Sociology Chapter 4

Gemeinschaft

"Community". Refers to societies in which most members know one another. (Preindustrial society or rural village.)

Gesellschaft

"Society". Implies that most social relationships are based on need rather than emotion. In this society relationships are impersonal and temporary. (Modern urban society)

Hunting and Gathering

A nomadic society that has to find food on a daily basis. Small, family tribes of about 60 people.

group

A set of people who interact on the basis of shared expectations and who posses some degree of common identity.

status

A socially defined position in a group or in society.

Horticultural Society

A society that grows fruits and vegetables in plots (sometimes slash and burn). Can form villages. More complex division of labor.

Pastoral Society

A society that relies on domesticated herd animals to meet there food needs. Nomadic. Some specialty jobs.

Accommodation

A state of balance between cooperation and conflict. (in other words, you give a little and you take a little.)

achieved status

A status an individual acquire through their own direct efforts. (mom, dad, teacher, lawyer, athlete))

ascribed status

A status assigned according to qualities beyond a person's control. (age, race, gender)

postindustrial society

An economy based on providing information and services.

exchange theory

Belief that people are motivated by self-interest in thier interactions with other people. (People do things primarily for rewards!)

reciprocal roles

Corresponding roles that define the patterns of interaction between related statuses. (ex. coach-player, teacher-student, husband-wife) One does not survive without the other.

Industrial Society

Emphasis is on production of goods (rather than food.)

Preindustrial society

Food production is the main economic activity.

role strain

Occurs when a person has difficulty meeting the role expectations of a single status. (ex: a boss trying to get employees to stay positive, while asking them to work overtime.)

role conflict

Occurs when fulfilling the role expectations of one status makes it difficult to fulfill the role expectations of another statuses. (ex: Must go to work to be a good employee, but must stay home and take care of kids to be a good parent.)

Competition

Occurs when two or more people or groups oppose each other to achieve a goal that only one can attain.

Cooperation

Occurs when two or more people work together to achieve a goal that will benefit more than one person.

Organic Solidarity

Refers to the impersonal social relationships that arise with increased job specialization, in which individuals can no longer provide for all of their own needs. (They become dependent on others for their survival.)

social institution

System of statuses, roles, values, and norms that are organized to satisfy one or more of the basic needs of society. (ex: family, the economy, politics, education and religion.)

role performance

The actual behavior of a person in a role that does not always match the expectations. (ie, some parents mistreat their children.)

role

The behaviors, rights and obligations that are expected of someone occupying a particular status.

Urbanization

The concentration of the population in cities.

Conflict

The deliberate attempt to control a person by force, to oppose someone, or to harm another person.

role set

The different roles attached to a single status. (contradictory expectations within and between these different roles can lead to role strain and role conflict.)

Barter

The exchange of goods or services.

Reciprocity

The idea that if you do something for someone, that person owes you something in return.(the basis of exchange)

social structure

The network of interrelated statuses and roles that guide human interaction.

role expectations

The socially determined behaviors expected of a person performing a role. (ex. doctors treat patients with care, parents take care of kids)

Division of Labor

The specialization by individuals or groups in the performance of specific of activites.

master status

The status that plays the greatest role in shaping a person's life and identifying their social identity.(occuptation, wealth, marital status, parenthood.)

subsistence strategies

The way a society uses technology to provide for the needs of its members.

Agricultural Society

Use of animals to work the fields. Innovations such as irrigation or complex tools. No bartering. Cities arise.

exchange

What takes place when people interact in an effort to receive a reward or a return for their actions.

Mechanical Solidarity

When people share the same values and perform the same tasks, they become united in a common whole.