Sociology Key Concepts: Social Construction, Race, and Inequality

Social Construction

Society collectively creates shared meanings, ideas, and values.

Status

A recognized social position in society.

Ascribed Status

Given at birth (e.g., race, gender).

Achieved Status

Earned (e.g., student, athlete).

Role

The behaviors expected from someone in a given status.

Role Conflict

When expectations of two roles clash (e.g., being a worker and student).

Norms

Shared rules of behavior.

Folkways

Everyday customs (e.g., saying 'thank you').

Mores

Strongly held norms with moral significance (e.g., don't steal).

Presentation of Self (Erving Goffman)

People perform roles like actors on a stage to shape how others see them.

Symbolic Interactionism

The study of how individuals interact using shared symbols.

Social Construction of Reality

People shape reality through shared understanding.

Socialization

The lifelong process of learning cultural norms, values, and behaviors.

Agents of Socialization

Family, schools, peers, and media that teach norms and values.

Gender vs. Sex

Sex: Biological traits (male, female, intersex); Gender: Social meanings attached to masculinity and femininity.

Gender Scripts

Expected gendered behaviors (e.g., men as assertive, women as caring).

Gender Binary

The idea there are only two genders (male/female).

Hegemonic Masculinity

Dominant ideal of manhood — strong, heterosexual, emotionless.

Emphasized Femininity

Ideal womanhood — nurturing, attractive, supportive.

Social Institutions

Organized systems (family, religion, education, economy, government) that meet social needs.

Race

A group sharing perceived physical traits and ancestry.

Racialization

Assigning racial identities and meanings to groups.

Racism

Belief in unequal racial traits + power to restrict opportunities.

Systemic Racism

When multiple institutions work together in ways that advantage one group over another.