Foundations of Sociology – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering the principal terms from the Foundations of Sociology study guide, including prejudice, discrimination, social stratification, and related concepts.

Prejudice

A judgment—often negative but sometimes positive—about an individual or group based on social, physical, or cultural characteristics (e.g., age, sex, race); the attitudinal component linked to discrimination.

Discrimination

Unequal treatment of individuals or groups because of their social, physical, or cultural traits; the behavioral component associated with prejudice and can be negative or favorable.

Institutional Discrimination

Discriminatory practices embedded in the policies, laws, or routines of social institutions (e.g., education, criminal justice, employment) that systematically disadvantage certain groups.

Social Stratification

The hierarchical system by which society ranks people, creating structured inequalities in access to valued resources such as power, property, and prestige.

Social Reproduction

The processes through which social inequality and status are transmitted from one generation to the next via family socialization, schooling, and other social structures.

Social Mobility

The capacity to move upward or downward within a stratification system; influenced by education, family background, economic opportunity, and social networks.

Socioeconomic Status (SES)

An individual’s or family’s relative economic and social position based on income, education, and occupation, shaping access to resources and life opportunities.

Ethnicity

Shared cultural heritage, nationality, or ancestry—often involving common language, religion, and traditions—forming a socially constructed group identity.

Race

A category of people perceived to share inherited physical traits (e.g., skin color) that society deems significant, shaping social identity and experiences of privilege or discrimination.

Sex

Biological distinctions among males, females, and intersex individuals, encompassing chromosomes, hormonal profiles, and internal and external reproductive organs.

Gender

Socially constructed expectations about how people should think and behave based on their sex; varies across cultures and historical periods and may encompass more than two categories.

Primary Group

A small, intimate, long-term social group (e.g., family, close friends) characterized by close personal relationships and strong emotional ties.

Secondary Group

A large, impersonal group whose members pursue a specific goal or activity (e.g., coworkers, classmates); relationships are temporary and task-oriented.

Attitudinal Component

The belief or mindset aspect of prejudice that predisposes individuals to think or feel a certain way about others.

Behavioral Component

The action aspect of discrimination that manifests prejudicial attitudes through unequal treatment.