Sociology:
the systematic study of human society, social groups, and social interaction
Sociological imagination:
the ability to recognize how apparently personal issues at least partly reflect broader social structures
Hypothesis:
a statement about relationships that we expect to find if our theory is correct
Independent variable:
is the cause in a cause and effect relationship
Dependent variable:
is the effect in a cause and effect relationship
Sampling:
the process of systematically selecting representative cases from the larger population
Experiment:
a method in which the researcher manipulates independent variables to test theories of cause and effect
Survey research:
a method that involves asking a relatively large number of people the same standardized questions
Participant observation:
refers to conducting research by participating, interviewing and observing in the field
Content analysis:
refers to the systematic examination of documents of any sort
Random Sampling
samples chosen through a random procedure so that each individual is given population has an equal chance of being selected
Cross-sectional design:
uses a sample(known as cross-section) of the population at a single point in time
Longitudinal research:
is any research in which data are collected over a long period of time
Participant observation:
refers to conducting research by participating interviewing and observing in the field
Culture:
the total way of life shared by a members of a community
Nonmaterial culture:
language values rules and knowledge shared by society
Material culture:
physical objects a society produces such as tools streets sculptures and toys
Cultural relativity:
requires that each cultural trait be evaluated in the context of its own culture
Language:
the ability to communicate in symbols orally by manual sign or by writing
Values:
shared ideas about desirable goals
Norms:
shared rules of conduct that specify how people out to think( Normal)
Mores:
are norms associated with fairly strong ideas of right or wrong they carry a moral connotation (right or wrong)
Laws:
are mores that are enforced and sanctioned by the authority of government (rewarded/punished)
Cultural lag:
occurs when one part of a culture changes more rapidly than another
Culture shock:
refers to disconcerting and unpleasant experiences that can occur when individuals encounter a different culture
Socialization:
is the process of learning the rules practices and values necessary for participation in culture and society
Roles:
are ways of behaving and thinking that are established and expected in specific roles
Self concept:
is our sense of who we are as individuals
Significant others:
are the roles players with whom we have close personal relationships
Agents of socialization:
are individuals groups and media that teach social norms
Family:
most important socialization agent
Peers:
individuals who share similar age and social status( members of a peer group)
School:
transmits societies central values
Mass media:
forms of communication designed to teach broad audiences
Religion:
source of individual direction
Community:
people who share a common space of common identity
Socialization
A central aspect of socialization is learning our social roles
Looking glass self
Agents of socialization
Family is the most important in agent socialization
Socialization through the life course
Childhood: 1st primary socialization personality and role learning
Adolescence: anticipatory socialization role learning that prepares us for future roles
Adulthood: professional socialization role learning that provides knowledge and cultural understanding of a profession
Age 65 and beyond: role exit identity as retiree adaptations to time loss of spouse declining health financial
(anticipatory socialization children play out their visions of roles identities and behaviors)
Resocialization
Occurs when we abandon our self concept and way of life for a radically different one (Often against our will)
Status:
A person's position
Achieved status:
Are optional statuses a person can obtain in a lifetime(Good Or bad)
Ascribed status:
are fixed by birth and inheritance unalterable in a lifetime (Born into)
Roles:
sets of norms specifying the rights and obligations associated with status
Role strain:
occurs when incompatible role demands develop with a single status( strains happen only with single status)
Role conflict:
Occurs when incompatible role demands develop because of multiple statuses( multiple 2 or more)
Social institutions:
An enduring and complex social structure that meets basic human needs
Basic social institutions
Family: to care for dependents and raise children
Economy: to produce and distribute goods
Government: to provide community coordination services and defense
Education: to teach generations
Religion: to supply answers about the unknown or unknowable