Chapter One
Scientific study of social behavior and human groups
Sociology
a systematic, organized series of steps that ensure maximum objectivity and consistency in researching a problem
Scientific Method
Totality of learned, socially transmitted customs, knowledge, material object, and behavior
Culture
Life long process in which people learn attitudes, values, and behaviors appropriate for members of a particular culture
Socialization
Any of the full range of socially defined positions within a large group or society, from lowest to highest
status
A set of statements that seeks to explain problems, actions, or behaviors
Theory
speculative statement about the relationship between two or more factors known as variables
Hypothesis
Tendency to assume that one’s own culture and way of life represents the norm or is superior to others
Ethnocentrism
Your unique being that makes you distinct from others
Self
When incompatible expectations arise from two or more social positions held by same person
role conflict
Loss of direction felt in society when social control of individual behavior becomes ineffective
Anomie
exists when change in one variable coincides with change in the other
correlation
Systematic study of how biology affects human social behavior
Sociobiology
Person central to helping your “self” develop
Significant others
Temporary or permanent alliance geared toward common goal
coalitions
division of individual’s identity into two or more social realities
double consciousness
involves relationship between a condition or variable and a particular consequence with one leading to the other
Casual Logic
Hypothesis that language is culturally determined and shapes our interpretation of reality
Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis
need to maintain proper self image for continued social interaction
facework
Series of social relationships that links a person directly to others, and through them indirectly to still more people
Social network
open, stated, conscious functions; intended and recognized consequences of an aspect of society
manifest functions
extent to which a measure produces consistent results
Reliability
Segment of society that shares distinctive pattern of mores, folkways, and values that differs from larger society
Subcultures
four stages in development of children’s thought processes
Cognitive theory of development
collective consciousness that emphasizes group solidarity
Mechanical solidarity