Sociology 101: Political Economy, Corporations, and Power

These flashcards cover fundamental concepts from the Sociology 101 lecture, focusing on political economy, corporations, power structures, and environmental discussions.

Political Economy

The interplay of politics and economics in a society, encompassing the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

Social Relations of Production

Relationships between different classes and groups involved in the production process, influencing who controls resources.

Agricultural Revolution

A historical period marked by the development of farming and settled societies.

Industrial Revolution

The transition to mechanized production, characterized by factories and urbanization.

Digital/Information Revolution

The phase of technological advancement marked by automation and information technologies.

Global Economy

An interconnected economic system including trade, capital flows, and production chains across multiple countries.

Capitalism

An economic system characterized by private ownership and a market-based economy driven by profit.

Socialism

An economic system of collective or state ownership prioritizing social welfare over profit.

Surplus Value

Profit obtained when labor is paid less than the value they produce.

Corporation

A legal entity separate from its owners, capable of owning property and conducting business.

Limited Liability

A legal principle preventing shareholders from being personally liable for a corporation's debts.

Managerial Revolution

The thesis that control of corporations has shifted from owners to managers.

Neoliberalism

A political-economic ideology that emphasizes free markets, deregulation, and reduced government spending.

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)

A landmark Supreme Court case affirming that corporations have First Amendment rights for unlimited political spending.

Mass Media

Channels of communication such as TV, newspapers, and the internet used to disseminate information to large audiences.

Manufacturing Consent

A theory positing that the media serves elite interests by shaping public opinion via propaganda.

Fairness Doctrine

A former U.S. policy requiring balanced presentation of controversial issues in broadcasting.

Authority

The legitimate power to make decisions and enforce compliance in a society.

Traditional Authority

Authority based on customs and established traditions.

Rational-legal Authority

Authority based on established laws and rules.

Charismatic Authority

Authority derived from the personal qualities and charisma of a leader.

Monarchy

A form of government ruled by a king or queen, often through hereditary succession.

Democracy

A system of government in which power resides with the people, exercised through elected representatives.

Welfare State

A government system that provides services and economic support to ensure basic well-being for its citizens.

The Anthropocene

A proposed epoch where human activity is the dominant influence on climate and the environment.

New Ecological Paradigm

An ecological perspective emphasizing sustainability and limitations of growth.

Ecological Modernization

The belief that capitalism can reform through green technology and regulation.

Treadmill of Production

The concept that environmental harm is an inherent aspect of capitalist growth.

Climate Change

Long-term alterations in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place.

The Green New Deal

A proposed U.S. policy aimed at addressing climate change and economic inequality through sustainable practices.

Social Movements

Collective efforts by groups to enact or resist change within society.

Interdependent Power

Power that arises when individuals recognize their reliance on each other and collaborate.