Sociology Guide Quiz PDF

Social Stratification Definition: Arrangement of society into layers (strata) based on unequal distribution of resources, prestige, or power. Key Points: ○ Not an individual trait but a societal characteristic. ○ Carries over generations. ○ Influence...

Social Stratification Definition: Arrangement of society into layers (strata) based on unequal distribution of resources, prestige, or power. Key Points: ○ Not an individual trait but a societal characteristic. ○ Carries over generations. ○ Influenced by beliefs (e.g., meritocracy, caste systems). Key Concepts: ○ Caste System: Rigid social stratification based on ascription (e.g., Hinduism). ○ Class System: More flexible social stratification based on achievement. ○ Meritocracy: Belief that achievement can overcome ascription. ○ Social Differentiation: Process of distinguishing individuals or groups. ○ Social Mobility: Movement within the stratification system. Intergenerational: Mobility between generations. Intragenerational: Mobility within a single generation. ○ Plutocracy: Rule by the wealthy. Max Weber's Perspective Emphasizes the role of status, prestige, and power in addition to class and wealth. Socioeconomic Status (SES): Composite measure of an individual's economic and social position. Pierre Bourdieu's Theory Argues that stratification arises from inequalities in four types of capital: ○ Economic Capital: Financial assets. ○ Social Capital: Networks and relationships. ○ Cultural Capital: Education, skills, and cultural knowledge. ○ Symbolic Capital: Prestige and recognition. Class Structure Upper Class: Divided into upper upper (old money) and lower upper (new wealth). Middle Class: Upper middle, average middle, working class. Lower Class: Experiences poverty (relative vs. absolute). Economic Systems Capitalism: Private ownership of production, market-driven economy. Socialism: Collective ownership and state-directed economy. Industrialism vs. Post-Industrialism: Shift from factory labor to service-oriented work. Groups and Organizations  Social Groups: Interacting collections of people. ○ Primary Groups: Close, personal relationships. ○ Secondary Groups: Larger, more impersonal groups. Key Concepts: ○ In-Group vs. Out-Group: Groups to which one belongs vs. those to which one does not. ○ Group Dynamics: Shift from dyads to triads impacts intimacy and coalition potential. Leadership Types: ○ Instrumental Leader: Focuses on task completion. ○ Expressive Leader: Focuses on group morale and relationships. Organizations: ○ Types: Utilitarian, normative, coercive. ○ Bureaucracy: Characterized by hierarchy, specialization, and impersonality. ○ McDonaldization: Emphasizes efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control. Deviance Definition: Violation of cultural norms; not all deviance is crime. Social Controls: Mechanisms to curb deviance (internal vs. external). Explanations of Deviance: ○ Biological: Limited in explaining cultural variability. ○ Psychological: Subjective definitions of mental illness. ○ Social: Examines power dynamics and societal norms. Merton's Strain Theory: Relationship between societal goals and means; includes categories like innovators and conformists. Labeling Theory: Focuses on how labels affect identity and behavior (primary vs. secondary deviance). Bruce Western's Research Highlights disparities in incarceration rates among young black males. ○ Laws often criminalize poverty. ○ Increased scrutiny and harsher treatment in the justice system. Responses to Deviance Retribution: Punishment for wrongdoing. Incapacitation: Removing offenders from society. Rehabilitation: Reforming offenders. Deterrence: Discouraging future offenses. White Collar Crime Distinction between Occupational (individual benefit) and Organizational (corporate benefit) crime. Recommended Films Inequality for All Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room Fast Food Nation This study guide condenses key concepts and theories in sociology related to social stratification, groups, organizations, and deviance. Use this as a framework for deeper study and understanding