sociology

Micro-sociology

The study of small group behavior and interactions, focusing on individual interactions.

Macro-sociology

The study of society as a whole, including social structures and institutions of entire civilizations.

Sociological imagination

The belief that individual problems have roots in society and are faced by many others.

Structural Functionalist Perspective

A macro perspective that views society as a complex system working together to promote stability.

Social Conflict Perspective

A macro perspective focusing on the struggles between different social groups.

Symbolic Interactionism Perspective

A micro perspective that emphasizes the meanings and symbols created through social interactions.

Prejudice

An opinion or judgment about someone without knowing them, usually based on group characteristics.

Stereotypes

Generalized and often false beliefs about a group, assuming all members are the same.

Discrimination

The act of treating individuals unfairly based on characteristics such as race or gender.

Systemic discrimination

Unintentional discrimination resulting from social systems that favor some groups over others.

Overt discrimination

Intentional actions taken against individuals or groups due to characteristic traits.

Social stratification

A hierarchy in society categorizing individuals based on wealth, income, education, and power.

Socioeconomic status (SES)

An individual's position within the social stratification system based on various factors.

Primary socialization

Learning basic survival skills typically from family.

Secondary socialization

Learning appropriate behaviors in group situations.

Anticipatory socialization

Learning how to behave in new situations.

Resocialization

The process of learning new norms and attitudes that contradict previous experiences.

Agents of socialization

Individuals, groups, and institutions that help us learn about our social world.

Examples: family, school, peers, mass media, workplace, religion

Isolates

Children raised in near isolation within human households, providing insight into environmental influences.

Feral children

Children with limited human contact who have taken on animal behaviors from those that raised them.

Conformity

Adjusting thoughts and behaviors to align with group standards.

Norms

Socially understood rules indicating expected and accepted behaviors.

Subcultures

Groups within larger groups sharing distinct values and lifestyles.

The Bronies

Adult fans of My Little Pony who create fan art, music, and socialize.

Characteristics of a cult

Includes psychological coercion, elitism, and strong, charismatic leadership.