SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology Study Guide

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key sociology concepts and terms necessary for understanding the course material in SOC 101.

Sociology

The study of social behavior, society, patterns of social relationships, social interaction, and culture.

Sociological imagination

The ability to see the relationship between individual experiences and larger social influences.

Personal Troubles of Milieux vs. Public Issues of Structure

Personal troubles are individual challenges, while public issues are systemic problems affecting society.

Validity and reliability

Validity refers to the accuracy of a measurement, while reliability refers to the consistency of a measurement across time and contexts.

Types of sociological research designs

Qualitative: Understanding meaning, experiences, and social processes.

Quantitative: Focuses on numerical and measurable data.

Ethical principles in research

Guidelines ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and welfare of research participants.

Social structure

The organized pattern of social relationships and institutions that make up a society.

Statuses/Social Roles/Groups/Networks/Institutions

Key components that define social structures and patterns of social interaction.

Socialization/Social control

The process of internalizing societal norms and the mechanisms that regulate behavior in society.

Two goals of sociological theories

To explain social phenomena and to predict social outcomes.

Manifest vs. latent functions

Manifest functions are the intended and recognized outcomes, while latent functions are unintended consequences.

Definition of the situation

The concept that reality is socially constructed based on people's perceptions and interpretations.

Culture

The beliefs, behaviors, objects, and other characteristics shared by groups or societies.

Norms/Values/Language/Sanctions

Cultural elements that guide behavior, reflect what is deemed important, facilitate communication, and enforce conformity.

Dominant Ideology

The set of beliefs and values that are widely accepted and serve the interests of the powerful.

Components of Religion (3 C’s)

The three components are Context, Content, and Consequences.

Social reproduction/correspondence principle in education

The idea that education perpetuates social inequalities and mirrors existing social structures.

Habitus/Capital/Field/Practice

Bourdieu's framework highlighting how social positions and practices shape individual behavior and opportunities.

Bourdieu’s three types of Capital

Economic capital (money), cultural capital (education and knowledge), and social capital (networks and relationships).

Stratification/Inequality

The hierarchical arrangement of individuals in society often based on wealth, power, and status.

Life chances

Probability of benefiting from the opportunities available in society or being vulnerable to the disadvantage in society based on your status position.

Intersectionality/Matrix of Domination

A framework for understanding how various social identities intersect to create unique modes of discrimination and privilege.

Privilege

The inherent advantages possessed by certain groups in society that are not commonly shared with others.

Prejudice vs. Discrimination

Prejudice refers to preconceived opinions or attitudes towards a group, while discrimination is the actual behavior that treats people unfairly.

Individual vs. Institutional Discrimination

Individual discrimination is personal bias against a group, while institutional discrimination refers to systemic policies and practices that disadvantage certain groups.

Cultural Norms

The rules or expectations for how people should behave in a culture or society.

Cultural Values

The core beliefs and ideas that a group of people consider important and worthwhile.

Cultural Language

Refers to the way language is shaped by and used within a particular culture.

Cultural Sanctions

The reward or punishment a society uses to encourage people to follow its cultural norms and values.

Status

A position someone holds in society.

Social Role

The behavior expected of someone because of their status.

Social Group

Two or more people who interact regularly and share a sense of belonging.

Social Network

The web of relationships and connections between people and groups.

Social Institution

Large, organized systems that meet society’s basic needs and shape behavior.

Religious Context

The social and historical setting in which a religion is practiced.

Religious Content

The beliefs, symbols, rituals, stories, and practices of a religion.

Religious Consequences

The impact religion has on individuals and society.

Habitus

The deeply ingrained way you think, act, and perceive the world, shaped by your background (like your family, education, or social class).

Capital

Isn’t just about money, but what you “have” that gives you advantages.

Field

A social space where people compete for capital and power (like school, sports, art, politics).