Institutions

Social Institutions

Patterned and enduring sets of practices and ideas that perform a function in society, such as politics, education, religion, and economy.

Political Social Institutions

Methods/techniques by which power and influence are exercised and negotiated, particularly regarding government policy.

Power Elite

A small number of influential people who hold the most powerful positions in U.S. political, economic, and military institutions.

Special Interest Groups

Organizations that raise money to influence government policies and election candidates.

PACs (Political Action Committees)

Groups that raise money to campaign for political candidates or legislation.

Super PACs

PACs that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to influence elections.

Tracking

The placement of students into educational 'tracks' that shapes which classes are available to them, informed by teachers’ expectations.

Hidden Curriculum

Lessons taught indirectly through education, such as how to follow rules and social norms.

Cultural Capital

Knowledge, skills, expectations, preferences, and other cultural assets that are used for individual success in society.

Secularization

Trend towards a non-religious society, moving away from identification with religious values and institutions.

Cybervetting

Employers’ practice of using online information, especially social media, to evaluate job applicants.

Globalization

Changes arising from increased international trade and exchange, impacting economic and cultural aspects of society.