SOC 100 Final Exam

measuring social class

involves evaluating individuals or groups based on criteria such as income, education, occupation, and social status to categorize them within a structured hierarchy.

poverty (absolute vs relative)

refers to the condition in which individuals or groups lack sufficient income or resources to meet basic needs, with absolute poverty indicating a lack of essential necessities for survival, while relative poverty assesses economic status in relation to the broader society.

social mobility

the ability of individuals or groups to move within a social hierarchy, often measured by changes in income, education, and occupation over time.

horizontal vs vertical social mobility

Horizontal social mobility refers to the movement of individuals or groups within the same social level, while vertical social mobility involves upward or downward movement between different social classes.

intergenerational vs intragenerational social mobility

Intergenerational social mobility refers to changes in social status or class between different generations within a family, while intragenerational social mobility describes changes that occur in an individual's social status during their lifetime.

one drop rule

a social and legal principle that asserts a person is considered black if they have any African ancestry, regardless of their appearance or self-identification. This rule historically justified racial discrimination in the United States.

racial vs ethnic group

Racial groups are based on perceived physical differences, such as skin color, while ethnic groups are defined by shared cultural traits, such as language, traditions, and values.

symbolic ethnicity

refers to a specific cultural identity that individuals may express during certain times or occasions, often without living that identity in their daily lives. It highlights the importance of cultural heritage without the need for constant engagement in ethnic practices.

perspectives on immigration

refer to the various viewpoints and theories regarding the movement of people across borders, including economic, social, and political factors that influence immigration patterns and policies.

color blind/covert racism

refers to an ideology that claims to not see race and treats everyone equally, but can perpetuate systemic inequalities and disregard the experiences of marginalized racial groups. It often functions to dismiss or minimize the significance of racial identity and discrimination, suggesting that race is irrelevant in social interactions.

glass ceiling

refers to an invisible barrier that prevents women and minorities from advancing to higher positions in the workplace, despite having the qualifications or capabilities to succeed.

institutional discrimination

refers to the systematic exclusion or disadvantage of certain groups within society, often embedded in policies, practices, and structures of institutions. This form of discrimination can result in unequal access to resources, opportunities, and rights.

affirmative action

refers to policies and practices designed to promote equal opportunity and representation for historically marginalized groups in areas such as education and employment. Affirmative action aims to redress past inequalities and create a more inclusive society.

functionalist view on race and ethnicity

argues that race and ethnicity serve important functions in society, contributing to social stability and cohesion, but can also lead to inequality and conflict.

conflict view on race and ethnicity

explains that race and ethnicity are sources of social conflict and struggle, primarily focusing on how power dynamics and competition for resources perpetuate inequality among groups.

exploitation theory

a perspective arguing that racial and ethnic minorities are exploited for their labor and resources by dominant groups, leading to systemic inequalities.

contact hypothesis

theory suggesting that interpersonal contact between members of different racial and ethnic groups can reduce prejudice and promote understanding.

functionalist views on gender roles/division or labor

Functionalist views on gender roles emphasize that traditional gender roles and the division of labor help maintain social stability and cohesion by assigning distinct functions to men and women within a society.

instrumental vs expressive

A distinction in functionalist theory that categorizes roles in terms of task orientation, with instrumental roles focusing on goal achievement and expressive roles concentrating on emotional support and social cohesion.

intersectionality

is a theoretical framework that examines how various social identities, such as race, gender, and class, intersect to create unique experiences of oppression and privilege.

matrix of domination

a concept that describes the interlocking systems of oppression that affect individuals based on their multiple social identities, highlighting how power dynamics operate across various axes such as race, gender, and class.

feminization of poverty

the increasing representation of women among the poor, often linked to factors such as wage disparities, single parenthood, and economic instability.

social institutions

are established systems and structures in society that organize and regulate human behavior, including family, education, religion, and government.

serial monogamy

a practice of engaging in a series of monogamous relationships, one at a time, rather than being in multiple relationships simultaneously.

authority patterns

refers to the ways in which power and decision-making are distributed within social relationships, affecting how individuals interact and respond to one another.

manifest vs latent functions

Manifest functions are the intended and recognized consequences of a social activity, while latent functions are the unintended and hidden consequences.

integrative functions of religion(Durkheim)

Refer to the ways in which religion fosters social cohesion, creates a sense of community, and integrates individuals into a larger social structure.

religion and social change(weber)

refers to the ways in which religious beliefs and practices influence or drive changes in society, affecting social norms, values, and structures.

Protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism

An argument by Max Weber that emphasizes the relationship between Protestantism, particularly Calvinism, and the development of modern capitalism, suggesting that the values associated with Protestantism fostered economic success.

role of women in religion

The influence and participation of women in religious practices, beliefs, and institutions, including their roles as leaders, worshippers, and community members.

religion and social control

the ways in which religion influences societal norms and behaviors, promoting order and conformity among individuals.

functionalist levels on education

A theoretical perspective emphasizing the role of education in maintaining social order, promoting socialization, and preparing individuals for various societal roles.

conflict perspectives on education

A sociological approach that views education as a means to perpetuate social inequality and maintain power dynamics between different social classes and groups.

teacher expectancy effect

the phenomenon where a teacher's expectations about a student's performance can significantly influence the student's actual performance, often leading to self-fulfilling prophecies.

schools as bureaucracies

Educational institutions characterized by formal structures, rules, and hierarchies that govern their operations and interactions.

rationale legal authority

A form of authority based on established laws and procedures, where legitimacy is derived from legal frameworks and regulations.

charismatic authority

A type of authority derived from the personal charm and influence of an individual leader, often characterized by strong emotional connections with followers.

Marx elite model

A theory that proposes that a small group of elites hold significant power and make decisions that shape society, often prioritizing their own interests over the majority.

mills power elite

A concept introduced by sociologist C. Wright Mills, describing a small coalition of military, corporate, and political leaders who wield disproportionate power and influence in society.

pluralist model

A perspective in sociology that suggests power is distributed among various interest groups, allowing multiple opinions and influences in decision-making processes, rather than being held by a single elite.