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Questions and Answers
What is social structure?
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.
Not everyone believes in social structure.
True
What is a key characteristic of social structure?
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?
Which of the following best describes what a social structure is?
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Which two components are key to social structure?
Which two components are key to social structure?
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What insight comes from understanding how social structures work?
What insight comes from understanding how social structures work?
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One example of a social structure is a set of norms governing social interactions.
One example of a social structure is a set of norms governing social interactions.
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What is an example of a social structure?
What is an example of a social structure?
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What is a role?
What is a role?
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What does life course refer to?
What does life course refer to?
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What are social hierarchies?
What are social hierarchies?
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What is power?
What is power?
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What is privilege?
What is privilege?
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What is discrimination?
What is discrimination?
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What are social movements?
What are social movements?
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What happens when legal restrictions on subordinate groups disappear?
What happens when legal restrictions on subordinate groups disappear?
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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.
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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.
