Sociology Concepts: Deviance, Crime, Inequality, Race, Gender, and Family

A set of flashcards covering key concepts of deviance, crime, inequality, race, gender, and family as discussed in the lectures.

Deviance

Behaviors that violate social norms.

Crime

Behaviors that violate laws.

Primary Deviance

A one-time violation of norms without affecting identity.

Secondary Deviance

Occurs when a person internalizes a deviant identity due to societal reactions.

Zone of Permitted Variance

The socially acceptable range of behavior before it is labeled deviant.

Crime Rate

A measure of the number of crimes reported to law enforcement agencies per unit of population.

Racial Profiling

Law enforcement targeting individuals based on race or ethnicity rather than behavior.

Social Control Theory

Suggests people conform to norms due to social bonds and institutions.

Labeling Theory

Argues that being labeled as deviant influences an individual's future behavior.

Broken Windows Theory

Suggests that maintaining urban environments prevents crime by discouraging disorderly behavior.

Structural Strain Theory

Explains deviance as a result of tension between societal goals and means available to achieve them.

Differential Association

States that deviance is learned through interactions with others.

Inequality

Unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and power.

Davis-Moore Theory

Suggests social stratification is necessary for societal function.

Stratification

The ranking of people in a hierarchy based on factors like wealth, power, and status.

Income

Money earned.

Wealth

Total assets minus debts.

Meritocracy

A system where rewards are based on ability and effort.

Caste System

A rigid and hereditary social stratification.

Class System

A social stratification allowing for social mobility.

Poverty Line

The minimum income level needed to meet basic needs.

Race

Based on perceived physical traits.

Ethnicity

Based on culture and ancestry.

Racial Determinism

The belief that race determines personal characteristics and abilities.

Color-blind Racism

Ignoring racial disparities while maintaining racial inequality.

Multiculturalism

Embraces diverse cultures.

Assimilation

Pushes minorities to adopt the dominant culture.

Sex

Biological classification.

Gender

A social and cultural identity.

Intersex

Individuals born with biological traits of both sexes.

Gender Socialization

How individuals learn gender roles from society.

Patriarchy

A social system where men hold primary power.

Pink-Collar Jobs

Low-paying jobs traditionally held by women.

Vertical Segregation

Barriers to promotion in the workplace.

Horizontal Segregation

Job type segregation.

Second Shift

Unpaid domestic labor performed after paid work.

Hegemonic Masculinity

The dominant form of masculinity that upholds male privilege.

Family

Varies by culture and institution; related by blood, marriage, or adoption.

Kinship Systems

Social structures determining family relationships and inheritance.

Birth Order and Inequality

Firstborns often receive more resources and opportunities.

Marriage Trends

Increase in single-parent households, cohabitation, and diverse family structures.

Industrial Revolution Impact

Shifted family roles as work moved outside the home.