Exam 1 winter sociology

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Independent variable

Factors manipulated on study to observe its effect

Dependent variable

Outcome or response influenced by the independent variable

Controlled variable

Factor that is kept constant during an experiment to ensure reliable results

Experimental variable

The variable being tested in an experiment

Ethnocentrism

Judging other cultures based on the standard of one’s OWN culture

Xenocentrism

Preference for the products, styles, or ideas of another culture over one’s own

Culture shock

Disorientation experienced when encountering an unfamiliar culture

Material culture

Physical objects or artifacts of a culture

Popular culture

Mainstream, widespread cultural patterns

High culture

Cultural patterns associated with the elite

Nature vs Nurture

Debate on whether genetics(nature) or the environment (nurture) plays a more critical role in shaping behavior

C Wright Mills

Coined the term “sociological imagination”, highlighting the connection between individual experiences and societal structures

Karl Marx

Focused on class conflict and the economic basis of society

Emile Durkheim

Known for his study of suicide and the concept of social integration

George Herbert Mead

Proposed stages of development in self awareness through social interaction

control theory

 Focuses on how social bonds prevent deviant behavior.

labeling theory

Examines how the labels given to individuals affect their behavior and self-identity.

Differential Association Theory

Suggests deviant behavior is learned through interactions with others

Macrosociology

Large-scale social systems.

Mesosociology

Intermediate groups or institutions.

Microsociology

Small-scale, individual interactions.

Field Research

Observing and interacting in natural settings

Secondary Analysis

Using pre-existing data for research

Experiments

Controlled methods to test hypotheses.

Ethnography

In-depth study of people and cultures

Case Studies

Detailed examination of a specific case or context

Existing Sources

Data from books, archives, and other previously published materials

Socialization

Process by which individuals learn cultural norms and values.

Resocialization

Adapting new norms and values through life changes.

Anticipatory Socialization

Preparing for future roles.

Primary Groups

Close-knit, intimate groups (e.g., family).

Secondary Groups:

Larger, more impersonal groups (e.g., coworkers)

Reference Groups:

Groups used for self-evaluation.

Social Inequality:

Unequal distribution of resources and opportunities.

Agricultural Societies:

Societies based on farming and agriculture.

Society and Culture Relationship

: Interconnectedness where culture defines society’s norms and values.

Cultural Imperialism:

Imposing one’s culture on another.

Habitualization:

Repeated actions become a routine

Deviance:.

Behavior that violates social norms

Crime and Deviance Relationship:

All crimes are deviant, but not all deviance is criminal.

Social Control:

Mechanisms used to maintain order.

Formal Sanctions:

Official responses to behavior (e.g., fines).

Durkheim’s Study of Suicide: .

Examined social integration and its impact on suicide rates

Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development:

Stages of moral reasoning (pre-conventional, conventional, post-conventional).

Interpretive Framework:

Qualitative approach to understanding social phenomena.

Hawthorne Effect:

Changes in behavior when individuals know they are being observed.

Laissez-Faire Leadership:

Hands-off leadership style.