Social Change: Key Concepts & Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards focusing on key concepts from social change, demographic trends, and their impact on society.

Social Structure

Real, causal entities having effects on individuals’ actions, constituted in the actions and relationships of human beings.

Contemporary Societies

Societies from the Post World War II period through the 2020s, focusing on social structures and changes.

Social Change

Changes in society that occur due to various mechanisms, including individual actions and social systems.

Demographic Transition Theory (DTT)

Theory explaining the transition from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates.

Population Aging

The increase in the median age of the population, resulting from declining birth rates and increasing life expectancy.

Fertility Rate

Average number of children born to a woman over her lifetime; indicators of fertility can indicate societal changes.

Singlehood

The state of being unmarried or not in a romantic relationship, increasingly common in modern societies.

Cohabitation

Living together as partners without being legally married, often seen as an alternative to traditional marriage.

Demographic Shock

Sudden changes in population dynamics, such as rapid declines in fertility or marriage rates.

Supervision of Childbirth

The involvement of healthcare systems in childbirth, which has been shown to relate to socio-economic conditions.

Intergenerational Relationships

Connections and responsibilities exchanged between different generations, often influenced by social norms and economics.

Migration

The process of changing one’s country of usual residence for at least one year, influenced by various motives such as economic reasons.

Climate Change

Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, often linked to human activity.

Welfare State

Social programs and policies intended to meet the needs of citizens, influenced by demographic characteristics.

Gender Revolution

Changes in gender roles and norms leading to increased equality and shifts in family dynamics.

Crisis or Adaptation

Describes demographic behavior in response to social and economic changes, often debated in post-communist contexts.

Health Inequality

Disparities in health outcomes among different population groups, often related to socioeconomic status.

Old-age Dependency Ratio

The ratio of older dependents (typically those over 65) to the working-age population.

Societal Age Structure

The distribution of various age groups within a society, which can inform about demographic trends and future challenges.