Sociology: Socialization, Perception, and Prejudice

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to socialization, perception, and prejudice in sociology.

generalized other

The internalized understanding of the expectations of others in society.

looking-glass self

The concept that a person's self-concept is influenced by how others perceive them during social interactions.

attribution theory

A framework for explaining behaviors by considering internal (dispositional) and external (situational) factors.

fundamental attribution error

The tendency to overemphasize internal characteristics when explaining others' behaviors while minimizing situational factors.

co-variation model

Kelley’s model that suggests our interpretations of behavior depend on consistency, distinctiveness, and consensus.

cognitive bias

The tendency to think in ways that deviate from rationality or good judgment.

self-serving bias

The tendency to attribute positive events to internal qualities and negative events to external circumstances.

stereotype threat

The fear of being judged or treated negatively based on a stereotype, which can negatively affect performance.

self-fulfilling prophecy

A belief or expectation that influences an individual’s behavior in a way that makes the belief come true.

prejudice

A negative attitude toward a group or individual based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, or social class.

scapegoat

A person or group blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others.

authoritarian personality

A personality type characterized by rigid thinking, obedience to authority, and high prejudice levels.

frustration-aggression hypothesis

A theory suggesting that frustration leads to aggression towards others as a scapegoat.

relative deprivation hypothesis

The idea that prejudice and discrimination increase when people feel deprived of something they believe they are entitled to.

social stigma

The disapproval of an individual by society based on some characteristic or behavior.

self-stigma

The internalization of society's stigma, leading the individual to feel rejected or avoid interactions.

halo effect

The cognitive bias where a person's overall impression influences evaluations of their specific traits.

just-world hypothesis

The belief that people get what they deserve and that noble actions are rewarded while evil acts are punished.

ethnocentrism

The tendency to judge other cultures by the standards of one's own culture.

cultural relativism

The practice of assessing a culture by its own standards, recognizing the validity of cultural differences.

in-group favoritism

The tendency to favor members of one's own group over those of other groups.

out-group derogation

Negative attitudes and behaviors directed towards individuals not part of one's own group.