Aice sociology

Structuralist sociology

A sociological approach, such as functionalism or Marxism, that focuses on society's institutional relationships and how they shape individual beliefs and behavior.

Macrosociology

The study of society on a large scale, focusing on institutions and social structures rather than individual interactions.

Determinism (sociology)

The idea that human behavior is shaped by forces beyond an individual's immediate control, such as social structures or society.

Interactionist approach

A sociological perspective that focuses on individual behavior and social action, examining how people create and understand their social world.

Agency

The capacity of individuals to make independent choices and exert control over their lives rather than being completely determined by external forces.

Consensus structuralism

The functionalist perspective asserting that society consists of interdependent parts working together to maintain order, stability, and shared values.

Deviance

Behavior that violates accepted social norms or rules.

Conflict structuralism

A perspective, primarily associated with Marxism, viewing society as shaped by struggles between groups holding unequal power and resources.

Social class

A group of people sharing a similar economic and social position, particularly regarding wealth, work, and ownership.

Marxism

A political, sociological, and economic framework based on the theories of Karl Marx.

Relations of production

The social relationships formed between people involved in the production process, such as owners and workers.

Forces of production

The combination of technology, raw materials, and human labor used to transform capital into goods for sale.

Ideology of Capitalism

A set of beliefs and ideas that justifies the operation of capitalist society, including private ownership, profit, and class hierarchy.

Liberal feminism

A feminist perspective seeking equal rights and opportunities for men and women within existing social and legal structures.

Marxist feminism

A theoretical approach combining feminist and Marxist theory, arguing that women's oppression stems from both capitalism and patriarchy.

Radical feminism

A feminist perspective identifying patriarchy as the primary root cause of women's oppression.

Microsociology

The study of society on a small scale, focusing on individual interactions, daily behavior, and interpersonal dynamics.

'Oversocialized conception of man'

The critique that individuals are portrayed as completely controlled by socialization and norms, leaving no room for independent agency.

Structuration theory (Giddens)

The concept that social structure and human agency are interdependent, where individual actions recreate social structures which in turn influence behavior.

Conformity

Behavior that aligns with the established norms, values, and expectations of a society or group.

Positive sanctions

Rewards, such as praise, prizes, or good grades, used to encourage socially approved behavior.

Negative sanctions

Punishments, such as fines, detention, or disapproval, used to discourage socially unacceptable behavior.

Formal social control

Social control based on written rules and laws, enforced by official authorities such as the police and legal system.

Informal social control

Social control enforced through unwritten rules and everyday interpersonal reactions, such as sarcasm, ridicule, or approval.

Ideology

A coherent set of ideas and values that explains how society functions or prescribes how it should operate.

Louis Althusser (1971) - Key Contribution

Marxist theorist who proposed that institutions like education, family, media, and religion serve as ideological state apparatuses to maintain social order.

Force (sociology)

The exercise of physical power or threat of punishment to compel social conformity.

Power

The ability of an individual or group to exert control over or influence the behavior of others.

Surveillance

The systematic observation and monitoring of individuals to encourage behavioral conformity and social control.

Non-conformity

Actions or behaviors that depart from or oppose accepted societal norms and values.

Under-socialization

A state in which an individual experiences incomplete or inadequate socialization into social norms and expectations.

Marginalization

The process of pushing individuals or groups to the fringes of society, denying them social power and full participation.

Cultural deprivation

The theory that lacking specific cultural values, attitudes, and language skills hinders success in mainstream society.

Resistance (sociology)

Actions and behaviors through which individuals or groups actively challenge and combat dominant societal power.

Neo-Marxists

Sociologists and theorists who adapt classical Marxist ideas to explain modern social conditions and changes.