sociology crammed

Sociological imagination

A concept introduced by C. Wright Mills that helps individuals understand personal troubles as part of broader social forces.

Structural-Functionalism

A theoretical approach that focuses on social stability and order.

Social-Conflict Theory

A theoretical perspective that emphasizes power struggles and inequalities, including feminist and race-conflict perspectives.

Symbolic-Interactionism

A theoretical approach that studies everyday social interactions.

Research orientations in sociology

The three main orientations are Positivist (scientific approach), Interpretive (understanding meaning), and Critical (focuses on social change).

Cultural diversity

Includes aspects such as high culture (elite), popular culture, subcultures, and countercultures.

Malthusian Theory

A theory that warns about overpopulation.

Demographic Transition Theory

Explains population change in four stages linked to industrialization.

Gemeinschaft

A term by Tönnies that describes close-knit traditional societies.

Gesellschaft

A term by Tönnies that refers to modern, impersonal societies.

Social change

Results from culture, conflict, ideas, and demographic shifts.

Modernization theories

Theories by Tönnies, Durkheim, Weber, and Marx that explain changes in modern societies.

Environment issues in sociology

Include pollution, resource depletion, and environmental racism, with a focus on sustainability.

Cultural change

Occurs through innovation, diffusion, and globalization.

Ethnocentrism

The practice of evaluating other cultures based on the standards of one's own culture.

Cultural relativism

The perspective that a person's beliefs and practices should be understood based on that person's own culture.

Sociocultural evolution

Describes how technology influences societal development through various stages.

Urbanization

The evolution of cities due to industrialization, leading to suburbanization and urban decline.

Mass-society theory

Emphasizes centralization and impersonal relationships within modern societies.

Class-society theory

Focuses on economic inequality and its effects within society.

Postmodernity

Challenges traditional notions of progress and rationality.