Sociology: Groups and Societies Overview

The act of many individuals unconsciously coordinating their actions, resulting in a collective behavior pattern.

The ability to anticipate the actions of others based on their behavior and the context of the environment.

The shared, unspoken rules and norms that guide behavior in a public space like a train station.

A collection of individuals who interact regularly in a specific environment, forming a distinct social group.

The study of how behavior is influenced by social structures and interactions.

The process by which individuals' actions and behaviors are influenced by the presence and actions of others in a group.

The analysis of social phenomena by observing behavior in a natural setting.

The study of the emotions, attitudes, and subjective experiences of individuals in relation to their social environment.

A group of people who live in a defined geographic area, who interact with one another, and who share a common culture.

The accepted rules of conversation, customs, and norms that govern interactions within a specific group or social setting.

The examination of trends, patterns, and relationships among large groups and societies.

The shared practices, values, and beliefs of a group, encompassing their way of life and the things they produce.

A way of understanding an individual's behavior and experiences in relation to the broader social forces and cultural influences shaping their choices and perceptions.

The error of treating an abstract concept, like 'culture,' as though it has a real, material existence.

The laws, morals, values, religious beliefs, customs, fashions, rituals, and cultural rules that govern social life.

The simultaneous analysis of both individual behavior and the society that shapes it.

The study of how social institutions, like religion, affect individual behavior and experiences.

The process of identifying and studying general patterns in behavior across large groups of people sharing similar societal experiences.

Changes in societal values and beliefs that are reflected in the changing patterns of family structures

The analysis of how individual choices are influenced by cultural patterns and social forces.

The study of the consequences of changing social patterns, like the impact of changing family structures on education, housing, and healthcare needs.

The examination of contemporary social issues, such as policies, political movements, and technological influences on communication.

A theoretical perspective in sociology that views society as a complex system of interrelated parts, each contributing to social stability and functioning.

The intended and anticipated consequences of a social process.

The unintended and unanticipated consequences of a social process.

Consequences of social processes that disrupt the stability and functioning of society.

A theoretical perspective in sociology that views society as a competition for limited resources, leading to inequality and conflict.

Social, material, and political resources that individuals and groups compete for, such as food, housing, employment, education, and leisure time.

A state of balance and stability within a society achieved through a functional interplay of its parts.

A theoretical perspective in sociology that emphasizes the role of symbols and interactions in shaping social meanings and actions.

A social process that involves competition for power, prestige, and other resources, leading to social stratification and inequality.

The process by which individuals and groups are ranked in a hierarchy based on their social characteristics.

The ability of individuals or groups to influence and control others, often based on social status, wealth, or political office.

The study of how societies are formed and how they change, seeking to understand the fundamental structures and processes of social life.

A philosophical and theoretical foundation used within a discipline to formulate theories, generalizations, and experiments.

A proposed explanation for specific aspects of social interactions, often used to create testable propositions (hypotheses) about society.

Theories that focus on relationships between individuals or small groups, examining the nuances of social interactions in specific contexts.

Theories focused on larger-scale societal events and structures, examining patterns and trends in groups, institutions, and societies.

The belief that people can use reason and observation to understand the world, challenging the dominance of religious explanations.

The study of social solidarity (group cohesion), social ties, and the relationship between these factors and suicide rates.

The shift from agrarian societies to industrialized ones, marked by increased mobility, new forms of employment, and rapid social change.

The interconnectedness and interdependence of individuals and groups within a society, often measured by factors like trust, shared values, and cooperation.

A type of critical theory that focuses on the role of gender in shaping social structures and experiences.

A type of critical theory that focuses on the role of race and ethnicity in shaping social structures and experiences.

A theoretical perspective that challenges traditional notions of knowledge, truth, and reality, often emphasizing the importance of power relations and social construction.

A study where children were shown dolls of different races and asked to choose their preferences, revealing internalized bias.

The idea that separate but equal facilities are inherently unequal because they reinforce racial discrimination and disadvantage.

A sociological approach that emphasizes the importance of engaging with the public and influencing social change through the application of sociological principles.

The skills and knowledge acquired through education and experience that can be applied in a variety of different settings.

The ability to understand complex ideas, analyze information critically, and formulate effective arguments.

The process of understanding and interpreting social phenomena through a sociological lens.

The ability to understand and appreciate diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.

The classification of individuals based on social factors such as economic status, education, ethnicity, or gender.

The stronger the social bond among individuals, the less likely they are to disagree or conflict with each other.

A type of conflict theory that focuses on the role of social, economic, and political structures in maintaining inequality and oppression. It seeks to identify the causes and impacts of systemic inequalities.

The idea that social reality is not fixed, but rather constructed through the shared meanings and interpretations that people develop through their interactions.

The application of dramaturgical analysis to everyday social interactions. It compares social interactions to theatrical performances, with people playing different roles and adjusting their behavior to the situation.

A qualitative research method that involves observing and interacting with people in their natural environment to understand their behaviors, beliefs, and experiences.

A research method that uses in-depth interviews to gather rich and detailed information from individuals about their experiences, perspectives, and opinions.

A theoretical perspective that focuses on how individuals cognitively construct their understanding of reality. It emphasizes the role of shared meanings and interpretations in shaping our perceptions of the world.

Behaviors that are seen as violating social norms and values. It is a relative concept, meaning that definitions of deviance vary across cultures and societies

The process by which new members of a group are socialized into its norms, values, and beliefs. It ensures the continuation of cultural traditions and social patterns.

The continuing evolution and development of sociological theories, often incorporating insights and critiques from different theoretical perspectives.