sociology final

Sociology

The scientific study of human social behavior, groups, and societies.

Experiment

A controlled research method where variables are manipulated to observe effects.

Survey

A method of collecting data through questionnaires or interviews.

Participant Observation

A method where the researcher joins a group to observe behavior from within.

Secondary Analysis

Using existing data collected by others for new research.

Case Study

An in-depth examination of a single person, group, or event.

Functionalist View of Sociology

Society is a system of interdependent parts working together for stability.

Conflict View of Sociology

Society is shaped by inequality and power struggles.

Interactionist View of Sociology

Focuses on everyday interactions and meanings people attach to symbols.

Social Norms

Shared rules or expectations for behavior.

Hawthorne Effect

People change behavior when they know they're being observed.

Cooley's Looking-Glass Self

We form our self-image based on how we think others see us.

Goffman's Dramaturgical Theory

Social life is like a performance where people manage impressions.

Impression Management

Efforts to control how others perceive us.

Culture

Shared beliefs, values, behaviors, and objects of a group.

Subculture

A smaller group within a larger culture with distinct traits.

Material Culture

Physical objects created by a society.

Non-material Culture

Ideas, beliefs, values, and norms.

Ethnocentrism

Judging another culture by one's own standards.

Xenocentrism

Preferring another culture over one's own.

Cultural Universals

Traits found in all cultures.

Cultural Diffusion

Spread of cultural traits between societies.

Nature vs. Nurture Debate

Whether behavior is shaped more by biology or environment.

Socialization

The lifelong process of learning culture and norms.

Agents of Socialization

Groups that teach cultural norms.

Formal vs. Informal Sanctions

Formal: official rewards/punishments; Informal: unofficial reactions like praise or gossip.

Stratification

Ranking people in layers based on wealth, power, or status.

Stereotype

An oversimplified belief about a group.

Gender Roles

Expected behaviors for men and women.

Sexism

Discrimination based on gender.

Sanctions (Positive and Negative)

Positive: rewards; Negative: punishments.

Milgram Experiment

A study showing people obey authority even when actions conflict with morals.

Conformity

Changing behavior to match a group.

Social Mobility

Movement between social classes.

Open Class System

A system where mobility is possible and based on achievement.

Closed Caste System

A system where mobility is impossible and status is fixed at birth.

Caste System

A rigid social hierarchy with no movement.

Race

A socially constructed category based on perceived physical traits.

Ethnicity

Shared cultural heritage.

Prejudice

Negative attitudes or beliefs about a group.

Racism

Prejudice combined with power; systemic inequality based on race.

Discrimination

Unequal treatment of people based on group membership.

Ascribed Status

A status you are born with.

Achieved Status

A status you earn.

American Class System

A relatively open class system with upper, middle, and lower classes.

Socio-economic Status

A person's social position based on income, education, and occupation.