Sociology of the Tea Party Movement

A collection of at least two people who interact regularly and share a sense of belonging.

A temporary gathering of people with a shared purpose or experience but without a strong sense of belonging. For example, people waiting for a bus or people at a concert.

A category of people who share a common characteristic, but don't necessarily interact with each other. For example, all people who live in a city or all people who are fans of a particular band.

The view that society is a well-balanced system where every part plays a necessary role. Groups contribute to this balance by fulfilling specific functions.

The view that social inequality and power imbalances drive societal dynamics. Groups can contribute to these imbalances. For example, a wealthy group might use its power to maintain its advantages.

The view that social reality is constructed through interactions between individuals and groups. Groups are formed and maintained through shared meanings and symbols.

A group that emphasizes shared political values and beliefs, often rallying around a common cause. They aim to influence political discourse and policy.

Groups are important for understanding ourselves because they offer a sense of identity, belonging, and shared values.

Small, face-to-face groups with long-term emotional bonds, fulfilling emotional needs and crucial for socialization. Examples include families.

Larger, impersonal groups focused on specific goals or tasks. Interactions are often short-term and instrumental. Examples include classrooms or offices.

A group an individual feels they belong to, defining a part of their identity.

A group an individual doesn't belong to, often viewed with disdain or competition.

The act of judging others negatively based on their culture, race, sex, age, or sexuality, often leading to prejudice and discrimination.

A group that serves as a standard for comparison, influencing an individual's self-perception and behavior.

Harassing or intimidating individuals or groups through electronic communication like text messages, social media posts, or online platforms.

A branch of sociology focusing on the study of social relationships and power dynamics.

The study of how social groups interact, including factors like money, gender, cities, and even the concept of "strangers."

A social group with only two members, such as a couple, best friends, or a close family duo. It's known for intense connections but can be fragile.

A social group with three members. It's considered more stable than a dyad because the loss of one member doesn't break the group.

The size of a group impacts its structure and function. Larger groups often develop formal rules and regulations, with less personal attachment.

A leader focused on achieving goals and tasks. They prioritize efficiency and task completion.

A leader focused on emotional well-being and group harmony. They encourage social connection and support.

A leadership style encouraging group participation in decision-making. Everyone's voice is valued.

A leadership style where the leader takes a hands-off approach, allowing group members to manage themselves and make their own decisions.

A leadership style where the leader issues orders and assigns tasks with a strong focus on achieving goals. They are highly directive and prioritize efficiency.

The degree to which individuals conform to the norms and expectations of a group. It can be influenced by "reference groups" that provide examples of how to act, dress, and behave.

A type of social influence where people conform to fit in with a group, even if they don't agree with the group's beliefs or actions.

A type of social influence where people conform because they believe the group is more knowledgeable than they are.

A social psychological experiment where participants were instructed to deliver electric shocks to a learner (an actor) for incorrect answers. The study explored obedience to authority and how individuals can be influenced to act against their conscience.

A social psychological experiment where Stanford University students were assigned roles as guards and prisoners to study the effects of power and social roles in a simulated prison setting. The experiment was terminated early due to the guards' abusive behavior towards the prisoners, highlighting the potential for human cruelty in situations of power imbalance.

An organization that is formal and impersonal, with clear structures, rules and procedures. Examples: schools, businesses, hospitals, governments.

An ideal type of formal organization characterized by clear hierarchy, specialization of tasks, impersonality, written rules and procedures, and a focus on efficiency. It's a model that can be used to describe many organizations.

Formal organizations based on shared interests and volunteer participation. Members join out of personal interest and desire to contribute.

Formal organizations where individuals are coerced or forced to join, often as a result of legal or societal pressure. Examples: prisons, rehabilitation centers.

A sociological theory that explains the spread of principles from fast-food restaurants to other areas of social life, leading to uniformity, efficiency, and control.

A social structure characterized by specialization, hierarchy, rules, impartiality, and formal communication. It aims for efficiency but can lead to dehumanization and alienation.

The use of biological metaphors like 'purity' and 'dirt' to distinguish 'us' from 'others'. This involves classifying and rejecting elements that don't fit into one's predefined order.

The process of making the ordinary and routine seem normal, even when it involves extreme violence or atrocities, leading to a desensitization to suffering.

A concept that highlights the potential of modern societies to dehumanize and de-individualize people, allowing for widespread violence and atrocities, especially against those deemed 'different' or 'outside' the dominant group.