Vocabulary

Chapter 1

anomie Emile Durkheim's designation for a condition in which social control becomes ineffective as a result of the loss of shared values and of a sense of purpose in society.
conflict perspectives the sociological approach that views groups in society as engaged in a continuous power struggle for control of scarce resources.
functionalist perspectives the sociological approach that views society as a stable, orderly system.
high-income countries nations with highly industrialized economies; technologically advanced industrial, administrative, and service occupations; and relatively high levels of national and personal income.
industrialization the process by which societies are transformed from dependence on agriculture and handmade products to an emphasis on manufacturing and related industries.
latent functions unintended functions that are hidden and remain unacknowledged by participants.

low-income countries nations with little industrialization and low levels of national and personal income.
macrolevel analysis an approach that examines whole societies, large-scale social structures and social systems.
manifest functions functions that are intended and/or overtly recognized by the participants in a social unit.
microlevel analysis sociological theory and research that focus on small groups rather than on large-scale social structures.
middle-income countries nations with industrializing economies and moderate levels of national and personal income.
positivism a term describing Auguste Comte's belief that the world can best be understood through scientific inquiry.
postmodern perspectives the sociological approach that attempts to explain social life in modern societies that are characterized by postindustrialization, consumerism, and global communications.
social Darwinism Herbert Spencer's belief that those species of animals, including human beings, best adapted to their environment survive and prosper,... [continues]

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