Chapter 8 Politics, Society and Identity

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts from Chapter 8 focusing on politics, society, and identity.

Society

A collection of people who occupy the same territorial area and are characterized by regular patterns of social interaction.

Social Structure

The organized pattern of social relationships and social institutions that together compose society.

Liberalism

A political and moral philosophy that emphasizes individual rights, freedom, and the importance of social harmony amid competing interests.

Marxism

A socio-economic and political theory that emphasizes class struggle and the idea that society is fundamentally divided into the ruling and proletarian classes.

Gemeinschaft

A type of social relationship characterized by close personal ties often found in traditional communities.

Gesellschaft

A type of social relationship characterized by loose and impersonal ties typical of modern urban and industrial societies.

Proletariat

The working-class people in a capitalist society who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor to survive.

Post-industrial Society

A society characterized by a shift from manufacturing-based economies to service-oriented and knowledge-based economies.

Information Society

A society where the creation, distribution, and manipulation of information is a significant economic, social, and cultural activity.

Individualism

A social theory favoring freedom of action for individuals over collective or state control.

Neoliberalism

A political approach that favors free-market capitalism, deregulation, and reduction in government spending.

Identity Politics

Political activity that seeks to promote the interests of particular social groups based on shared identity characteristics.

Multiculturalism

A perspective that recognizes and values cultural diversity, emphasizing respect and acknowledgment of various cultural identities.

Affirmative Action

Policies and measures that seek to improve opportunities for historically marginalized groups through proactive means.

Gender Identity

An individual's personal sense of their gender, which may align with or differ from their biological sex.

Secularism

The principle of separating religion from political and social institutions, advocating for a secular public sphere.

Fundamentalism

A strict adherence to specific theological doctrines typically in opposition to modernity and secular values.

Islamism

A political movement aiming to implement Islamic principles in public and political life.

Herbert Marcuse

A German-American philosopher and sociologist associated with the Frankfurt School, known for his critiques of consumerism and advocacy for a liberated society. (Neo Marxism)

Daniel bell

(information society He argued that modern societies would shift focus from production to information and service-oriented economic structures. )

Fordism 

A system of mass production characterized by assembly line techniques and standardization of products, named after Henry Ford.

Piore and Sabel

A pair of economists who argued for flexible specialization in production, emphasizing the importance of innovation and adaptability in contrast to rigid mass production methods.

Hutton

The shrinkage of the traditional working class has led to the development of so-called “two-thirds, one-thirds” societies, in which the 2/3s are relarively prosperous

Hyper globalisttheorists

believe that globalization is a powerful force driving economic, cultural, and political integration worldwide, leading to the diminishing importance of national borders.

ManuelCastell

A sociologist known for his analysis of the network society and how communication technologies transform social, economic, and political frameworks.

IvanIllich’s Tools for Conviviality(

The idea that tools should empower individuals to act in their own interests, fostering community and personal development rather than dependency.