SOC101 Important Terms

SOC101 · General Sociology Concepts · 1. Sociology

Definition: The systematic and scientific study of human behavior, social groups, and society. Example: Studying how social norms influence individual behavior in different cultures.

2. Social Groups

Definition: Groups of individuals who interact and share a sense of unity. Example: Families, clubs, and workplaces are examples of social groups.

3. Social Phenomena

Definition: Observable events or actions that arise from human interactions. Example: The rise of social media as a platform for activism.

4. Social Structures

Definition: Patterns of organized relationships and social arrangements within a society. Example: The hierarchical structure of a corporation or the caste system.

5. Social Norms

Definition: Accepted behaviors and expectations within a society. Example: Shaking hands as a greeting in Western cultures.

6. Sociological Perspective

Definition: A viewpoint for understanding human behavior within its broader social context. Example: Analyzing poverty not just as individual failure but as a result of systemic inequality.

7. Social Contexts

Definition: The cultural, economic, and societal settings in which people live and interact. Example: The differing social expectations in rural versus urban areas.

8. Sociological Imagination

Definition: The ability to see the link between personal experiences and larger social forces. Example: Connecting personal unemployment to global economic downturns.

9. Social Facts

Definition: Values, cultural norms, and social structures that transcend individuals but constrain their behavior. Example: Laws, religious beliefs, or marriage traditions.

10. Social Stratification

Definition: A system by which society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. Example: Class systems in capitalist societies.

Foundational Theories and Thinkers

11. Auguste Comte

Definition: The founder of sociology who introduced positivism, emphasizing observation and scientific methods. Example: His law of three stages (theological, metaphysical, and positive) describes societal development.

12. Positivism Definition: The application of the scientific method to the study of social phenomena. Example: Using statistical analysis to study crime rates.

13. Herbert Spencer

Definition: Sociologist known for applying evolutionary theory to societies, coining "survival of the fittest." Example: His work influenced Social Darwinism.

14. Social Darwinism

Definition: The belief that societies evolve like organisms, with "fittest" cultures thriving. Example: Justifying capitalism as a natural hierarchy.

15. Karl Marx Definition: Philosopher who introduced conflict theory, emphasizing class struggle and economic systems. Example: His ideas are foundational in studying capitalism and socialism.

16. Class Conflict

Definition: The struggle between social classes for resources and power. Example: The proletariat versus bourgeoisie dynamic in industrial societies.

17. Emile Durkheim

Definition: Sociologist who explored social cohesion and the impact of social facts on behavior. Example: His study on suicide demonstrated the effects of social integration.

18. Mechanical Solidarity

Definition: Social cohesion in traditional societies based on shared values and similarities. Example: Tribal societies where everyone contributes to farming and rituals.

19. Organic Solidarity

Definition: Social cohesion in modern societies based on interdependence and specialization. Example: Urban communities where different professions depend on each other.

20. Collective Conscience

Definition: The shared beliefs and moral attitudes of a society. Example: National pride during independence celebrations.

Research Methods

21. Research Design

Definition: A structured approach to conducting research. Example: Choosing a qualitative method to study cultural practices.

22. Survey Method

Definition: Collecting data through questionnaires or interviews. Example: Polling citizens about their voting preferences.

23. Case Study Definition: An in-depth study of a single subject or group. Example: Examining the impact of industrialization on a small town.

24. Observation Method

Definition: Watching subjects in their natural environment. Example: Observing children’s behavior on playgrounds.

25. Experimentation

Definition: Testing hypotheses under controlled conditions. Example: Analyzing group dynamics through role-playing exercises.

26. Secondary Data

Definition: Using previously collected data for new research. Example: Analyzing census data for demographic studies.

27. Research Ethics

Definition: Guidelines ensuring integrity and ethical treatment of subjects. Example: Obtaining informed consent from participants.

28. Variables Definition: Measurable elements that can vary in a study. Example: Age, income, or education level in sociological research.
29. Correlation Definition: A relationship between two variables. Example: Higher education levels correlating with higher incomes.
30. Causation Definition: When one variable directly affects another. Example: Smoking causing an increase in lung cancer rates.

Sociological Theories

31. Functionalism

Definition: Views society as a system of interdependent parts. Example: Religion as a means of maintaining social order.

32. Conflict Theory

Definition: Focuses on power struggles between groups. Example: Analyzing gender wage gaps.

33. Symbolic Interactionism

Definition: Studies how individuals interact based on shared symbols. Example: The significance of wedding rings in marriage.