Sociology Study Guide Unit Two

Subculture

A small group outside the dominant culture within society

Counterculture

A culture group that challenges the dominant culture

In-group

A social group in which an individual most identifies with

Out-group

A social group in which an individual doesn’t identify with

Primary group

A small, close social group

Secondary group

Formal, impersonal social group

Folkways

informal norms and customs that guide everyday behavior

Cultural Universals

Patterns and traits that are common to all societies

Ethnocentrism

The belief that one’s culture is superior to another one

Cultural Relativism

The idea that ethical practices differ across cultures

Multiculturalism

The presence of several ethnic and culture groups

Social control

Assuring conformity in society

Formal Sanctions

Rewards and punishments in response to behavior

Informal Sanctions

Unwritten social responses to norms

Mores

Morals, customs, and beliefs that are seen as ideal

Cultural anchors

Deeply held values that offer stability

Primary Deviance

The first act of rule breaking

Secondary Deviance

Someone acting out of line after their first offense

Anomie

A condition of instability

Merton’s Typologies: Conformist

Merton’s Typologies: Innovator

Merton’s Typologies: Ritualist

Someone who rejects cultural prescribed goals but follows the rules

Merton’s Typologies: Retreatist

Someone who rejects cultural approved goals and the means to achieve them

Merton’s Typologies: Rebel

Taboo

The prohibition of an action based on a belief

Means of Production

Bourgeoise

Proletariat

Open system

Close system

Surplus value

Meritocracy

A system that rewards people for the efforts that they put in

Social Mobility

Intergenerational Mobility

Intragenerational Mobility