Social Sciences Overview

Culture and Social Sciences

• Culture includes shared values, beliefs, and practices defining a group of people.
• Sociology studies society, social interactions, social life, changes, and behavioral consequences.
• Political Science examines state activities and government functions.

Influential Figures

• Franz Boas is recognized as the father of American Anthropology.

Social Structures and Dynamics

• Social Organization investigates social institutions, roles, and arrangements within society.
• Social Change analyzes the impacts of technology, cultural shifts, and institutional transformations on societies.
• Ethnocentrism affects intercultural relations by influencing interactions between different cultural groups.

Theories and Human Evolution

• Intelligent Design presents a scientific explanation for biological changes in species over time.
• Anthropomorphism relates to the evolutionary process leading to modern human development.
• Homo habilis marks the earliest evidence of burial practices and symbolic behavior.
• Lower Paleolithic refers to the Old Stone Age characterized by the use of simple stone tools.

Groups and Socialization

• The Neolithic Era saw decreased population growth due to agriculture's development.
• Anticipatory socialization occurs in an individual's early life stages.
• A classroom represents a primary group with intimate, emotional interactions.
• Secondary groups are larger, less intimate, and more specialized.
• In-group refers to groups that individuals identify with and feel a sense of belonging.
• Reference groups are used for self-comparison, significantly influencing individual behavior.

Ethnocentrism and Society

• Ethnocentrism leads to perceptions of others as savage or morally corrupt on a global scale.
• Cultural relativism claims that judging other societies negatively is a misconception.

Culture and Social Sciences

• Culture includes shared values, beliefs, and practices defining a group of people.
• Sociology studies society, social interactions, social life, changes, and behavioral consequences.
• Political Science examines state activities and government functions.

Influential Figures

• Franz Boas is recognized as the father of American Anthropology.

Social Structures and Dynamics

• Social Organization investigates social institutions, roles, and arrangements within society.
• Social Change analyzes the impacts of technology, cultural shifts, and institutional transformations on societies.
• Ethnocentrism affects intercultural relations by influencing interactions between different cultural groups.

Theories and Human Evolution

• Intelligent Design presents a scientific explanation for biological changes in species over time.
• Anthropomorphism relates to the evolutionary process leading to modern human development.
• Homo habilis marks the earliest evidence of burial practices and symbolic behavior.
• Lower Paleolithic refers to the Old Stone Age characterized by the use of simple stone tools.

Groups and Socialization

• The Neolithic Era saw decreased population growth due to agriculture's development.
• Anticipatory socialization occurs in an individual's early life stages.
• A classroom represents a primary group with intimate, emotional interactions.
• Secondary groups are larger, less intimate, and more specialized.
• In-group refers to groups that individuals identify with and feel a sense of belonging.
• Reference groups are used for self-comparison, significantly influencing individual behavior.

Ethnocentrism and Society

• Ethnocentrism leads to perceptions of others as savage or morally corrupt on a global scale.
• Cultural relativism claims that judging other societies negatively is a misconception.