Social Science Perspectives and Institutional Dimensions of Community (Lessons 2–5)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the notes.

Social Science

Any branch of academic study that deals with human behavior in social and cultural aspects.

Anthropological Perspective

A viewpoint within social science focusing on humans, their cultures, evolution, and differences.

Anthropology

The science of humanity; studies what humans are, how they evolved, and how they differ.

Paleolithic Age

Old Stone Age (2.5 million years ago – 10,000 B.C.) where early humans lived in caves or huts as hunter-gatherers using basic stone and bone tools.

Mesolithic Age

Middle Stone Age (10,000 B.C. – 8,000 B.C.) with smaller, polished stone tools; camps near rivers.

Neolithic Age

New Stone Age (8,000 B.C. – 3,000 B.C.) marked by agriculture and permanent village settlements.

Sociological Perspective

A view focusing on social life, social change, and the causes/consequences of human behavior.

Social Stratification

Society’s categorization of people into groups based on wealth, income, race, education, gender, occupation, and power.

Social Class

A group of people within society who share the same socioeconomic status.

Social Mobility

Movement or shift in an individual’s social status from one class to another.

Religion

Belief in a god or gods plus related activities; influences identity and social norms.

Sexuality

Sexual feelings, attractions, behaviors, and identities; includes values, beliefs, bodies, desires, relationships, and gender roles.

Deviance

Behaviors that violate social rules and norms (rule-breaking behavior).

Nation

Group of individuals with a common background (language, history, religion).

State

An organized political community under one government; characterized by population, territory, sovereignty, and government.

Population

People sharing the same geographical space; a characteristic of a state.

Territory

Land controlled by a political system.

Sovereignty

Supreme authority of a state.

Government

The system or group of people governing a community.

Establishment or Physical Space

The Institutional Perspective dimension viewing a community as a place (towns, villages, cities).

Social Model

The Institutional Perspective dimension viewing a community as a system of relationships and interactions.

To Act and Interact

The Institutional Perspective dimension viewing a community as a dynamic process of participation and cooperation.

Government Institutions

Organizations that maintain social order and regulate conflict; guided by laws and a constitution.

Economic Institutions

Mechanisms by which goods, services, and money are produced, distributed, and exchanged.

Religious Institutions

Institutions that provide rules and standards of behavior, including worship and morality.

Educational Institutions

Organizations dedicated to formal instruction and learning experiences.

Courts

Judicial bodies that interpret and apply laws.

Police

Law enforcement agencies maintaining public order and safety.

Legislative Bodies

Elected or appointed bodies that make laws.

Local Government Units

Subnational administrative authorities governing local communities.

Businesses

Commercial organizations that produce goods or provide services.

Markets

Systems or spaces where buyers and sellers exchange goods and services.

Banks

Financial institutions that accept deposits and provide loans.

Worship

Acts of reverence directed toward a deity or deities.

Morality

Principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior.

Spirituality

A sense of connection to something bigger than oneself; not always tied to organized religion.

Churches

Christian places of worship.

Mosques

Muslim places of worship.

Temples

Hindu, Buddhist, and other religious places of worship.

Schools

Educational institutions for formal instruction.

Universities

Higher education institutions offering undergraduate and graduate programs.

Training Centers

Institutions dedicated to specialized instruction and skill development.

Family Institutions

Foundational social units providing emotional, social, and economic support; first source of values and socialization.

Membership

The sense of belonging; defines who is inside or outside the community.

Influence

The belief that one’s voice counts; members can affect decisions and actions.

Fulfillment of Needs

Communities exist to satisfy members’ needs (e.g., in professional communities, members aim to improve at their craft).

Emotional Connection

Bond formed through shared history, participation, and experiences.

Community Dynamics

Process of change and development within communities.

Geographic Dimension

Aspect focusing on how a community is shaped by physical space, natural features, and resource location.

Physical Space

The tangible area where a community exists (towns, villages, cities).

Natural Features

Geographic features such as rivers, mountains, and forests that influence a community.

Location of Resources

Where resources are found and accessed within a community.

Social Dimension

The rules, norms, and expectations governing interactions among members.

Social Institutions

Established patterns of beliefs and behaviors addressing basic needs (e.g., family, religion, education, government, economy).

Social Groups

Two or more people who regularly interact (e.g., peers, neighborhoods, clubs, unions).

Status

Position or rank a person holds relative to others (e.g., age, sex, race, class).

Role

Obligations or behaviors expected based on one’s status (e.g., Parent, Teacher).

Leadership

Ability to inspire, guide, and influence groups toward common goals.

Community Power Structure

Network of recognized power holders and their roles.

Formal Power Structure

Easily identifiable power structure with elected or appointed officials.

Informal Power Structure

Power that emerges from social interactions, networks, and personal influence.

Legal Authoritative Decision Makers

Officials with authority under formal rules (e.g., mayors, captains, council members).

Political Organization

Political parties or groups engaged in political activities.

Symbols

Shared words, gestures, objects, or signals that convey meaning (e.g., flag).

Language

Core of culture; the primary means of communication.

Norms

Rules and expectations of behavior in specific situations.

Values

Principles or standards of behavior about what is good or desirable.

Belief

Acceptance that something is true or real (e.g., religious beliefs, superstitions).

Rituals

Religious or solemn ceremonies performed in a prescribed order.

Artifacts

Objects with cultural meaning (e.g., Barong Tagalog, tools, antiques).

Capital Assets

Property or items owned with economic value expected to generate long-term profit.

Natural Capital

Natural resources such as land, water, forests, biodiversity.

Human Capital

Labor force and people’s capacity to work: skills, knowledge, health.

Social Capital

Shared values and resources enabling cooperation (e.g., trust, networks).

Physical Capital

Infrastructure and technology used in production (e.g., roads, buildings, tools).

Financial Capital

Money-related resources: savings, credit, debt, pensions, wages, remittances.