Sociology Final Study

Perspective

a specific viewpoint or framework used to understand how society works

sanction

rewards or punishments used to encourage people to follow norms

socialization

the lifelong process where individuals learn the norms, values, beliefs, behaviors, and social skills needed to function effectively within their society

agents of socialization

the people, groups, and institutions that teach individuals how to function in society from childhood through adulthood

conformity

act of changing your attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors to align with societal norms

social control theory

theory that argues that people conform to societal norms because of strong bonds to institutions and individuals

ethnocentrism

the belief that one’s own culture is superior to outside cultures

power

the ability to control the behavior of others

social structure

the underlying patterns of relationships in a group

case study

a detailed examination of a specific individual, group, event, or community to understand complex social patterns