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INTRO TO SOCIALOGY MIDTERM STUDY GUIDE 2025/2026
LATEST QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 100% ACCURATE SOLUTIONS
FOR GUARANTEED SUCCESS | EXPERT-VERIFIED, GRADED A+
A theoretical approach that streses the competition for scarce resources and
unequal distribution of those resources based on social status, such as class, race,
gender, etc. "A theory that suggests the dynamics of society, both of social order
and social resistance are the result of conflict among different groups." (p. 23)
conflict theory
A set of processes leading to the development of patterns of economic, cultural,
and social relationships that transcend geographical boundaries; a widening,
deepening, and speeding up of worldwide interconnectedness in all aspects of
contemporary life. (p. 24)
globalization
The doctrine that several different cultures (rather than one national culture) can
coexist peacefully and equitably in a single country. (p. 24)
multiculturalism
The homogenizing spread of consumerism around the globe. (p. 27)
McDonaldization
The study of human behavior in society (p. 4).
sociology
The ability to see the connection between our individual identities and the social
contexts (family, friends, and institutions) in which we find ourselves - sees our
lives as contextual lives (p. 4).
sociological imagination
, 2
A model of social change that saw each succeeding society as developing through
evolution and the "survival of the fittest". "States that each succeeding society is
seen as an improvement of the one before it." (p. 19)
social Darwinism
Analysis of the large-scale patterns or social structures of society, such as
economies or political systems. (p. 24)
macrolevel analysis
Analysis of small-scale social patterns, such as individual interactions or small
group dynamics. (p. 24)
microlevel analysis
Both the material basis for social life and the sets of values and ideals that we
understand to define morality, good and evil, appropriate and inappropriate. (p.
36)
culture
The things people make and the things they use to make them - the tools they
use, the physical environment they inhabit (forests, beaches, mountains, fertile
farmlands, or harsh desert). Can include homes, neighborhoods, cities, schools,
churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, offices, factories and plants, tools,
means of production, goods and products, stores, and so forth. (p. 36)
material culture
Sociological perspective that examines how individuals and groups interact,
focusing on the creation of personal identity through interaction with others. Of
particular interest is the relationship between individual action and group
pressures. (p. 21)
symbolic interactionism
Sociological theory that stressed the interconnectedness of social institutions
forming stable and orderly social systems. (p. 22)
, 3
functionalism (or structual functionalism)
Often just called "culture," the ideas and beliefs that people develop about their
lives and their world. Can include beliefs, values, rules, norms, morals, language,
organizations, and institutions. (p. 36)
nonmaterial culture
Describes the vast differences between the cultures of the world as well as the
differences in belief and behavior that exist within cultures. (p. 36)
cultural diversity
A feeling of disorientation when the cultural markers that we rely on to help us
know where we are and how to act have suddenly changed. (p. 36)
culture shock
The use of one's own culture as the reference point by which to evaluate other
cultures; it often depends on or leads to the belief that one's own culture is
superior to others. (p. 37)
ethnocentrism
A position that all cultures are equally valid in the experience of their own
members. (p. 38)
cultural relativism
Group within a society that creates its own norms and values distinct from the
mainstream and usually its own separate social institutions as well. (p. 39)
subculture
Subculture that identifies itself through its difference and opposition to the
dominant culture. (p. 39)
counterculture
Short-lived, highly popular, and widespread behavior, style, or mode of thought.
(p. 52)
INTRO TO SOCIALOGY MIDTERM STUDY GUIDE 2025/2026
LATEST QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 100% ACCURATE SOLUTIONS
FOR GUARANTEED SUCCESS | EXPERT-VERIFIED, GRADED A+
A theoretical approach that streses the competition for scarce resources and
unequal distribution of those resources based on social status, such as class, race,
gender, etc. "A theory that suggests the dynamics of society, both of social order
and social resistance are the result of conflict among different groups." (p. 23)
conflict theory
A set of processes leading to the development of patterns of economic, cultural,
and social relationships that transcend geographical boundaries; a widening,
deepening, and speeding up of worldwide interconnectedness in all aspects of
contemporary life. (p. 24)
globalization
The doctrine that several different cultures (rather than one national culture) can
coexist peacefully and equitably in a single country. (p. 24)
multiculturalism
The homogenizing spread of consumerism around the globe. (p. 27)
McDonaldization
The study of human behavior in society (p. 4).
sociology
The ability to see the connection between our individual identities and the social
contexts (family, friends, and institutions) in which we find ourselves - sees our
lives as contextual lives (p. 4).
sociological imagination
, 2
A model of social change that saw each succeeding society as developing through
evolution and the "survival of the fittest". "States that each succeeding society is
seen as an improvement of the one before it." (p. 19)
social Darwinism
Analysis of the large-scale patterns or social structures of society, such as
economies or political systems. (p. 24)
macrolevel analysis
Analysis of small-scale social patterns, such as individual interactions or small
group dynamics. (p. 24)
microlevel analysis
Both the material basis for social life and the sets of values and ideals that we
understand to define morality, good and evil, appropriate and inappropriate. (p.
36)
culture
The things people make and the things they use to make them - the tools they
use, the physical environment they inhabit (forests, beaches, mountains, fertile
farmlands, or harsh desert). Can include homes, neighborhoods, cities, schools,
churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, offices, factories and plants, tools,
means of production, goods and products, stores, and so forth. (p. 36)
material culture
Sociological perspective that examines how individuals and groups interact,
focusing on the creation of personal identity through interaction with others. Of
particular interest is the relationship between individual action and group
pressures. (p. 21)
symbolic interactionism
Sociological theory that stressed the interconnectedness of social institutions
forming stable and orderly social systems. (p. 22)
, 3
functionalism (or structual functionalism)
Often just called "culture," the ideas and beliefs that people develop about their
lives and their world. Can include beliefs, values, rules, norms, morals, language,
organizations, and institutions. (p. 36)
nonmaterial culture
Describes the vast differences between the cultures of the world as well as the
differences in belief and behavior that exist within cultures. (p. 36)
cultural diversity
A feeling of disorientation when the cultural markers that we rely on to help us
know where we are and how to act have suddenly changed. (p. 36)
culture shock
The use of one's own culture as the reference point by which to evaluate other
cultures; it often depends on or leads to the belief that one's own culture is
superior to others. (p. 37)
ethnocentrism
A position that all cultures are equally valid in the experience of their own
members. (p. 38)
cultural relativism
Group within a society that creates its own norms and values distinct from the
mainstream and usually its own separate social institutions as well. (p. 39)
subculture
Subculture that identifies itself through its difference and opposition to the
dominant culture. (p. 39)
counterculture
Short-lived, highly popular, and widespread behavior, style, or mode of thought.
(p. 52)
