Sociocultural Key Terms

Social Identity Theory

The idea that people derive part of their identity from the groups they belong to, leading to in-group favoritism and out-group discrimination.

Social Cognitive Theory

Explains how people learn behaviors through observation, imitation, and modeling; emphasizes the role of reinforcement and self-efficacy.

Stereotype

A generalized belief about a group of people that influences perception and behavior, which can be positive or negative.

Cultural Dimensions

A framework developed by Hofstede that explains how cultures vary in values and behaviors, including dimensions like Individualism vs. Collectivism and Power Distance.

Enculturation

The process by which individuals learn and adopt the behaviors, norms, and values of their own culture.

Acculturation

The process of cultural change and adaptation when individuals are exposed to a new culture, which can involve assimilation, integration, separation, or marginalization.