Soc for Test 2

Social construct

theory that humans create a shared reality that only exists within a social context and does not affect material reality

Racialization

the process of imposing racial identities on groups and organizing them into hierarchies

Pan-Ethnicity

The creation of a common identity among diverse ethnicities and nationalities

Prejudice

an attitude that is positively or negatively biased towards or against a group

Discrimination

harmful or negative acts towards a group viewed as inferior or undesirable

Racism

first believing that race is real, then practicing subordinating races believed to be inferior

Scientific racism

the belief inherent genetic and biological differences between ‘races’ using misapplied scientific theories

cultural racism

the idea that racial groups are disadvantaged because of their behavior and culture not structural factors

Institutional Racism

policies and laws that interact with each other to reproduce and reinforce racial hierarchies

True Believers

socialized into traditional gender norms, continue to be embedded in conservative social networks and religious spaces

Straddlers

unsure of where they stand, express inconsistent opinions, flexible in gender roles

Innovators

proud of not being bound by gender, mix masc and fem things

Rebels

reject gender categories and presentations of self, flaunt gendered expectations, do not let their bodies determine anything

Patriarchy

A social system that subordinates femininity to masculinity

Toxic masculinity

a narrow definition of manhood that defines masculinity in terms of violence, sex, status, and aggression, and stigmatizes boys and men who display traits defined as feminine

Social Institution

a complex group of interdependent positions that perform a social function and reproduce themselves over time

Functionalists argue:

family structures vary across time and space because the are intended to fulfill the needs of specific societies 

Nuclear Family

Two heterosexual parents living with their birth children

Adam Smith

known as the godfather of capitalism, he argues that everyone is doing what is best for them. 

Margaret Douglass

adam smith’s mother who made him dinner every night, which is an example that self interest is not the only reason for decisions.

TIme Bind

Rapid changes to family and work are creating role conflict, leading to increased stress at home

Functionalist view of education:

Universal public education helps society by:

• socializing children into dominant norms

• integrating society

• providing equal access to a shared knowledge base

• facilitating social mobility

The Hidden Curriculum

The unspoken and unofficial norms, values, and behaviors that children learn at school in addition to the official curriculum

• basic socialization

• preparation for the workforce

• conformity to values and hierarchy

Strategies of Influence 

Middle class kids treat teachers as resources, are assertive in requesting support, and actively seek to avoid consequences for mistakes

Strategies of Deferences

Working class kids treat teachers with respect, tackle problems on their own, and take responsibility for their actions

Tracking

sorting students into different levels of coursework based in perceptions of abilities and intelligence

The Achievement Gap

Measured disparity between the academic performance of racial, class, and gender groups