Category: Sociology Dictionary

  • Self-fulfilling prophecy : Explained with Examples

    A self-fulfilling prophecy is an expectation about something or a prediction that later becomes true due to the terms of the prophecy itself. Although the prophecy might not be true initially, the positive feedback between belief and behavior results in the initial false conception becoming true. It influences how people behave in social situations because…

  • Unilateral Descent: Sociology of Kinship Notes

    Unilateral descent is a system of kinship in which descent is one can trace one’s ancestors through only one gender, either the male or the female. Based on this we can divide between the patrilineal or matrilineal line of descent. When descent is traced through the father it is called patrilineal descent. Here, the father’s…

  • Value Added Theory: Explained with Examples

    The value-added theory recommends that for any social movement to emerge, certain determinants are necessary. This theory was developed by Neil Smelser and he proposed six determinants responsible for the development of a social movement. These six conditions, he believed, helped to give rise to collective behaviour. The first stage is that of structural conduciveness…

  • Value Neutrality: Explained with Examples

    The concept of value-neutrality was proposed by Max Weber. It refers to the duty and responsibility of the social researcher to overcome his personal biases while conducting any research. It aims to separate fact and emotion and stigmatize people less. It is not only important in sociology but outlines the basic ethics of many disciplines….

  • What is SocioBiology ? Applications, Criticism and Examples

    The discipline that studies the biological aspects of social behaviour among animals and humans scientifically and the way they evolve is known as sociobiology. It assumes social behaviour to have been resulting from evolution. So, it aims to study and explain the social behaviours within that context. The term emerged in the 1940s. However, only…

  • Totalitarian Dictatorship: Meaning and Short Notes

    Totalitarianism is that political theory adopted by that government which prohibits other opposition parties, even individual opposition to the state. This form of government leaves no room for individual freedom; all the aspects of individual life are subordinated to the state’s authority. Totalitarian dictators exercise an extremely high degree of control over both public and…

  • What is Popular Culture: Overview

    In simple words, popular culture can be understood as a set of cultural products, practices, beliefs, and objects dominating society. It affects and influences the people it comes across towards these sets of objects or beliefs. From music to dance, movies, literature, fashion, it encompasses everything that is believed and consumed by the majority of…