Understanding Culture, Society and Politics – Social Organization (Module 6) – Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the Social Organization module.

Social Group

Two or more people who interact with one another and recognize themselves as a distinct social unit; frequent interaction builds shared values and beliefs; groups are stable and enduring and form the foundation of society.

Social Aggregate

A collection of people who are in the same place at the same time but share little in common and may not interact with each other.

Social Category

A group of people defined by a shared social characteristic (e.g., gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, age, class) who may not interact regularly.

Primary Group

A small, intimate group with face-to-face, emotion-based interactions over an extended period (e.g., family, close friends).

Secondary Group

A larger, less intimate, and more specialized group where relations are impersonal and goal-oriented for a limited time (e.g., coworkers).

In-group

The group to which an individual belongs and with which they feel a sense of identity.

Out-group

A group to which an individual does not belong; may be met with competitiveness or hostility.

Reference Group

A group to which an individual compares themselves; strongly influences behavior and attitudes and serves as a source of role models.

Small Group

A group consisting of two or more individuals who interact with one another within a structure.

Dyad

A two-person small group; the simplest form of a social group with direct interaction.

Social Network

The structure of relationships between social actors or groups, including ties and interconnections among people and institutions.

Social Structure

The organized set of social institutions and patterns of institutionalized relationships that compose society; a product and determinant of social interaction.

Social Organization

A process of bringing order and significance to social life, rooted in social interaction; characterized by differentiated statuses/roles, recurrent activities, and a system of norms and sanctions.

Quasi-group

A loosely organized grouping lacking formal structure, which can give rise to a full social group.

Social Mobility

Movement of individuals or groups within a social hierarchy, resulting in changes in social status.