Sociology Fundamentals

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the sociology lecture, aiding in understanding the foundations of sociological study.

Society

A structured community of people who share a common culture and interact with one another.

Historical Imagination

A sociological method that allows individuals to connect their personal experiences to historical contexts and understand societal changes.

Agency

The capacity of individuals to act independently and make their own choices, often considered in the context of social structures.

Social Structure

The organized pattern of social relationships and institutions that together compose society.

Functionalism

A sociological perspective that views society as a system of interrelated parts that work together to promote stability.

Symbolic Interactionism

A sociological approach that focuses on the meanings people attach to their social world and interpersonal interactions.

Conflict Theory

A perspective in sociology that emphasizes the role of social conflict and power differentials in shaping social behavior and institutions.

Solidarity

The social ties and connections that bind individuals together in a community, affecting their behaviors and wellbeing.

Demarcation

The distinction between different fields of study, particularly in relation to the scientific method used in social sciences versus natural sciences.

Expectations

Shared beliefs about how individuals should behave in social contexts, shaped by cultural and societal norms.