Sociological Concepts of Deviance and Inequality

A collection of flashcards covering key sociological concepts related to deviance and inequality.

Deviance

Behavior that is outside the norm or expected, socially constructed by power and structure.

Strain Theory

The theory that deviance results from a less distribution of means to achieve culturally defined goals.

Labelling Theory

The theory that deviance occurs as a result of societal labelling, creating identities such as master status.

Social Control Theory

The theory that deviance is the result of weak societal bonds.

Moral Panic

A situation where society exaggerates a perceived threat from a group, instilling fear.

Stigma

An individual's negative label imparted by society.

Social Stratification

A societal hierarchy that results in systemic inequality.

Structural Inequality

Inequality produced by institutions, policies, and systems.

Social Mobility

The ability to move within a class system, which can be intergenerational (parents to children) or intragenerational (within one life).

Neoliberalism

An economic approach favoring free markets and minimal government involvement.

Hegemony

The dominance of one group over others, maintained by shaping beliefs and values.

Race vs Ethnicity

Race is a socially constructed category based on perception, while ethnicity refers to shared culture, language, and ancestry.

Structural Racism

System-wide racism that affects employment, legal systems, and education.

Segmented Assimilation

Different paths immigrants take to assimilate, influenced by class, race, and opportunity.

Immigration Paradox

The phenomenon where educated immigrants end up in lower-income jobs.

Gender Roles

Socially constructed roles and expectations assigned to women and men.

Occupational Segregation

The concentration of men and women in different job areas based on traditional roles.

Gender Pay Gap

The disparity in earnings where women, on average, earn less than men.

Feminization of Work

The trend of women increasingly entering lower-paid jobs, often tied to job insecurity.

Motherhood Penalty

The decline in women's earnings following the birth of a child.

Patriarchy

A societal system wherein men hold the primary power.

Intersectionality

The framework that examines overlapping inequalities such as gender, race, and class.