Sociology is defined as the study of society and the ways in which individuals interact within various social structures. Understanding this helps analyze social patterns and institutions.

Culture encompasses the shared beliefs, values, norms, and practices that characterize a group. It shapes the behavior and perceptions of its members.

Symbolic Interactionism examines how people use symbols and language during social interactions. This perspective is crucial for understanding how individuals construct meaning in everyday life.

Socialization is the lifelong process where individuals acquire the values, behaviors, and social skills necessary to function in society. It is fundamental for integrating people into their community.

Social institutions provide the framework within which society operates, encompassing areas like family, education, religion, and government. They are integral in maintaining social order and stability.

Conflict Theory centers on the idea that society is in a state of perpetual conflict due to competition for limited resources. This perspective highlights how power imbalances and economic interests shape social relations.

Social stratification explains how society divides people into layers based on socioeconomic factors. It is essential for understanding the distribution of power and resources among different groups.

Functionalists view deviance as a necessary aspect of society that delineates acceptable behavior. By identifying what is deviant, society reinforces the norms and values that promote social order.

Role conflict occurs when the expectations from two or more social roles clash, leading to stress and difficulty in fulfilling all responsibilities. Balancing work and family obligations is a classic example of this phenomenon.

Ethnocentrism is the tendency to judge another culture solely by the values and standards of one's own culture. This approach often leads to misunderstanding and bias towards other cultural groups.

Participant observation involves the researcher immersing themselves in the community to observe behaviors and interactions firsthand. This method yields in-depth qualitative insights into social life.

The 'Looking-Glass Self' explains that people shape their identities based on their interpretation of how others view them. This concept highlights the social nature of self-identity formation.

Social media provides a dynamic space for self-expression and the negotiation of personal identity. It allows people to interact with diverse viewpoints and experiment with different facets of who they are.

Traditional analyses of social inequality focus on dimensions like race, class, and gender. Zodiac sign is not recognized as a factor in determining social status or privilege.

Labeling theory suggests that the labels assigned to individuals can influence their self-identity and actions. When someone is labeled as deviant, they may begin to conform to that label, reinforcing the stigma.

Durkheim introduced anomie to describe a state of normlessness that emerges during periods of rapid social change. This disruption can lead individuals to feel isolated and uncertain about their social roles.

Intersectionality provides a framework for understanding how different aspects of a person's social identity combine to create complex systems of disadvantage. This multidimensional approach offers a clearer picture of how oppression operates.

Cultural capital consists of intangible assets like education, language, and behaviors. These resources can provide individuals with advantages in social and professional environments.

Globalization facilitates the exchange of ideas and cultural practices across borders. This dynamic process can enrich local cultures while also challenging traditional norms.

Social constructionism posits that what we take as reality is constructed through social processes and interactions. It emphasizes that our understanding of the world is fluid and shaped by cultural and historical contexts.