Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics

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What is sociology?

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The scientific study of human society that focuses on human social behavior, patterns of social relationships, social interaction, and aspects of culture associated with everyday life.

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What does Edward Tylor define culture as?

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The complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, custom, and any other capabilities acquired by man as a member of society.

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What is society?

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A group of people who live in a definable community and share the same cultural components.

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What is politics?

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The activities associated with the governance of a country or area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power.

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What is anthropology?

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The study of human beings and their ancestors through time and space and in relation to physical character, environmental and social relations, and culture.

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What are the three subdisciplines of anthropology?

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Archaeology, biological anthropology, and cultural anthropology.

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What is the focus of political science?

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The systematic study of government and politics, including political philosophy, ethics, international relations, and public administration.

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What is social change?

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The alteration of mechanisms within the social structure characterized by changes in cultural symbols, rules of behavior, social organizations, and value systems.

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What is the sociological imagination according to Mills?

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A powerful tool that allows us to ask critical questions about society and its structures.

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What is structural functionalism?

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A framework that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.