sociology chapter 3 - social structure

social structure

the network of interrelated statuses and roles that guide human interaction

status

socially defined position in a group or society

role

the behavior, rights & obligations expected of someone occupying a particular status

ascribed status

qualities beyond a person's control, ex: holding the status of teenage because of age

achieved status

through direct efforts, ex: actor, basketball player

master status

plays the greatest role in shaping a person's life, social identity, ex: occupation, wealth, marital status

reciprocal role

corresponding roles that define the patterns of interaction between related statuses

role conflict

occurs when fulfilling role expectations of one's status makes it difficult to fulfill role expectations of another status

role set

different roles attached to a single status

role strain

occurs when a person has difficulty meeting role expectations of a single status

role exit

process people go through to detach from a role (ex: divorce, retirement)

social institutions

systems and structures that shape the activities of groups & individuals, satisfy 1 or more of the basic needs of a society

exchange theory

people are motivated by self-interest in their interactions with other people, cost/benefit

reciprocity

mutual exchange, if you do something for someone, that person owes you something in return

competition

when 2+ people or groups oppose each other to achieve a goal that only one can attain

conflict

the deliberate attempt to control a person by force

how is conflict useful?

reinforces group boundaries, strengthens group loyalty, allows expression of different views

accommodation

a state of balance between cooperation and conflict

4 forms of accommodation

compromise, truce, mediation, arbitration

compromise

when 2 parties each give up something to come to a mutual agreement

truce

halt/pause in conflict until a compromise can be reached

mediation

3rd party involved who acts as an advisor/counselor to guide 2 parties in an argument, NON-BINDING

arbitration

3rd party decides, BINDING on both parties