Questions and Answers
What is social structure?
A term that is fundamental to the entire way sociologists understand social life, capturing elements that exert power over individuals.
Not everyone believes in social structure.
True
What is a key characteristic of social structure?
It endures over time, even amid other changes in society.
Which of the following best describes what a social structure is?
Signup and view all the answers
Which two components are key to social structure?
Signup and view all the answers
What insight comes from understanding how social structures work?
Signup and view all the answers
One example of a social structure is a set of norms governing social interactions.
Signup and view all the answers
What is an example of a social structure?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a role?
Signup and view all the answers
What does life course refer to?
Signup and view all the answers
What are social hierarchies?
Signup and view all the answers
What is power?
Signup and view all the answers
What is privilege?
Signup and view all the answers
What is discrimination?
Signup and view all the answers
What are social movements?
Signup and view all the answers
What happens when legal restrictions on subordinate groups disappear?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Social Structure
- A fundamental concept in sociology, referring to the various elements of society that influence individual actions and social interactions.
- Functions as the backdrop of social life, exerting significant influence on individuals, groups, and organizations.
Beliefs About Social Structure
- Some argue that concepts of "society" and "social structure" are myths, used to excuse poor individual behavior.
Durability of Social Structures
- Social structures endure over time despite changes in society, often transforming slowly and modestly.
- The persistence of these structures contributes to their power and influence.
Definition and Components
- Social structures provide regularity to social life and consist of norms and institutions.
- Norms are societal rules governing interactions, while institutions serve as established systems within society.
Insights from Social Structures
- Individuals born into wealth typically remain wealthy as adults due to existing social structures.
Characteristics of Social Structure
- Social structures include norms, roles, and institutions, and they evolve over time.
- An example includes societal expectations related to fatherhood.
Role
- Defined as a set of expectations for behavior associated with a particular social position.
- Occupying specific roles can significantly influence behavior throughout an individual’s life.
Life Course
- Refers to the transitions and stages individuals experience across their lives.
Social Hierarchies
- Defined as unequal relationships providing one group with more status and power over another.
- Established when a group leverages certain assets or attributes for special advantages.
Power
- The capacity to influence the behavior of others, integral to social dynamics.
Privilege
- Entails special access to opportunities and rewards, often monopolized by dominant groups.
Discrimination
- Refers to practices where dominant groups control opportunities and diminish challenges from subordinate groups.
- Includes legal restrictions that prevent certain groups from accessing valuable positions.
Social Movements
- Dominate efforts to contest inequalities, often removing explicit legal barriers but not eradicating social hierarchies.
Ongoing Power of Dominant Groups
- Despite the elimination of legal barriers, dominant groups can still maintain power through informal means.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore key terms and concepts from Chapter 5 on social structure. This quiz will test your understanding of how social structures influence individual actions and social interactions. Ideal for sociology students seeking to reinforce their knowledge.
