2. Study Guide

Question 1

What is the difference between social stratification and inequality?

Answer 1

Inequality = unfair distribution of resources
Stratification = structured ladder that keeps those differences in place
Social stratification is how society organizes into levels like classes and inequality is the unequal access to resources and opportunities between these levels 

Question 2

Define privilege and capital.

Answer 2

• Privilege = automatic advantages based on who you are
• Capital = resources you have that help you get things

These concepts are essential for understanding social advantages.

Question 3

List the types of capital.

Answer 3

• Social capital – connections
• Human capital – skills/education
• Cultural capital – knowledge, style, manners, tastes

Each type of capital contributes to an individual’s social standing.

Question 4

According to Marx, class stratification is based on what?

Answer 4

Ownership of the means of production

This perspective highlights the economic basis of class divisions.

Question 5

What are the two classes identified by Marx?

Answer 5

• Bourgeoisie – owners
• Proletariat – workers

Their relationship is characterized by exploitation.

Question 6

What is cumulative advantage/disadvantage?

Answer 6

Small advantages or disadvantages build up over time, creating big gaps

This concept explains how inequalities can escalate.

Question 7

Define power in a sociological context.

Answer 7

ability for someone’s personal thoughts and behaviors to influence, desired physical, or social outcomes through formal or informal

Question 8

Differentiate between upper, middle, and lower class.

Answer 8

• Upper class – high power, influence, and prestige
• Middle class – stability, education, autonomy
• Lower class – limited resources, less stability

These classifications reflect varying levels of socioeconomic status.

Question 9

What is the difference between status and prestige?

Answer 9

• Status = your position
• Prestige = respect given to that position

Understanding this distinction helps in analyzing social hierarchies.

Question 10

What does socioeconomic status (SES) measure?

Answer 10

Income + education + occupation

SES is a key indicator of social class.

Question 11

Define health in a sociological context.

Answer 11

Overall physical, mental, and social well-being

This definition expands the understanding of health beyond just the absence of illness.

Question 12

What is the biomedical model of health?

Answer 12

Disease that can be treated through medicine in forms of evidence based treatment provided by medical professionals .

Question 13

Differentiate between life chances and life outcomes.

Answer 13

• Life chances = opportunities
• Life outcomes = results

This distinction is important for understanding social mobility.

Question 14

What is cultural competency?

Answer 14

Understanding and working well with people from different cultures

Cultural competency is essential in diverse societies.

Question 15

What are the two disciplines that study health?

Answer 15

Medical sociology, and sociology epidemiology 

Question 16

What are social determinants of health (SDOH)?

Answer 16

Conditions that shape health

SDOH highlight the impact of social factors on health outcomes.

Question 17

Why is race considered a social determinant of health?

Answer 17

Because racial groups face different access to resources due to social systems

This highlights systemic inequalities in health.

Question 18

Differentiate between fundamental causes and SDOH.

Answer 18

• SDOH = specific conditions
• Fundamental causes = deep social forces that shape all conditions

Understanding this distinction is crucial for addressing health disparities.

Question 19

Define morbidity, prevalence, distribution, and control in health.

Answer 19

• Morbidity – illness
• Prevalence – how common
• Distribution – who is affected
• Control – how we reduce disease

These terms are key in public health discussions.

Question 20

What is the difference between a racial project and racial formation?

Answer 20

• Racial project = idea/action that defines race
• Racial formation = the overall process of how race is created

These concepts help in understanding the dynamics of race in society.

Question 21

What is the Thomas theorem?

Answer 21

If people believe something is real, it becomes real in its consequences

This theorem emphasizes the power of perception in social interactions.

Question 22

Differentiate between Thomas theorem and stereotype threat.

Answer 22

• Thomas theorem = beliefs shape reality
• Stereotype threat = fear of confirming a stereotype hurts performance

Both concepts relate to the impact of beliefs on behavior.

Question 23

List the types of discrimination.

Answer 23

Organizational, systematic, racial,interpersonal

Question 24

What is redlining?

Answer 24

Banks denied loans to Black neighborhoods; it’s systemic because it was built into institutions

Redlining is a historical example of systemic racism.

Question 25

Define **systemic racism**.

Answer 25

Multiple institutions create consistent disadvantages for racial groups ## Footnote This concept highlights the pervasive nature of racism in society.

Question 26

Differentiate between **cultural pluralism** and **assimilation**.

Answer 26

* Pluralism – cultures coexist * Assimilation – minority groups adopt dominant culture ## Footnote These concepts describe different approaches to cultural integration.

Question 27

What are the **dynamics of systemic racism**?

Answer 27

* Stereotypes * Prejudice * Discrimination * Segregation * Unequal outcomes across institutions ## Footnote These dynamics illustrate how systemic racism operates.

Question 28

Differentiate between **gender**, **sex**, and **sex categories**.

Answer 28

* Sex – biological * Gender – social expectations * Sex categories – how society labels people ## Footnote This distinction is important for understanding gender dynamics.

Question 29

Why do sociologists study **gender**?

Answer 29

Gender is social, varies by culture, and shapes inequality ## Footnote This focus helps in analyzing power structures.

Question 30

What are **traditional gender norms** regarding sexual orientation?

Answer 30

Assume heterosexuality; deviations are often policed ## Footnote This reflects societal expectations around gender and sexuality.

Question 31

What does it mean to be **doing gender**?

Answer 31

Actively performing behaviors that fit gender expectations ## Footnote This concept emphasizes the performative nature of gender.

Question 32

What are the **dynamics of systemic sexism**?

Answer 32

* Unequal pay * Job segregation * Stereotypes * Violence * Political underrepresentation * Cultural norms that privilege men ## Footnote These dynamics illustrate the pervasive nature of sexism.

Question 33

Differentiate between **intersectionality** and **matrix of domination**.

Answer 33

* Intersectionality – overlapping identities * Matrix of domination – the whole system of power shaping those overlaps ## Footnote These concepts help in understanding complex social identities.

Question 34

Define **deviance**.

Answer 34

Breaking social norms ## Footnote Deviance is a key concept in sociology.

Question 35

List the **theories of deviance**.

Answer 35

* Strain theory – blocked opportunities * Differential association – deviance is learned * Control theory – weak social bonds * Labeling theory – deviance comes from labels ## Footnote Each theory offers a different perspective on deviant behavior.

Question 36

What is the focus of **labeling theory**?

Answer 36

Focuses on society’s reaction, not the act ## Footnote This theory emphasizes the impact of labels on individuals.

Question 37

What shapes outcomes under **labeling theory**?

Answer 37

Stigma — being labeled changes opportunities ## Footnote Stigma can have lasting effects on individuals' lives.

Question 38

Define **crime** in a sociological context.

Answer 38

Behavior that violates a law ## Footnote This definition encompasses various forms of criminal behavior.

Question 39

List the **types of crime**.

Answer 39

* Violent * Property * Victimless * White-collar * Corporate ## Footnote Understanding these categories is essential for criminology.

Question 40

What are the **theories of punishment**?

Answer 40

* Deterrence * Rehabilitation * Retribution * Incapacitation ## Footnote Each theory reflects different philosophies regarding justice.

Question 41

What is **social control theory**?

Answer 41

People avoid deviance when they have strong bonds: Attachment, commitment, involvement, belief ## Footnote This theory emphasizes the role of social ties in preventing deviance.