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Definition The "iron law of oligarchy" is a concept in political science that describes how organizations, regardless of their original intentions or structure, tend to become dominated by a small group of leaders or an oligarchy. This happens because, as grou...

Overview Liberalism is a political and philosophical tradition that emphasizes individual freedoms, equality, and progress. Rooted in Enlightenment ideals, liberalism emerged as a response to authoritarianism, religious dogma, and rigid social hierarchies duri...

Overview Libertarianism is a political philosophy that emphasizes individual freedom, minimal state intervention, and the protection of civil liberties. Libertarians argue that individuals should be free to pursue their own goals as long as they do not harm ot...

Overview Multi-National Corporations (MNCs), also known as transnational corporations, are enterprises that operate in multiple countries. Their scope goes beyond just “big business”; these aren't simply companies selling internationally. MNCs have assets in m...

Overview Natural law is a philosophy that suggests certain rights are inherent by virtue of human nature, endowed upon all individuals regardless of where they live or their background. At its heart, is the idea that there’s an underlying order that isn't crea...

Overview The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, is an observation that in many cases, a majority of effects come from a minority of causes. Named after Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, who noted in 1906 that 80% of Italy's land was owned by just...

Definition Politics refers to the activities and processes by which people make decisions and allocate resources within a society or group. It involves interactions among individuals, groups, and institutions that seek to influence or achieve power, authority,...

Overview Positive law refers to laws that are created by governmental bodies rather than being derived from natural law, morality, or religious belief. Think of it as “law laid down. Positive law is formally written, enacted, and enforced. This contrasts sharp...

Power and authority are foundational concepts in political sociology. Though often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, they carry distinct meanings in a sociological context. Understanding the difference between raw power and legitimate authority is...

Overview Progressivism is a broad intellectual, social, and political movement rooted in the belief that society can and should improve over time through intention and government intervention. It emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response ...

Definition In sociology, rebellion refers to organized, intentional acts of defiance or resistance by individuals or groups against specific established social norms, rules, or authority structures. It can take many forms, from peaceful protests and civil diso...

Overview Relative poverty is a measure of income inequality that compares an individual's or family's income to the average income in their society. It focuses on the social and economic relations between people within a given community, rather than their abso...

Definition In sociology, a revolution refers to a significant and fundamental change in the social structure, institutions, or cultural norms of a society. Unlike gradual reforms, revolutions often involve dramatic shifts in power dynamics, values, and ways of...

Definition Sanctions are measures or actions taken to encourage or discourage specific behaviors within a society, group, or organization. Sanctions can be formal (officially enforced by authorities like governments, schools, or companies) or informal (unspoke...

Definition Segregation in sociology refers to the systematic separation of different groups of people based on social categories such as race, ethnicity, class, religion, or gender. This separation can occur in physical spaces (like neighborhoods) or in instit...

Overview The social contract is a foundational concept in political philosophy that describes the implicit agreements between individuals and their governing authorities (e.g., states or governments). It suggests that people collectively consent, either explic...

Overview Social engineering refers to the manipulation of human behavior to achieve specific goals or objectives. It is a powerful tool used in various fields such as politics, marketing, and education. Key Themes Several key themes are associated with social ...

Definition The state is a structured system through which authority is exercised over a defined territory and population. It encompasses institutions, laws, and governance mechanisms that enable decision-making and enforce rules to maintain order, security, an...

Overview State capitalism is a system where the state regulates and owns business enterprises. This can occur through direct ownership or control over key industries. While it may sound like socialism, state capitalism is quite different as wealth is not distr...

Democracy (Rule by the People) Direct Democracy In direct democracy, citizens vote directly on policy initiatives. This form is rare in modern large countries but more common in smaller communities or for specific issues, such as referendums. Representative De...