Understanding Society

4. Relativism The idea that cultures should be understood by their own standards rather than judged against another culture.
6. Identity Theory A theory that explains how people develop a sense of self based on group membership.
8. Theories Small-scale theories that focus on personal interactions and everyday life.
9. Knowing The classification of people based on general characteristics rather than individual traits.
10. Consciousness A false belief that people accept the social system as fair even when it works against them.
12. Theory A theory that focuses on personal interactions and the meanings people assign to them.
14. The belief that one’s own culture is superior to others.
15. Group A group that is subordinate in society and often lacks power.

1. Interaction A perspective that explores how people use symbols and gestures to communicate.
2. Theories Large-scale theories that examine social structures and institutions.
3. Distance The perceived or actual separation between different social groups.
5. A perspective that emphasizes the importance of African culture and history.
7. Theory A theory that highlights social inequalities and power struggles.
11. Flaw An inaccurate comparison of past and present societies that leads to misleading conclusions.
13. Discriminatory beliefs or practices based on race.