SOC 101 - Exam 2 Study Guide

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts related to social stratification, race, gender, aging, family, and religion for the SOC 101 Exam 2.

Social Stratification

A socioeconomic system that divides society’s members into categories ranking from high to low, based on wealth, power, and prestige.

Absolute Poverty

Deprivation so severe that it puts day-to-day survival in jeopardy.

Relative Poverty

Not having the means to live the lifestyle of the average person in your country.

Socioeconomic Status (SES)

An individual’s level of wealth, power, and prestige.

Social Mobility

The ability to change positions within a social stratification system.

Open System

A system of stratification based on achievement, allowing movement and interaction between layers and classes.

Closed System

A system of stratification that accommodates little change in social position.

Class

A group who shares a common social status based on factors like wealth, income, education, and occupation.

Meritocracy

An ideal system in which personal effort—or merit—determines social standing.

Conspicuous Consumption

The act of buying and using products to make a statement about one’s social standing.

Racism

A set of attitudes, beliefs, and practices that are used to justify the belief that one racial category is somehow superior or inferior to others.

Systemic Racism

Racism embedded in social institutions; also referred to as institutional racism and structural racism.

Dominant Group

A group of people who have more power in a society than any of the subordinate groups.

Minority Group

Any group of people who are singled out from others for differential and unequal treatment.

Gender Role

The social and behavioral norms considered appropriate for people of different genders.

Glass Ceiling

An invisible barrier that prevents women from advancing to top positions within organizations.

Pay Gap

The difference in earnings between men and women.

Gerontology

A field of science that seeks to understand the process of aging and the challenges encountered as seniors grow older.

Ageism

Discrimination based on age.

Disengagement Theory

The idea that withdrawing from society and social relationships is a natural part of growing old.

Activity Theory

A theory which suggests that to enjoy old age, individuals must maintain activities and find replacements for lost roles.

Continuity Theory

The elderly make specific choices to maintain consistency in their beliefs and relationships as they age.

Family of Orientation

The family into which one is born.

Family of Procreation

A family formed through marriage.

Nuclear Family

A family group consisting of two parents and their children.

Extended Family

A family household that includes additional relatives beyond parents and children.

Religious Rituals

Behaviors or practices required or expected of members of a specific group.

Religious Experience

The conviction or sensation that one is connected to 'the divine'.