Sociology Exam Review - Simplified PDF

Sociology Exam Review - Simplified 1. Social Stratification (Chapter 7) ​ What is Social Stratification?​ It’s how society divides people into different groups based on things like wealth, power, and respect. Some people have more access to resources than others. ​ Types of S...

Sociology Exam Review - Simplified 1. Social Stratification (Chapter 7) ​ What is Social Stratification?​ It’s how society divides people into different groups based on things like wealth, power, and respect. Some people have more access to resources than others. ​ Types of Stratification: ○​ Caste System: You are born into a group that decides your job and social status, and you can't change it. ○​ Class System: You can move up or down based on your money, job, or education. ​ Theories of Stratification: ○​ Functionalism: Stratification exists because different jobs need to be done, and the most important jobs get rewarded more. ○​ Conflict Theory: The rich and powerful use their resources to keep the poor in lower positions. ○​ Weber’s Theory: Stratification is based on class, status (respect), and power (ability to influence others). ​ Social Mobility: The ability to move up or down the social ladder, which can be influenced by education or opportunities. ​ Poverty: ○​ Absolute Poverty: Not enough to meet basic needs (food, shelter, etc.). ○​ Relative Poverty: Poor compared to others in your society, but you might still have the basics. 2. Gender and Gender Inequality (Chapter 9) ​ Sex vs. Gender: ○​ Sex: The biological difference between male and female (like chromosomes and body parts). ○​ Gender: The roles society expects people to play based on their sex, like what is considered "appropriate" behavior for males and females. ​ Gender Socialization:​ From an early age, we are taught how to act based on our gender (e.g., girls may be given dolls to play with, and boys may be given trucks). ​ Patriarchy: A system where men hold more power and control over things like family, jobs, and politics. ​ Feminism: A movement for gender equality. Feminists believe that women should have the same opportunities and rights as men. ​ Intersectionality: How different parts of someone's identity (like race, gender, class) come together to shape their experience of inequality. For example, a Black woman might face both racism and sexism at the same time. 3. Race and Ethnicity (Chapter 10) ​ Race vs. Ethnicity: ○​ Race: Groups of people who share similar physical characteristics (like skin color). ○​ Ethnicity: Groups of people who share similar cultural traits (like language, religion, or traditions). ​ Racism: The belief that one race is better than another, leading to unfair treatment and discrimination. ​ Prejudice vs. Discrimination: ○​ Prejudice: Negative thoughts or attitudes about a group of people. ○​ Discrimination: Unfairly treating someone based on their race or ethnicity. ​ Theories of Race and Ethnicity: ○​ Functionalism: Different races and ethnicities can contribute to the stability of society, but when they are treated unequally, it can cause problems. ○​ Conflict Theory: Racial and ethnic groups are often used by powerful groups to maintain control and exploit others. ○​ Symbolic Interactionism: Our ideas about race are shaped by our interactions with others. ​ Institutional Racism: When racism is built into the systems and structures of society, like in the criminal justice system or education. ​ Social Construction of Race: Race is a social idea, not a biological fact. Different cultures might categorize people differently.