Sociology and Political Leadership Concepts

A social position that an individual earns or chooses through their own efforts, skills, or choices.

A state of normlessness or a lack of clear social standards and values, leading to a sense of confusion and instability.

A feeling of separation or estrangement from one's work, society, or oneself, often experienced as a result of alienation from the products of one's labor.

The capitalist class that owns and controls the means of production, such as factories, land, and capital.

The belief that one's own culture is superior to others, often leading to prejudice and discrimination.

The hierarchical organization of society into different classes or groups based on factors like wealth, power, and prestige.

The principle of judging a culture by its own standards rather than by the standards of another culture.

The shared beliefs, values, customs, and practices that unify a society.

The spread of cultural elements from one society to another.

The culture enjoyed by a large number of people, often promoted through mass media.

A culture that rejects mainstream values and norms, often seeking alternative lifestyles.

The shared cultural heritage, beliefs, and traditions of a group of people.

A political entity that encompasses a defined territory and a unified population.

The aspects of culture that are intangible, such as beliefs, values, and ideas.

A sociological perspective that focuses on the meanings and interpretations individuals attach to their social interactions.

The process of examining and interpreting collected data to find patterns, relationships, and insights.

The primary factor that determines a person's social class, according to Marx, is their relationship to the means of production. This means whether they own the means of production (e.g., factories, land) or work for someone who does.

An open society is characterized by the ability of individuals to change their social roles and status, regardless of their birth or background. In an open society, social mobility is possible.

Pitirim Sorokin introduced the concept of 'social mobility' to describe the movement of individuals or groups between social strata.

Horizontal mobility refers to changing social positions within the same social level. An example is changing jobs without changing social class.

Weber's theory of stratification identifies three key components: (1) class: based on economic resources; (2) status: based on social honor and prestige; (3) power: the ability to influence others.

The caste system is an example of a closed stratification system. In a caste system, social mobility is impossible, as individuals are born into a caste and remain in it for life.

Cultural capital refers to the non-economic resources that individuals can use to improve their social standing. These resources include education, knowledge, skills, and cultural tastes.

A governing system where the president holds executive power, elected independently from the legislature.

The process of transitioning towards a more democratic system of governance, characterized by increased citizen participation and fair elections.

A form of leadership where a single individual has absolute power and authority, often inherited.

A fundamental document that outlines the basic principles, structure, and functioning of Kazakhstan's government.

A system of leadership where a single political party controls all aspects of government and society.

A form of leadership where decisions are made directly by the people, often through voting or referendums.

The gradual shift towards a more democratic system with the aim of increasing public participation in decision-making processes.

The branch of government responsible for interpreting and applying laws, including the court system.

A form of leadership where a military group seizes power and controls the government.

Balancing the need for maintaining stability with implementing gradual reforms to improve the political system.

Transformational leadership inspires and motivates followers toward positive change and progress.

Democratic leadership involves consultation and collaboration with followers in decision-making.

One of the core values enshrined in Kazakhstan's Constitution, emphasizing unity and harmony among different social groups.

Autocratic leadership is a style where a single leader holds absolute power and makes decisions unilaterally.

The branch of government responsible for making laws, like a parliament.

The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, like a president or a prime minister.

A common feature of ethnic identity encompasses shared language, traditions, and history, creating a sense of belonging and connection among individuals within a group.

Pierre Bourdieu proposed the concept of "cultural capital," which refers to the non-economic assets that individuals possess, such as education, knowledge, and skills, impacting their social standing and opportunities.

Political science primarily studies the theory and practice of politics and government, exploring how power is exercised, decisions are made, and societies are governed.

Behavioralism within political science emphasizes studying political behavior through empirical methods, such as surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis to understand how individuals and groups act in political settings.

Constructivism in political science highlights the significance of ideas and identities in shaping political outcomes. It argues that political realities are not fixed but are constantly constructed through social interactions and beliefs.

Critical theory in politics focuses on identifying and challenging power structures that perpetuate inequality and injustice. It aims to critique and transform existing political, social, and economic systems.

The applied function of political science utilizes political knowledge to address real-world problems. Scholars in this area apply theoretical frameworks and analytical tools to solve practical issues in governance, policymaking, and social development.

Plato, an ancient Greek philosopher, emphasized the concept of the "ideal state" ruled by philosopher-kings, individuals with superior wisdom and virtue who would govern for the common good.