HSP3U Sociology Test Review Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the key concepts, sociological perspectives, and social behaviors listed in the HSP3U Sociology Test Review transcript.

Structural Functionalism (Emile Durkheim)

Study how social structures function and work together interdependently to serve the needs of society

Conflict Perspective (Karl Max)

Study how power forms the basis of the relationships between different groups and creates social conflict.

Symbolic Interactionist Perspective (Weber)

Study an individual's role within wider society and how people create their world through social interaction.

Feminist Theory (Dorothy Smith)

Examines conflicts created by gender.

Agents of Socialization

Institutions and relationships which help people become socialized.

Primary Agents of Socialization

How an individual learns basic norms and values of society during childhood. Family is considered to be the only primary agent of socialization.

Secondary Agents of Socialization

How an individual learns further social behaviours and norms. Mass media, peers, religion, school, and the workplace are considered to be secondary agents as they usually have an impact on an individual’s self-image, norms, and values from a later age.

Peer Groups

People of the same age (same stage of development, maturity), similar social identity, and close social proximity

Social Institutions

An organized, enduring system of social structures, rules, and relationships designed to meet fundamental societal needs.

Conformity

The process by which an individual will alter or change their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to meet the expectations of a group or authority figure.

Primary Group

a small group whose members have a personal and often emotional relationship with one another (e.g. family, friends, romantic partners).

Secondary Group

an impersonal or formal gathering of people in which the individual’s role is measured by his or her contribution to a common goal or purpose (eg. work colleagues, teammates, classmates)

Norms

Standards of behaviour vary from group to group

Sanctions

These are formal or informal punishments or rewards given to ensure conformity to group norms.

Influence of Group Size on Conformity

Conformity tends to increase with group size.

Influence of Task Difficulty on Conformity

Conformity increases when the task becomes more difficult as people turn to others for information in the face of uncertainty.

Influence of Social Status on Conformity

Conformity increases when other members of the group are of a higher social status.

Influence of Private Response on Conformity

Conformity tends to decrease when people are able to respond privately.

The Bystander Effect

A social psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present.

Groupthink

when a group / individual loses their ability to critically examine ideas because there is a desire for consensus.

Tribalism

you value your belonging to your “tribe” to the point that you are willing to compromise your individual conscience, tastes, and proclivities so that you will conform to the tribe’s demands

Suggestibility

after continually being exposed to the suggestions of others, your own opinions are unconsciously shaped

The anxiety of dissent

the act of questioning your own perceptions when the group contradicts them

Herd mentality

How you are influenced by peers to adopt certain behaviours, follow trends, and even purchase items; How large numbers of people act in the same ways at the same times

Banality of evil

When evil actions and opinions are seen as being common and accepted by the group, you take it for granted, become numb to it, or don’t even notice it at all

Abnegating responsibility

You don’t take personal responsibility for your bad actions but instead say you were simply going along with the group

Prejudice

An individual judgement about or active hostility toward another social group

Stereotype

Generalizations about groups of people that are applied to every individual who is part of the group regardless of actual variations among the members

Discrimination

Actions or behaviours that result from preconceived judgments

Systemic Discrimination

policies, practices, or ingrained cultural norms within organizations or society that disproportionately disadvantage specific groups.

Privilege

An advantage or set of advantages that a person or group has that others do not.

Social Movements

Sustained, organized collective effort that focuses on some aspect of social change.

Transformative Movements

Aim at a total change in society

Reformative Movements

Aim at a partial change in society

Redemptive Movement

Aim at a total change in individuals

Alternative Movements

Aim at a partial change in individuals

Cult

A cult is a highly manipulative group, which exploits its members