04 Sociology DICTIONARY

1. Social Norms

Social norms are unwritten rules that guide how people behave in society. They influence manners, expectations, and acceptable behavior.
Example: Standing in a queue instead of pushing ahead.

2. Social Structure

Social structure is the organized pattern of relationships and institutions that shape society. It affects how people interact and what roles they play.
Example: Family, education, and government forming the basic structure.

3. Culture

Culture includes beliefs, values, traditions, and behaviors shared by a group. It shapes identity and daily practices.
Example: Celebrating festivals in specific ways.

4. Socialization

Socialization is the lifelong process of learning how to behave in society. Family, school, and media all shape this learning.
Example: Children learn to say thank you and sorry.

5. Social Class

Social class groups people based on income, education, and occupation. It influences lifestyle and opportunities.
Example: Access to better schools due to higher income.

6. Role Conflict

Role conflict happens when the expectations of two roles clash. It creates pressure and confusion.
Example: Being a manager and a parent at the same time.

7. Identity

Identity is how people see themselves and how society sees them. It includes personal traits, beliefs, and roles.
Example: Someone identifies as an artist and shapes choices around it.

8. Social Inequality

This refers to unequal access to resources, opportunities, and privileges. It affects social mobility and quality of life.
Example: Some communities get fewer job opportunities.

9. Deviance

Deviance means behaviors that violate social norms, but not always laws. It can be negative or even creative.
Example: Wearing unusual clothes that break dress codes.

10. Social Mobility

Social mobility is the ability to move between social classes. Education and economic opportunities influence it.
Example: A person moves from a lower income family to a high paying tech job.

11. Power Structure

Power structure shows who holds influence and control in a society. It determines decision making and authority.
Example: Corporate hierarchy deciding company policies.

12. Status

Status is the social position a person holds. It can be achieved through effort or assigned at birth.
Example: Becoming a team lead is achieved status.

13. Institutions

Institutions are organized systems that guide behavior such as schools, marriage, or legal systems. They create stability in society.
Example: Schools teach norms and discipline.

14. Social Change

Social change refers to shifts in cultural values, norms, and structures over time. It can be slow or sudden.
Example: Remote work becoming normal after the pandemic.

15. Social Interaction

It includes the ways people communicate and behave with each other. These interactions shape relationships and communities.
Example: Greeting colleagues at the office.

16. Globalization

Globalization connects economies, cultures, and people across countries. It increases trade, travel, and cultural exchange.
Example: Using Korean beauty products in India.

17. Stereotype

A stereotype is a generalized belief about a group. It can lead to misunderstanding and unfair judgment.
Example: Thinking engineers are always introverts.

18. Social Roles

These are expected behaviors tied to specific positions in society. Each role has duties and norms.
Example: Teachers are expected to guide students.

19. Community

A community is a group of people who share a location or interest. They support each other and maintain shared values.
Example: Neighbors celebrating festivals together.

20. Collective Behavior

This refers to how people act in groups during events or movements. It can be organized or spontaneous.
Example: Crowd reactions during a protest.

21. Social Capital

Social capital is the value gained from relationships and networks. Strong connections create opportunities.
Example: Getting referrals through friends.

22. Cultural Diffusion

Cultural diffusion is the spread of ideas or practices from one group to another. It shapes modern lifestyles.
Example: Eating pizza in India.

23. Normative Behavior

Normative behavior matches what society expects as correct. It creates harmony and predictability.
Example: Speaking politely to elders.

24. Group Dynamics

Group dynamics are the patterns of behavior and communication within a group. These affect decision making and teamwork.
Example: A team works better when members trust each other.

25. Social Identity Theory

This theory explains how people define themselves through group membership. It influences loyalty and behavior.
Example: Feeling proud when your company wins an award.