Fall 2025 Mid-Term Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and theories in sociology as outlined in the Fall 2025 Mid-Term Study Guide.

Max Weber

Founder of sociology who emphasized the goal of uncovering 'inconvenient facts'.

Debunking motif

A theme in sociology that aims to see beyond superficial understandings of social reality.

Social inequality

A term used interchangeably with vertical social structure.

Sociological imagination

The ability to appreciate the structural basis for individual problems.

Public sociology

Using sociological insights to address social issues and achieve social change.

Micro and Macro Sociology

The two schools of thought within sociology.

Sociology

The scientific study of social behavior and social institutions.

Sociological perspective

The belief that people's social backgrounds influence their attitudes, behavior, and life chances.

Life chances

The degree to which individuals succeed in life areas like education, income, and health.

Bourgeoisie

The ruling class according to Marx and Engels' view of capitalism.

Conflict Theory

Perspective that calls for revolutionary violence to eliminate capitalism.

Symbolic interaction

Perspective that focuses on the meanings gained from social interaction.

Anomie

A state of normlessness that exists when social norms are unclear.

Feminist theory

The theory concerning gender inequality that is part of conflict theory.

Emile Durkheim

Sociologist responsible for the idea of the sociological perspective.

Macrosociology

The part of sociology dealing with large-scale social change and social institutions.

Utilitarianism

Also known as exchange theory or rational choice theory.

Generalization

A conclusion that applies broadly but may have numerous exceptions.

Random sample

A subset of a population where every unit has an equal chance of being included.

Convenience sample

A non-random sample used for its quick and inexpensive nature.

Secondary data analysis

The analysis of data from existing records.

Ethical guidelines

Privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent are crucial in sociological studies.

Socialization

The process through which individuals learn their culture and become fully human.

Master status

The important status that can override other statuses an individual may hold.

Role conflict

The problems arising when there are competing demands on two or more roles.

Impression management

The process of conveying a favorable image of oneself during interactions.

Social aggregate

A collection of people in the same place at the same time without interaction.

In-group

A group to which members feel loyalty and pride in belonging.

Bureaucracy

A formal organization with features designed to achieve goals efficiently.

Iron law of oligarchy

The undemocratic rule of the few who monopolize knowledge.

Social control

How society prevents and sanctions behavior that violates social norms.

Deviance

Behavior that violates norms and elicits negative societal reactions.

Strain Theory

The view that deviance results from the failure to achieve societal goals.

White collar crime

Crime committed in the course of one’s occupation.

Social stratification

The rankings of people based on valued resources in society.

Caste system

A stratification system based on placement at birth and fixed social groups.

Class consciousness

Awareness of one's social class membership and its structural reasons.

False consciousness

The failure to possess awareness of one's class membership.

Conspicuous consumption

The acquisition of lavish products to display wealth.