Summary

Sociology, as a discipline, delves into the complexities of social interactions, institutions, and the dynamics that mold societies. From the microcosm of individual interactions to the macrocosm of global systems, these sociological concepts will unravel the threads that weave together the fabric of human society.

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Achieved Status
Achieved status refers to the social position or rank that individuals attain through their own efforts, abilities, or accomplishments within society. Unlike ascribed status, which is assigned at birth or through inherent characteristics, achieved status is earned through education, occupation, skills, or personal achievements, reflecting individuals' merit and contributions to society.
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  • 02 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Ascribed Status
Ascribed status refers to the social position or rank assigned to an individual at birth or through inherent characteristics beyond their control, such as gender, race, or family background. Unlike achieved status, which is earned through individual effort or accomplishments, ascribed status shapes one's identity and societal roles independent of personal merit or achievement. These predetermined attributes often influence an individual's opportunities, privileges, and interactions within society.
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  • 02 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Social Order
Social order refers to the structured arrangement of norms, values, roles, and institutions within a society that guides individuals' behavior, maintains stability, and regulates interactions. It encompasses the established patterns of social organization and governance that provide cohesion, predictability, and coherence to social life, shaping the dynamics of social relations and collective behavior.
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  • 02 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Intersubjectivity
Intersubjectivity refers to the shared understanding and mutual agreement between individuals regarding their subjective experiences, perceptions, and interpretations of the world. It involves the recognition and validation of each other's perspectives, allowing for meaningful communication, cooperation, and collaboration based on common understanding and empathy. Intersubjectivity is essential for social interaction, interpersonal relationships, and the construction of shared meanings within society.
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Topic Review
Institutional Racism
Institutional racism refers to the systemic discrimination and bias embedded within social institutions, such as government agencies, educational systems, and corporations, that perpetuate racial inequalities. Unlike individual acts of racism, institutional racism operates at a structural level, resulting in unequal access to resources, opportunities, and social privileges based on race. It manifests through policies, practices, and norms that disadvantage certain racial or ethnic groups while advantaging others, contributing to disparities in areas such as employment, education, healthcare, and criminal justice.
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Topic Review
Organization
In a social context, an organization refers to a structured entity composed of individuals or groups with defined roles, responsibilities, and goals, working together to achieve specific objectives. Organizations can vary widely in purpose, size, and complexity, ranging from small community groups to multinational corporations, each characterized by formalized structures, processes, and systems of authority.
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Topic Review
Worldview
A worldview refers to an individual's comprehensive framework of beliefs, values, assumptions, and perceptions that shape their understanding of reality, identity, and purpose in life. It encompasses one's philosophical, religious, cultural, and ideological perspectives, influencing their interpretation of the world, moral judgments, and decision-making processes.
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Topic Review
Value
In social sciences, value refers to a deeply held belief or principle that guides individuals' attitudes, behaviors, and decision-making processes. Values are subjective and culturally influenced, reflecting what individuals consider important, desirable, or morally significant in their lives and interactions with others. They serve as guiding principles that shape social norms, institutions, and collective identities within society.
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  • 02 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Social System
A social system refers to a complex network of interrelated social entities, such as individuals, groups, organizations, and institutions, that interact and influence one another within a shared environment or society. These interactions are guided by norms, values, roles, and patterns of behavior, which collectively shape the functioning and structure of the social system. Social systems exhibit patterns of organization, stability, and adaptation, serving various functions and purposes within society.
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  • 02 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Social Structure
Social structure refers to the patterned arrangements of social relationships, institutions, and norms that shape and guide human behavior within a society. It encompasses both formal institutions, such as government and education, and informal norms, roles, and values that govern social interactions. Social structure provides a framework for understanding the organization and functioning of societies, influencing individuals' opportunities, behaviors, and relationships within social contexts.
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  • 02 Feb 2024
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