Sociology: Groups, Norms, and Institutions
The Sociological Perspective
Structure and Agency
Sociology examines the tension between structure and agency. Structure refers to the patterned forces of society such as laws, norms, class, and institutions. Agency refers to the capacity of individuals to make choices within those constraints.
Important Terms
Mechanism
Institutions shape behavior by rewarding some actions, punishing others, and making certain choices seem normal or possible.
Status Types
Ascribed Status
- Assigned at birth or by social labels
- Harder to change
- Examples: age, family background
Achieved Status
- Gained through effort or choice
- More flexible
- Examples: job, education level
What does 'socialization' mean?
Socialization is how people learn how to live within a society.
Correct answer: Learning norms, values, and roles
Explain the difference between structure and agency in one sentence.
Both influence behavior at the same time.
Correct answer: Structure is the social system that shapes choices, while agency is the individual's ability to act within it.
Social Inequality
Sociologists study how wealth, education, race, gender, and status can produce unequal opportunities. Inequality is maintained not only by individual prejudice, but also by institutions, networks, and rules that distribute resources unevenly.
Which is an example of an institution?
Families, schools, markets, and governments are institutions because they are stable social structures.
Correct answer: A family system
Name one way institutions can maintain inequality.
Examples include unequal schooling, hiring networks, or access to capital.
Correct answer: By distributing opportunities unequally or rewarding some groups more than others.