Sociology Study Guides

Ascribed status is a social position one is born into, while achieved status is a position earned through actions and…

An independent variable in sociology is a factor that is manipulated or changed to observe its effects on a dependent…

Informal social control refers to the ways in which individuals and groups influence behavior without formal laws or…

The manifest function of education refers to the intended and recognized outcomes of the educational system, such as…

The manifest function of school refers to the intended and recognized outcomes of education, such as teaching knowledge…

Norms are the unwritten rules that guide behavior in a group, while roles are the expected behaviors associated with a…

Social groups are collections of individuals who share common interests or characteristics and have a sense of…

Social groups are collections of individuals who interact and share common interests or goals.

Social interaction refers to the dynamic and reciprocal actions between individuals or groups, encompassing verbal and…

In sociology, a social network is a structure made up of individuals or organizations that are connected through…

Social roles are the expected behaviors, responsibilities, and norms associated with a particular position or status…

Socialization is the lifelong process through which individuals learn and internalize the norms, values, behaviors, and…

The sociological perspective is a framework that enables sociologists to analyze social behavior by considering the…

A taboo behavior is an action that is considered socially unacceptable or forbidden in a particular culture or society.

Social norms are the unwritten rules that govern behavior within a society, and they can be categorized into three main…

Taboos are strong prohibitions against certain behaviors that are considered unacceptable within a society, such as…

The study of the ageing process, including the biological, psychological, and social changes that occur as people age,…

Aging and Social Perception examines how different cultures and societies view aging and the elderly.

Art and Media in Crime Perception' refers to the influence of artistic representations and media portrayals on public…

Art and Sociology: Cultural Reflections' refers to the interdisciplinary study of how artistic expressions and cultural…

Assimilation is a cognitive process in which an individual integrates new information into existing cognitive…

Barriers to social mobility refer to the various obstacles that individuals face in their pursuit of upward movement…

The boomerang generation refers to young adults who return to live with their parents after initially moving out, often…

Caste and class systems are two distinct forms of social stratification that categorize individuals based on different…

Class differences significantly influence the values, beliefs, and parenting styles within families, as highlighted by…

Class inequality refers to the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities among different social classes,…

Classical theories of deviance refer to sociological frameworks that emphasize the rational decision-making processes…

A coercive organization is a type of social structure where individuals are forced to participate, often through…

Cohort effects refer to variations in the behavior or characteristics of a group of individuals who share a common…

Community Impact on Crime Rates' refers to the influence that social, economic, and environmental factors within a…

Comparative social movements refer to the systematic analysis and comparison of different social movements across…

Conflict theory, developed by Karl Marx, examines the inherent power struggles within societies, particularly focusing…

This topic explores the comparison between Karl Marx's historical materialism and Gerhard Lenski's sociocultural…

Conspicuous consumption refers to the practice of displaying one's social status through consumption choices, such as…

Containment theory posits that deviance is primarily a matter of impulse control, where individuals' capacity to…

The study of the social, cultural, economic, and political structures and institutions of modern Indian society,…

Critical Sociology is an approach within the field that emphasizes the role of values and subjectivity in sociological…

The critique of dominance in academic discourse examines how power imbalances affect scholarly communication,…

Critiques of Modernization Theory highlight its Eurocentric perspective and the oversimplification of complex…

Cultural adaptation in migration refers to the processes through which migrating populations adjust their cultural…

Cultural change refers to the transformations that occur within a society's beliefs, practices, and values over time.

Cultural deviance refers to behaviors or beliefs that diverge from the accepted norms of a dominant culture, while…

Cultural deviance in youth gangs refers to the behaviors and values that diverge from mainstream societal norms, often…

Cultural factors in labor market participation refer to the beliefs, values, norms, and social practices that influence…

Cultural narratives in crime prevention refer to the shared stories, beliefs, and values within a community that shape…

Cultural narratives of crime and justice refer to the shared stories, beliefs, and values within a society that shape…

Cultural patterns in society are shaped by various components such as norms, symbols, and languages, and they…

Cultural perspectives on victimization refer to the varying interpretations and responses to victimhood shaped by…

Cultural responses to crime refer to the varied ways in which different societies and communities perceive, interpret,…

Cultural variations in punishment refer to the differing practices and beliefs regarding disciplinary measures across…

The Davis-Moore Thesis, proposed in 1945, posits that social stratification is a necessary mechanism for society to…

Declining fertility rates refer to the reduction in the average number of children born to a woman over her lifetime,…

This topic examines how social inequality influences perceptions and reactions to deviant behavior, highlighting the…

Deviance in sociology refers to behaviors and traits that differ from societal norms, which can encompass both criminal…

Disenchantment in sociology refers to the process by which traditional beliefs and values lose their significance in…

Dramaturgical analysis, introduced by Erving Goffman, views social interactions as theatrical performances where…

W.E.B. DuBois's study, 'The Philadelphia Negro,' represents a pioneering sociological investigation into the living…

Economic Disparities and Crime Prevention' refers to the relationship between socioeconomic inequalities and the…

Economic sociology is the study of how social structures, relationships, and cultural norms influence economic behavior…

Economic Sociology of Inequality refers to the study of how economic structures and social relationships interact to…

Endogamy refers to the social practice of marrying within a specific social group or caste, which reinforces social…

Ethnographic research involves researchers immersing themselves within a community to observe and participate in daily…

Formal social control refers to the mechanisms established by society to regulate behavior and maintain order through…

The "Impact of Family Structure on Crime" refers to the influence that different family configurations—such as…

Formal social control refers to the mechanisms, strategies, and institutions used by society to regulate individual…

Manifest functions of education include passing on knowledge, creating new knowledge, and credentialing individuals for…

Gender differences refer to the behavioral, cognitive, and emotional distinctions typically observed between males and…

Gender performance refers to the ways individuals enact their gender identity through behaviors, clothing, and…

This topic discusses how gender roles are established and institutionalized in society, particularly through…

Gender socialization refers to the process through which individuals learn and internalize the social expectations and…

Gender and social mobility refers to the relationship between an individual's gender and their ability to move up or…

Gender, race, and class socialization are key processes through which individuals learn the behaviors, values, and…

Gender, Race, and Crime Dynamics' refers to the complex interplay between gender and racial identities and their…

Gender-conflict theory applies conflict theory principles to examine the unequal social relations between genders.

Generational differences refer to the distinct attitudes, behaviors, and values shaped by the unique social, economic,…

The 'Impact of Gentrification on Crime' refers to the complex relationship between urban redevelopment processes that…

Global stratification refers to the unequal distribution of wealth and power across different nations, shaped by…

The "Impact of Globalization on Local Crime" refers to the ways in which global interconnectedness influences crime…

Harriet Martineau's feminist theory emphasizes the importance of social justice and the role of women in society,…

Harriet Martineau's social research methodology emphasizes the importance of observation and qualitative analysis in…

Harriet Martineau was a pioneering sociologist who analyzed Middle Eastern societies through a lens of social justice…

Harriet Martineau was a pioneering sociologist whose extensive travels in the United States allowed her to document…

Hegemonic masculinity refers to the societal norms and expectations that celebrate certain masculine traits, such as…

This topic examines the historical developments that shaped the emergence of sociology as a discipline, particularly…

Historical materialism is a framework developed by Karl Marx that examines the relationship between the organization of…

Homophily refers to the tendency of individuals to associate and bond with similar others, based on shared…

Hypothesis testing in sociology involves formulating educated guesses about the relationships between variables,…

Identity formation refers to the processes through which individuals and groups develop their distinct characteristics…

The "Impact of Immigration on Crime" refers to the relationship between the influx of immigrants into a community and…

The "Impact of Incarceration on Communities" refers to the social, economic, and health-related consequences that arise…

Interpretative sociology is a methodological approach that emphasizes the subjective meanings individuals attach to…

Intersectionality is a framework for understanding how various social identities—such as race, class, and…

Intersectionality in victimization studies refers to the analytical framework that examines how various social…

Juvenile gang involvement trends refer to the patterns and changes in participation of young individuals in…

A society that emphasizes the creation, dissemination, and utilization of knowledge to drive economic, social, and…

Labeling theory explores how societal labels influence individual behavior and identity in the context of deviance.

The latent function of school refers to the unintended and often hidden benefits that education provides, such as…

Latent functions of education are the unintended and often hidden benefits that arise from the educational system,…

Mainstream culture refers to the dominant cultural patterns that align with societal ideals and values, while…

Manifest functions are the intended and recognized consequences of a social structure, while latent functions are the…

Marxist Conflict Theory examines social stratification through the lens of class struggle, positing that the…

Mass incarceration refers to the substantial increase in the prison population over recent decades, driven largely by…

The McDonaldization of Society, a concept introduced by sociologist George Ritzer, refers to the increasing prevalence…

This topic examines the significant role media play in reinforcing gender roles through various representations and…

This topic examines how various forms of media influence societal views on crime, including the portrayal of offenders,…

Meritocracy refers to a social system where individuals' success is based on their abilities and efforts. In the U.S.

Merton's strain theory explores how societal structures impact individuals' ability to achieve culturally defined…

Neighborhood dynamics refer to the social, economic, and environmental interactions within a community that influence…

A social structure characterized by the widespread use of information and communication technologies, enabling…

Occupational prestige refers to the social value and respect assigned to different professions, which often correlates…

Sociologists describe the ways racial groups interact through four main patterns: pluralism, assimilation, segregation,…

Performing gender involves the daily enactment of gender roles through behaviors, clothing, and interactions that…

Postindustrial societies represent a significant shift from economies based on raw materials and manufacturing to those…

Public perception of crime trends refers to the collective beliefs and attitudes of individuals regarding the frequency…

Racial formation theory, developed by Michael Omi and Howard Winant, examines how social, political, and economic…

Rationalization, as defined by Max Weber, refers to the transformation in societal thinking that emphasizes…

Religious identity dynamics refers to the evolving ways in which individuals and communities understand and express…

A rigid class system is a social structure where individuals are assigned to specific social classes that are difficult…

Ritualism deviance refers to the adherence to rules and rituals without achieving the intended goals, often leading to…

In sociology, roles are the expected behaviors and responsibilities associated with a particular social status,…

The scientific method in sociology involves forming questions, developing testable theories, and gathering empirical…

Sexual scripts are cultural guidelines that dictate the context and meaning of sexual behavior, influencing when,…

Social attitudes are enduring evaluations or beliefs individuals hold about people, groups, or social issues, which…

The role of social capital in crime prevention refers to the networks, relationships, and social norms that facilitate…

Social change refers to significant alterations over time in behavior patterns, cultural values, and norms within a…

Social class significantly influences parenting styles, which in turn shapes children's development and future…

Social class in America can be understood through various definitions, notably those proposed by Karl Marx and Max…

The social construction of race refers to the idea that race is not solely based on biological traits but is shaped by…

Social control refers to the mechanisms, strategies, and institutions that societies use to regulate individual…

Social Control Theory in modern contexts refers to the framework that examines how societal norms, values, and…

Social Control Theory Applications refer to the ways in which social structures and institutions, such as family,…

Social identity and criminal justice refer to the ways in which individuals' affiliations with specific social…

Social inequality refers to the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges among individuals or…

The "Impact of Social Inequality on Crime" refers to the relationship between disparities in wealth, education, and…

Social mobility refers to the ability of individuals or families to move up or down the social ladder within society.

Social perceptions of crime are influenced by various factors, including the racial composition of neighborhoods.

Social status refers to an individual's position within a social hierarchy, often determined by factors such as wealth,…

Social stigma refers to the negative attitudes, beliefs, and discrimination directed toward individuals or groups based…

Social stratification is the hierarchical arrangement of individuals into social classes based on factors such as…

Social stratification in ancient Indian society refers to the hierarchical organization of individuals based on their…

Social stratification and support refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals or groups in society based on…

Sociocultural evolution theory, introduced by Gerhard Lenski, examines how technological advancements drive changes in…

This topic covers the three main sociological paradigms—structural functionalism, social conflict theory, and symbolic…

Status consistency refers to the degree to which an individual's social status is the same across different social…

Strain Theory and Criminal Behavior posits that societal pressures and the inability to achieve culturally valued goals…

Strain Theory Applications refer to the use of Strain Theory, originally developed in sociology, to understand how…

The concept of 'strange in the familiar' in sociology refers to viewing everyday life and social norms from a fresh…

Structural functionalism is a sociological perspective that views society as a complex system composed of various…

Structural functionalism in education is a sociological perspective that views education as a system that contributes…

Symbolic interactionism is a sociological perspective that focuses on how individuals create shared meanings through…

Theories of deviance in sociology explore why individuals engage in behaviors that violate societal norms.

This topic explores the significance of gender within various cultures, emphasizing that gender is not a universal…

Crime is defined as the violation of criminal laws, encompassing various categories such as crimes against persons (e.g.

This topic explores the sociological concept of the middle class in America, highlighting how self-identification often…

This topic explores the distinctions within the upper class and the various segments of the middle class in America, as…

The socioeconomic dynamics of urban food deserts refer to the complex interplay of social, economic, and environmental…

Urban inequality examines the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and services within urban areas.

The "Impact of Urbanization on Crime" refers to the relationship between the growth and development of urban areas and…

Reporting on Urbanization and Society' refers to the systematic examination and dissemination of information regarding…

W.E.B. DuBois was a foundational figure in sociology, recognized for his pioneering work in race-conflict theory, which…

Max Weber's 'iron cage' concept describes the potential danger of rationalization in modern society, where individuals…

Max Weber expanded on Marx's ideas by introducing a more complex understanding of social stratification, arguing that…

The working and lower classes in America are characterized by low-income jobs, often requiring minimal education and…

Cultural dynamics of youth crime refer to the interplay of social, cultural, and environmental factors that influence…

Youth delinquency trends refer to the patterns and changes in criminal behavior among adolescents over time, while…