MCAT Sociology: Social Institutions Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is a social institution?

Complexes of roles, norms, and values organized into a relatively stable form that contribute to social order by governing the behavior of people.

Which of the following are functions of the family? (Select all that apply)

Affection and companionship (correct)

Socialization - passing down norms and values of society (correct)

Reproduction and monitoring of sexual behavior (correct)

Career guidance

What does kinship refer to?

How we think about who we are related to; it is cultural rather than biological.

What is bilateral descent?

Kinship that involves both paternal and maternal relations. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes an egalitarian family?

A family where spouses are treated as equals and may negotiate decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following differences from the traditional family have become important recently in America? (Select all that apply)

Cultural differences Signup and view all the answers

What is the manifest function of educational structures?

Systemically pass down knowledge and give status to those who are educated. Signup and view all the answers

What are the latent functions of educational structures?

Socialization, serving as agents of change, maintaining social control. Signup and view all the answers

What is educational segregation?

The difference in access to educational resources based on income levels. Signup and view all the answers

What does teacher expectancy theory suggest?

If a student hears a teacher's expectations as reasonable, they will begin to perform in accordance with them. Signup and view all the answers

What is an ecclesia?

A dominant religious organization recognized as the national or official religion. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a church in sociological terms?

A type of religious organization well-integrated into larger society. Signup and view all the answers

What is a sect?

A religious organization distinct from larger society, often formed by breaking away from a larger institution. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a cult?

A religious organization far outside of society's norms, often involving a very different lifestyle. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the world identifies as Christian?

30 Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the world identifies as Muslim?

20-25% Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the world identifies as Hindu?

14% Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the world identifies as Sikh?

0.35% Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the world identifies as Jewish?

0.22% Signup and view all the answers

What is religiosity?

The extent that one's religion influences their life. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Defined as complexes of roles, norms, and values that govern behavior, contributing to social order.
Major examples include family, education, religion, government, economy, and health and medicine.

Functions of Family

Reproduction and monitoring of sexual behavior.
Provides protection and safety for members.
Socializes individuals by passing down societal norms and values.
Offers affection and companionship among family members.
Social status often derived from family background and reputation.

Kinship

Refers to cultural perceptions of relationships, not strictly biological.
Includes both extended family and community members.

Bilateral Descent

Kinship model that recognizes both paternal and maternal relations.
Patrilineal descent favors paternal ties; matrilineal emphasizes maternal ties.

Egalitarian Family

Families where spouses are viewed as equals, negotiating decisions collaboratively.

Changes in Family Dynamics

Cultural differences play a significant role in modern family structures.
Notable increases in divorce rates, cohabitation, and acceptance of LGBTQ+ relationships.

Educational Structures

Manifest Functions: Knowledge dissemination and status conferment on educated individuals.
Latent Functions: Perform socialization and serve as agents of social change and control.

Educational Segregation

Disparities exist where high-income neighborhoods offer better educational resources and facilities over lower-income areas.

Teacher Expectancy Theory

Students who perceive teacher expectations as reasonable often meet or exceed them.
Stereotyping may lead teachers to lower expectations for students, affecting their performance.

Types of Religious Organizations

Ecclesia: Dominant religion incorporating most of society, politically integrated; example: Islam in Iran.
Church: Well-integrated with society; membership often by birth but allows new members; example: Catholic Church in USA.
Sect: Distinct religious group formed by breaking away from larger institutions; may withdraw from society; examples include Mormons and Amish.
Cult: Far outside societal norms, often involves alternative lifestyles.

Global Religious Demographics

Christians make up approximately 30% of the world.
Muslims account for about 20-25% of the global population.
Hindus represent around 14%.
Sikhs comprise roughly 0.35%.
Jews consist of about 0.22%.

Religiosity

Refers to the degree to which religion influences an individual's life and decisions.

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Description

This quiz focuses on key concepts related to social institutions as outlined in sociology, specifically for the MCAT. It covers definitions, functions, and examples of various institutions such as family, education, and government. Ideal for those preparing for the sociology section of the MCAT.