theory

A perspective that emphasizes the role of power and inequality in shaping social relationships and structures.

Symbolic Interactionism

A sociological framework that focuses on the subjective meanings and social processes that arise from human interactions.

Human Capital Theory

The theory that education increases economic productivity by improving individual skills and knowledge.

Meritocracy

A system where individuals succeed based on their abilities and efforts rather than on social class or background.

Cultural Capital

Non-financial social assets, such as education, intellect, style of speech, and dress, that promote social mobility.

Social Capital

The networks of relationships among people in a society that enable cooperation and access to resources.

Economic Capital

Financial assets and resources that an individual controls.

Inequality

The unequal distribution of resources and opportunities within a society.

Patriotism

The emotional attachment and loyalty to a nation or country.

Socialization

The process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, and norms of their culture.

Compulsory Education

Legally required education for children, typically up to a certain age.

Public Education

Education that is funded and provided by the government and available to all children.

Class Inequality

The unequal access to resources and opportunities determined by social class.

Racial Inequality

Disparities in opportunity and treatment of individuals based on their race.

Gender Inequality

Unfair treatment or perceptions of individuals based on their gender.

Davis-Moore Hypothesis

The theory that social stratification has beneficial consequences for the operation of society.

Latent Functions

Unintended or hidden outcomes of an action or structure in society.

Manifest Functions

Intended and recognized outcomes of an action or structure in society.

Social Structure

The organized pattern of relationships and institutions that together form the basis of society.

Class Stratification

The hierarchical arrangement of social classes in society.

Democracy

A system of government where the population holds the power, often through elected representatives.

Critical Race Theory

A theoretical framework that examines the intersection of race, law, and power.

Feminism

A movement and ideology advocating for women's rights and equality.

Educational Attainment

The highest level of education that an individual has completed.

High School Graduation Rate

The percentage of students who successfully complete high school within a certain time frame.

Post-Secondary Education

Education beyond the high school level, including colleges and universities.

Controversy

A prolonged public disagreement or heated discussion.

Social Mobility

The ability of individuals or groups to move within a social hierarchy.

Youth Development

The process in which young people acquire the skills, knowledge, and attitude necessary for personal growth.

Access to Education

The opportunity for individuals to enroll in and attend educational institutions.

Bourdieu's Capital

The three forms of capital (economic, social, cultural) as proposed by sociologist Pierre Bourdieu.

Obedience

Compliance with an order, request, or law.

Hidden Curriculum

The unwritten, unofficial, and often unintended lessons, values, and perspectives that students learn in school.

Student Debt

Money borrowed by students to pay for their education, which must be repaid.

Grade Inflation

The tendency to award higher academic grades for work that would have received lower grades in the past.

Educational Inequality

Disparities in educational opportunities and outcomes based on socio-economic status, race, or gender.

Compliance

Following the rules or commands of authority.

Norms

Unwritten rules or expectations by which a society guides the behavior of its members.

Peer Influence

The impact that a peer group may have on an individual's attitudes or behaviors.