Sociology Vocabulary Chapter 1, Section 1

Economics

Analyzing the choices people make in effort to satisfy their needs and wants. Economists study the process by which goods and services are produced, distributed, and consumed. They also examine the effects of government policies on economic growth and stability.

Sociological Perspective

By adopting this, you can look beyond commonly held beliefs to to their hidden meanings behind human actions. This new view involves looking at social life In a scientific, depending way rather than depending on common-sense explanations usually found in media

Social Siences

Disciplines that study human social behavior or institutions and the functions of human society in a specific manner. These sciences include sociology, anthropology, psychology, economics, and political science. History, at often times, is also categorized as a social science.

Social Interaction

How people relate to one another and influence each other's behavior.

Social Phenomena

Observable facts or events that involve human society

Anthropology

Similar to sociology, it is the comparative study of past and present cultures. Anthropologists often concentrate on examining the past cultures and present simple — or less advanced — societies. Recently, many anthropologists have been turning their attention to complex societies. They examine cultural characteristics of neighborhoods in large modern cities.

Sociological Imagination

The ability to see the connection between the larger world with your personal life. It can give you insights into how your social environment shapes you and how you, no turn, can shape your social environment

Political Science

The examination of the principles, organization, and operation of government. Both sociology and political science often overlap. Areas of mutual interest include voting patterns, concentration on political powers, and the formation of politically based groups

Psychology

The social science that studies behavior of human mental processes. It differs from sociology primarily in that it focuses on individual behavior rather than group behavior.

Sociology

The social science that studies human society and social behavior.

History

The social science that studies the people and events of the past. Occasionally, sociologists focus on the past In their own work. For example; some sociologists study past events in an effort to explain current social behaviors and attitudes.

Social Psychology

The study of how the social environment acts on individuals behavior and personality. Despite differences in emphasis, and methods of analysis, sociology and psychology are related.