Sociological perspectives

Agency

The idea that people make their own decisions and are responsible for their own actions.

(Social) Structure

The distinctive, stable arrangement of institutions whereby human beings in a society interact and live together.

Interplay

The structure versus agency debate regarding socialization against autonomy in individual actions.

Social Capital

A set of shared values or resources that allows individuals to work together to achieve a common purpose.

Cultural Capital

The social assets of a person that promote social mobility in a stratified society.

Economic Capital

Material wealth and financial assets owned by individuals or families.

Deviance

Actions or identities that differ from group norms.

Social Control

The process of a group regulating itself according to its beliefs, principles, and values.

Surveillance

Systematic monitoring of behavior or information to influence or protect people.

Parentocracy

A system where a child's education conforms to the wealth and wishes of parents.

Social Reproduction (Theory)

The process through which social structures and inequalities are maintained across generations.

Social Inequality

The unequal distribution of resources and opportunities among different social groups.

Glocalization

The adaptation of global ideas to local contexts.

School to Work Transition

The process of moving from education to employment.

Social Institutions

Established systems and structures that shape social behavior and expectations.

Sanctions

Consequences or rewards for behavior that align with or deviate from social norms.

Claims-Makers

Individuals or groups that advocate for a particular social issue or perspective.

Structural Strain

Tension that arises when societal expectations and individual capabilities do not align.

Conformity

Adherence to social norms and expectations.

Ritualism

A form of deviance where individuals strictly adhere to rules without achieving the intended goals.

Illegitimate Opportunity Structure

Social structures that provide opportunities for deviance.

Lived Legal Consciousness

The everyday understanding and interpretation of law as experienced by individuals.

Individual Lens

A perspective focusing on personal behavior and choices.

Socio-Structural Lens

A perspective emphasizing larger societal structures and processes.

Social Constructionism

A theory proposing that understanding of the world is developed through social order.

Social Exchange Theory

A theory that views social interactions as exchanges of resources and benefits.

Gender Inequity

The unequal treatment or perceptions of individuals based on their gender.

Structural Constraints

Established rules and practices that affect life chances and individual choices.

Sexism

Discrimination based on a person's sex or gender.

Intersectionality

The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender.

Caste System

A social stratification system based on hereditary status.

Choice

The conscious act of selecting among various options.

Chance

The occurrence of events without apparent cause.

Context

The circumstances or setting surrounding an event or situation.

Embodied Cultural Capital

Internalized knowledge and skills acquired through socialization.

Functionalist Argument

A perspective that views society as a complex system whose parts work together.

Master Status

A social status that holds particular significance and overshadows other statuses.