Soc

Sociological Imagination

The ability to see connections between individual lives and experiences to broader social and historical issues and forces.

Structure and Agency

Structure refers to macro, meso, and micro levels of society influencing behavior, while agency refers to individual capacity to make independent choices.

Structural Functionalism

A theory asserting that society is a complex system of parts working together to promote social stability.

Anomie

A negative individual state produced by absent or poorly-defined norms in society.

Manifest Functions

Visible and intended purposes of social structures.

Latent Functions

Invisible and unintended purposes of social structures.

Dysfunctions

Elements of social structures that create instability in a social system.

Conflict Theory

A theory that focuses on contradictions, conflict, and change in society, highlighting class struggle.

Bourgeoisie

The capitalist class who own most of society's wealth and means of production.

Proletariat

The working class who sell their labor for wages.

Symbolic Interactionism

A theory that examines how individuals interact with each other and with symbols in their social world.

Goffman’s Dramaturgical Model

A perspective that analyzes social interaction as a performance, distinguishing between front stage and backstage behavior.

Pure Relationships

Relationships based on the interests and needs of others rather than law, tradition, or necessity.

Homogamy

Marriage between people who are similar in characteristics such as race, education, and social class.

Assortative Mating

Non-random matching of people into relationships based on similar traits.

Colorism

Prejudice or discrimination based on social meanings attached to skin tone.

Cultural Capital

Non-financial social assets that promote social mobility, including education and intellect.

Social Disorganization Theory

A theory that attributes crime to the breakdown of social institutions and community structures.

Routine Activities Theory

A theory that explains crime in terms of everyday activities creating opportunities for crime.

Social Control Theory

A theory asserting that strong social bonds prevent individuals from committing crimes.

Self-Control Theory

A theory suggesting that a lack of self-control leads to higher chances of criminal behavior.

Public Law

Rules governing the relationship between individuals and society.

Private Law

Rules governing the relationship between individuals or groups.

Social Determinants of Health

Factors such as socioeconomic status, education, and environment that influence health outcomes.

Lifestyle Diseases

Diseases that are largely preventable, often influenced by individual choices and behaviors.

Obesity

Excessive body weight that can lead to various health issues.

Social Cohesion

The degree to which a community and its members connect based on shared values and norms.

Spirituality

The experience of a personal relationship with the transcendent, providing meaning and purpose in life.

Secularization Thesis

The idea that religious institutions and influences are declining in modern society.

Measurement of Crime

Using statistics and surveys to assess crime rates and types.

Crimes of Trust

Crimes committed by respected individuals in the course of their employment.

Mass Media

Communication technologies enabling the distribution of information to a mass audience.

Cultural Norms

Shared standards of behavior and expectations within a particular group.

Cohabitation

Living together in an intimate relationship without formal legal marriage.

Feminist Theory

Analyzes the impact of gender inequality and advocates for women's rights.

Postmodern Theory

A theory that questions grand narratives and views society as a mix of diverse ideas and perspectives.

Crime Statistics

Data collected to analyze trends, types, and demographics of crime.

Deterrence Theory

A theory suggesting that the likelihood of punishment deters individuals from committing crimes.

Capitalism vs. Socialism

Different economic systems characterized by private ownership (capitalism) and social ownership (socialism).

Religious Movements

Groups with distinct beliefs and practices outside of mainstream religions.

Labeling Theory

A theory that explores how the labels society places on individuals influence their behaviors.

Social Learning Theory

A theory suggesting that behavior is learned through interactions with others.

Routine Activities Theory

A model to understand crime based on daily patterns of behavior.

Structural Functionalism

A macro-level perspective that examines society as a complex system.

Micro Sociology

The study of individual or small-group interactions in detail.

Social Networks

The relationships between individuals and groups within a society.

Cultural Analysis

The examination of cultural practices and beliefs to understand societal norms.

Sociological Perspectives

Different approaches to understanding human behavior within a social context.

Economic Inequality

The unequal distribution of wealth and resources among individuals and groups.

Social Justice

The fair distribution of resources and opportunities in society.

Empirical Research

Research based on observed and measured phenomena, often using data and statistics.