Untitled Flashcards Set

Social Structure

The organized framework of relationships, institutions, and social patterns that shape individual and group behavior.

Ascribed Status

A status assigned at birth or involuntarily later in life, such as gender or race.

Achieved Status

A status acquired through effort and choices, such as education or career.

Master Status

A dominant status that overshadows other identities and significantly shapes a person's life.

Status Set

All the statuses a person holds simultaneously.

Role Expectations

Social norms dictating how a person should behave in a given status.

Role Conflict

Occurs when the demands of multiple statuses clash.

Role Strain

Occurs when contradictory demands exist within a single status.

Primary Groups

Small, intimate, and emotionally significant groups, such as family and close friends.

Secondary Groups

Larger, goal-oriented, and impersonal groups, such as workplace teams and political organizations.

In-Groups

Groups with which individuals identify and feel a sense of belonging.

Out-Groups

Groups viewed as outsiders or competitors.

Reference Groups

Groups used as standards for self-evaluation and decision-making.

Social Institutions

Organized systems that fulfill basic societal needs, such as family, education, and government.

Dramaturgical Analysis

Framework by Erving Goffman that views society as a theater where individuals perform roles based on context.

Front Stage

The public performance where individuals consciously manage impressions.

Back Stage

The private behavior where individuals can relax and express their true selves.

Thomas Theorem

The principle that if people define situations as real, they are real in their consequences.

Agency

The ability of individuals to act independently and make free choices.

Social Network

A web of relationships connecting individuals, influencing behavior, access to resources, and opportunities.

Strong Ties

Close, emotionally deep relationships, like those with family and best friends.

Weak Ties

Distant or superficial relationships that provide access to new information and opportunities.

Social Change

The evolution of social structures due to cultural shifts, technological advancements, and political changes.