Glossary of Terms in Sociology

• Absolute monarchy. A political system under which a king or queen has complete control of a country.
• Achieved status. …
• Agents of socialization. …
• Aggregate. …
• Agricultural or agrarian society. …
• Alienation. …
• American Dream. …
• Anomie.

Why is terminology important in sociology?

However, terminology is possibly even more important for sociology, just because its subject matter is famili and just because words do exist to denote it. We are so well acquainted with the social institutions that surrounded us that we cannot see them clearly and precisely.

What are the 4 types of sociology?

The four main theoretical perspectives in the field of sociology are symbolic interactionism theory, social conflict theory, structural-functional theory, and feminist theory.

What are the 7 areas of sociology and its definition?

So, to understand the significance, nature, and effects of social structure, we need to understand the the people whose behavior constitutes that structure. Major areas of study include deviance, socialization, group dynamics, health, race and ethnicity, and gender.

What is sociological term?

of, relating to, or characteristic of sociology and its methodology. dealing with social questions or problems, especially focusing on cultural and environmental factors rather than on psychological or personal characteristics: a sociological approach to art. organized into a society; social.

Who coined the term sociology?

The word sociology derives from the French word, sociologie, a hybrid coined in 1830 by French philosopher Isidore Auguste Comte (1798-1857), from the Latin: socius, meaning “companion”; and the suffix -ology, meaning “the study of”, from the Greek λόγος, lógos, “knowledge”.

What are the 5 concepts of sociology?

Definitions of key terms for the five basic sociological perspectives – Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism, Social Action Theory and Postmodernism.

What are the 3 branches of sociology?

According to Durkheim sociology has broadly three principal divisions which he terms as social morphology, social physiology and general sociology.

What are the 7 types of society?

Key Takeaways. The major types of societies historically have been hunting-and-gathering, horticultural, pastoral, agricultural, industrial, and postindustrial. As societies developed and grew larger, they became more unequal in terms of gender and wealth and also more competitive and even warlike with other societies.

What are the main branches of sociology?

Branches of Sociology

• Theoretical Sociology. …
• Historical Sociology. …
• Sociology of Knowledge. …
• Criminology. …
• Sociology of Religion. …
• Sociology of Economy. …
• Rural Sociology. …
• Urban Sociology.

What are the basics of sociology?

The basic premise of sociology is that human behavior is largely shaped by the groups to which people belong and by the social interaction that takes place within those groups. The main focus of sociology is the group not the individual.

What are the types of sociology?

The two major types of sociology that emerged were qualitative sociology and quantitative sociology.

What are the four functions of social organization?

In abbreviated form, the four-function paradigm is referred to as AGIL.

• Adaptation: The problems of adapting the social system to its physical and social environments. …
• Goal Attainment: …
• Integration: …
• Latent Pattern Maintenance:

What are the characteristics of social organization?

According to Collins Dictionary of Sociology

• An organization is always a type of collectivity.
• Each organization has some specific aims or goals.
• It has a formal structure of rules.
• There are authority relations among the member of an organization.
• Modern organizations have a division of labor.

What is the main function of social organization?

Social organization provides a number of signposts for professionals involved in prevention, intervention, and program development activities. The primary elements of social organization, which are social networks, social capital, and community capacity, represent malleable aspects of individual and family life.

How is society organized 5 examples?

Examples of these would be family groups, love relationships, crisis support groups, and church groups. Relationships formed in primary groups are often long-lasting and goals in themselves. They also are often psychologically comforting to the individuals involved and provide a source of support and encouragement.

What is the basic unit of the society?

The family

The family is widely known as the basic unit of the society. Everything learned and experienced inside’ one’s home is manifested in the way a person acts and deals with others. Hence, it is essential to build strong family foundations.

Who is primary group?

Primary groups



A primary group is typically a small social group whose members share close, personal, enduring relationships in which one exchanges implicit items, such as love, caring, concern, support, etc.