SOCI 1P90

Midterm

sociological imagination

The ability to understand how your own unique circumstances relate to that of other people, as well as to history in general and societal structures in particular.

functionalism (or structural-functionalist perspective)

A theoretical approach that sees society as a structure with interrelated parts designed to meet the biological and social needs of individuals that make up that society.

value neutrality

A practice of remaining impartial, without bias or judgment, during the course of a study and in publishing results.

selective observation:

Knowledge based on observations that only confirm what the observer expects or wants to see.

culture

culture: Shared beliefs, values, and practices.

norms

The visible and invisible rules of conduct through which societies are structured.

anomie

A situation of uncertain norms and regulations in which society no longer has the support of a firm collective consciousness.

rationalization

The general tendency in modern society for all institutions and most areas of life to be transformed by the application of rationality and efficiency.