sociology final

Social Change

Significant alterations in social structure, institutions, relationships, and cultural patterns within a society over time.

Relative Deprivation

The perception of being disadvantaged compared to others in society, leading to feelings of injustice or dissatisfaction.

False Consciousness

A concept by Karl Marx indicating how social groups are misled about their true social and economic interests.

Evolutionary Theory

The idea that societies evolve in a linear or progressive manner, similar to biological evolution.

Charles Darwin's view on social change

He viewed social change through the lens of evolution, focusing on survival of the fittest.

William F. Ogburn's concept of Cultural Lag

The time it takes for non-material culture to catch up with changes in material culture.

Auguste Comte's stages of societal evolution

Theological, Metaphysical, and Positive stages where scientific reasoning replaces religious explanations.

Emile Durkheim's idea of the division of labor

Societies evolve from mechanical solidarity to organic solidarity.

Thorsten Veblen's focus on technology

The role of technology and consumption in influencing social structures and behaviors.

Talcott Parsons' view of social systems

Social systems evolve toward greater stability and integration, where society works together harmoniously.

Immanuel Wallerstein's World-Systems Theory

The world’s economic system is divided into core, semi-periphery, and periphery countries.

Equilibrium Model of social change

Suggests social change is a gradual process where different parts of society adjust to maintain stability.

Social Differentiation

The process by which a society becomes more specialized with different roles and categories.

Resource Mobilization

The process through which social movements gather and use resources to achieve goals.

Technology

The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes leading to tool and process development.

Genetic Engineering

Manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology to create new traits.

Biotechnology

The use of living organisms to develop products or processes for specific applications.

Adaptive Upgrading

Improving capacity to function and adapt in response to changing conditions.

Karl Marx’s view of Social Change

Social change is driven by class struggle between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie.

Vested Interest

A personal or financial stake in a particular outcome.

Cultural Lag

The phenomenon where non-material culture adapts slower to changes in material culture.

Luddites

19th-century English workers who protested against technological advancements affecting jobs.

Offshoring

Relocating business operations to countries with lower labor costs.

Anti-biotech Movement

A social movement opposing biotechnology due to environmental and ethical concerns.

Frankenfood

A pejorative term for genetically modified food, highlighting safety and ethical concerns.

Chaos Theory

The study of how small changes can lead to vastly different outcomes in systems.

Industrial Revolution

A period of rapid industrialization transforming economies from agrarian to industrial.

Age of Information

A period characterized by the rapid growth of information technology and digital communication.

Social Movements

Collective efforts aimed at promoting or resisting change in society.

New Social Movements

Movements focusing on issues like human rights and environmentalism that emerged in the late 20th century.

Social Networking Sites

Online platforms for users to interact and share content, like Facebook and Twitter.

Transnational Activism

Social movements that operate across national boundaries focusing on global issues.

Ralf Dahrendorf's view of social change

Social change is driven by conflict between different social groups.

Cloning

Creating a genetically identical copy of an organism or cell.

Randall Collins' prediction about the Soviet Union

He predicted the collapse of the Soviet Union due to internal contradictions.

Urban Amish

Individuals who maintain traditional Amish beliefs while adapting to modern urban life.

Electronic Communications Privacy Act

A U.S. law regulating government access to private electronic communications.

USA Patriot Act

A U.S. law enacted to strengthen national security after the 9/11 attacks.

Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, ensuring a right to privacy.

Material Culture

Physical objects and artifacts created by a society.

Non-Material Culture

Intangible elements like values, beliefs, norms, and language within a society.

Outsourcing

Hiring external organizations to handle certain business functions.

Contours of Communication table

A table likely outlining various communication forms and their societal impacts.

Maureen Hallinan's view of social change

She viewed education as a key driver in promoting equality and societal transformation.

Talcott Parsons’ four processes of social change

Adaptation, differentiation, inclusion, and value generalization as necessary for stability.

A Changing Nation table on workforce

Illustrates changing roles and participation of women and men in the workforce.

A Changing Nation table on education and family

Shows shifts in educational attainment and family structures over time.