Groups and Institutions
This category encompasses terms relating to the structure, function, and dynamics of both families and broader social groups. It explores how individuals interact within these units, the forces that shape those interactions, and the resulting consequences for individuals and society.
Family Systems
Endogamy
Definition Endogamy refers to a marriage practice where individuals marry within their own social...
Exogamy
Definition Exogamy refers to the practice of marrying outside one's own social group, which can b...
Extended Family
Definition In sociology, an extended family refers to a family unit that extends beyond the nucle...
Functions of the Family
Definition The Functions of Family refer to the various roles and responsibilities that families ...
Homogamy
Definition Homogamy refers to the tendency of individuals to marry or form relationships with oth...
Monogamy
Definition Monogamy refers to a type of relationship where two people are exclusively involved wi...
Nuclear Family
Definition A nuclear family is a family unit consisting of two parents (typically a mother and fa...
Polygamy
Definition Polygamy refers to a marital practice where an individual has multiple spouses simulta...
Systems of Generational Relationships
Definition Systems of generational relationships refer to how families or societies trace descent...
Marital Resiliency Perspective
Marital Resiliency Perspective The Marital Resiliency Perspective (MRP) shifts the focus from sim...
Marital Decline Perspective
Overview The Marital Decline Perspective is a sociological viewpoint that emphasizes the reductio...
Group Polarization and Groupthink
Definition Group polarization refers to the tendency for group discussion to strengthen the domin...
Primary Group
Definition A primary group in sociology refers to a small, intimate social grouping where members...
Reference Group
Definition A reference group in sociology refers to a group of people that individuals use as a s...
Secondary Group
Definition A secondary group in sociology refers to a type of social group where interactions are...
Social Group
Definition A social group is a collection of individuals who share common interests, goals, or id...
Social Institutions
Definition Social institutions are the pillars of society. They are structured systems of norms,...
Transactive Memory
Transactive Memory Transactive memory is related to who knows what in a group. More formally, it'...