Sociology Test 2

What is socialization in sociology?

The process by which people learn through interaction with others what they must know to become human, survive, and function in society.

What was the outcome of the Rhesus Monkeys study?

Bodily contact and interaction are basic biological needs; lack thereof can cause serious physical and emotional problems.

What were foundling hospitals?

Public institutions built to house and care for orphaned and abandoned infants during major waves of immigration to America.

What did David Levy's research on infants reveal about early bonding?

Infants raised without maternal care struggled to form attachment bonds and often exhibited antisocial behaviors.

What does 'synaptic pruning' refer to?

The process where unused neural connections in the brain are eliminated.

What is meant by 'Windows of Opportunity in Brain Development'?

Critical periods during which specific sensory experiences lead to important neural network development.

What was the impact of poverty on children's vocabulary acquisition?

Children from low-income families hear far fewer words compared to children from wealthier families, negatively affecting their vocabulary development.

How did the Industrial Revolution affect our climate?

It increased the burning of fossil fuels, leading to higher carbon dioxide emissions and climate change.

What evidence suggests community isolation is increasing?

Visiting friends has declined by 45% in the past 25 years, with a preference for staying home over socializing.

What is the definition of consumerism?

An unexamined belief in personal and spiritual fulfillment through endless consumption of cheap and disposable products.

What is meant by 'planned obsolescence'?

A design strategy where products are made to quickly become useless, prompting consumers to buy new ones.

What human qualities did Sigmund Freud highlight in his theories?

He emphasized aggressive and self-interested aspects of human nature.

How does empathy relate to human evolution?

Empathy evolved as a response to our interdependence as social animals, tempering our selfish impulses.

What is the significance of 'thick trust' and 'thin trust'?

Thick trust refers to trust in close personal relationships, while thin trust is a broader but weaker trust in acquaintances.

What is the link between social connection and health, according to studies?

Socially disconnected individuals are significantly more likely to suffer from health issues and have higher mortality rates.