Sociology Test 2

Social Stratification

Inequalities between groups in society that affect their access to material or symbolic rewards.

Intersectionality

The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender as they apply to a given individual or group.

Structured Inequalities

Social inequalities that are built into economic and political systems.

Slavery

A system where individuals are owned as property by others.

Caste System

A form of social stratification where one's social status is fixed at birth.

Life Chances

Opportunities individuals have to improve their quality of life economically.

Income

Money received from paid wages, salaries, or investments.

Wealth

Total value of all assets owned by an individual minus any debts.

Education

A significant predictor of future occupation, income, and wealth.

Marx's Theory of Class

Concept that capitalism creates two main classes: Bourgeoisie (owners) and Proletariat (workers).

Surplus Values

The excess value produced by workers over the cost of their labor, taken as profit by the owners.

Weber's Dimensions of Stratification

Weber proposed that stratification consists of class, status, and party.

Davis and Moore Thesis

Argument that stratification is beneficial for society by ensuring that the most important roles are filled by the most qualified individuals.

Absolute Poverty

The condition where individuals do not have enough resources to meet the minimum requirements for survival.

Relative Poverty

A condition in which individuals are disadvantaged compared to the living standards of a majority.

Color-Blind Racism

The practice of ignoring racial differences and maintaining inequalities via a facade of racial neutrality.

White Privilege

Unacknowledged benefits that white individuals receive in everyday life solely due to their race.

Institutional Racism

Racism that occurs through established institutions, embedded in policies and practices.

Populism

Political philosophy promoting the rights and power of the common people against the elite.

Patriarchy

A social system in which men hold primary power over women.

Feminism

A movement focused on defining and establishing equal rights for women.

Glass Ceiling

An invisible barrier preventing women and minorities from advancing to higher positions in the workplace.

Gender Expression

The external presentation of one's gender identity, through behavior, clothing, etc.

Transgender

An umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

Functionalism

Sociological perspective emphasizing the importance of social structures and their roles.

Dependency Theory

The theory suggesting that low-income countries remain underdeveloped due to their dependency on wealthy nations.

World-Systems Theory

A macro-level approach emphasizing the global capitalist system's inequalities.

Modernization Theory

The theory that suggests developing countries can become developed by adopting Western practices.

Neoliberalism

An economic philosophy advocating for free-market capitalism as a solution for poverty.

GNI (Gross National Income)

An estimate of a country's income that accounts for all of its residents and businesses, regardless of whether they are located within the country.

Theories of Global Inequality

Explains the systemic differences in wealth and power among countries.

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself or another state.

Social Capital

The networks of relationships among people in a society that enable society to function effectively.

Civil Rights

The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.

Political Rights

Rights that allow individuals to participate in government, such as voting and running for office.

Consumer Choices

Decisions made by individuals regarding the purchase of goods and services.

Social Mobility

The ability of individuals to move between social classes.

The Feminization of Poverty

A trend indicating that a rising proportion of the poor are women.

Cisgender

Individuals whose gender identity matches the sex assigned to them at birth.

Intersex

Individuals born with biological characteristics of both male and female.

Margaret Mead

Anthropologist known for her studies on gender roles and cultural differences.

Occupational Segregation

When specific jobs are segregated by gender, typically leading to unequal pay.

Glassdoor

A platform providing job market insights, including gender disparities in various fields.

Populist Authoritarianism

A form of governance that stresses security and often undermines civil liberties.

Globalization

The process of increased interconnectedness among countries, affecting economic, political, and cultural relationships.

Neoliberal Theories

Economic theories advocating minimal state intervention in economics, promoting free-market capitalism.

Functionally Necessary Roles

Occupations that are considered vital for society's efficiency and sustainability.

Political Authority

Legitimate power within a political system that may be enforced through governance.

Social Movements

Collective efforts by large groups of people to advocate for social change.

Democracy

A system of government where citizens exercise power by voting.

Political Right,

Rights enabling political participation in governing and policy-making.

Civil Liberties

Fundamental individual rights protected from government interference.

Social Rights

Rights guaranteeing individuals a minimum standard of living, such as access to healthcare and education.

Failed States

Countries whose governments cannot manage governance, leading to instability and conflict.

Racism

Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against individuals of different races.

Minority Group

A group marginalized based on physical or cultural characteristics.

Ethnicity

Social identities based on shared cultural heritage, ancestry, or cultural differences.

Individual Discrimination

Direct unfair treatment of an individual based on their minority status.

Collective Identity

Shared sense of belonging and identity among members of a group.

Cultural Capital

Non-financial social assets that promote social mobility beyond economic means.

Political Power

The ability to influence or control the behavior of people and institutions.

Market Demands

Consumer desires that dictate the production and pricing of goods.

Cultural Tastes

Preferences that individuals have in relation to art, music, fashion, cuisine, etc.

Social Networks

Matrices of relationships through which social support and resources are exchanged.

Stereotyping

Oversimplified and fixed ideas about a group that affects judgments and behaviors.

Scapegoats

Individuals or groups blamed for problems they did not cause.

Civil Liberties,

Fundamental rights that protect citizens from government overreach.

Democratic Elitism

The theory suggesting that while democracy is ideal, only a limited number of individuals can adequately participate in governance.

Pluralist Theory

A political theory asserting multiple groups with shared interests influence governance.

Power Elite Theory

The theory that power is held by a small group at the top of society across political, economic, and military organizations.

Institutionalized Racism

Racism entrenched in laws or established practices.

Political Rights

Rights that regulate participation in political processes.