Sociology and State Power Concepts

Flashcards covering key sociological concepts related to socialization, state power, social change, and citizen engagement.

Socialization

The process through which individuals learn and adapt to the norms and rules of society.

Deviance

Behavior that violates societal norms and is often punished.

Conformity

Adherence to social norms and behaviors that are rewarded.

Formal sanctions

Official rules or laws that impose consequences for deviance.

Informal sanctions

Social pressures, such as shaming or exclusion, that discourage deviance.

Social Change

Transformation of cultural and social institutions over time.

Intentional social change

Deliberate actions taken to alter societal norms, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage.

Unintentional social change

Changes that occur without deliberate intent, such as the effects of new technology.

Max Weber

A key theorist who stated that the authority of the state is based on the legitimate use of violence.

Charles Tilly

A theorist known for his assertion that war and state-making are interlinked; states trade protection for taxes.

Welfare State

A governmental structure that promotes the economic and social well-being of citizens.

Universal Programs

Social benefits available to everyone regardless of income.

Means-Tested Programs

Social assistance provided based on individual need.

Social Capital

Resources derived from social networks, trust, and cooperation that enable civic engagement.

Political manipulation

Control of public perception through misinformation and media narratives.

Populism

Political ideology that emphasizes the interests of the common people against an elite.

Technological surveillance

Use of technology by governments for monitoring and control, raising concerns over privacy.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)

A body established to address the legacy of Residential Schools in Canada and make recommendations for reconciliation.

Idle No More

A grassroots movement initiated by Indigenous women in Canada aimed at promoting Indigenous rights and environmental protection.

Rotating Credit Associations

Informal financial groups that rely on trust and mutual responsibility for economic cooperation.

Generational Replacement Theory

The concept that shifting voter habits occur as younger generations replace older ones in the electorate.

Life-Cycle Effect

The idea that individual voting behavior changes with age and life experience.