Foundational concepts in sociological theory and analysis

Sociology

Principle of rationality- the process in which a society achieves organization through abstract and explicitly stated rules and procedures (social norms and regulations).

Formal rationality- a shift from traditional and spontaneous methods of organization towards a more abstract and explicit development and implementation of rules and procedures in the society.

Disenchantment- a feeling or state in which the individual no longer feels satisfaction for an activity s/he is tasked to accomplish; when expectations received is less than the effort given to achieve that reward or expectation.

Charismatic leaders- an individual whose ability to lead was determined based on his/her exceptional or supernatural quality that his/her followers or people can uniquely attribute to him/her.

Religious doctrines and human identity- the relationship between these two concepts emerge when religion helps promote integration among individuals in a particular religious group. Upon integration, the individual assumes his/her identity based on her affiliation with his/her religious group.

Patriarchal leaders- individuals who govern over a society or group, believing that males are made to govern and women are meant to be submissive and subordinate only to men.

Moral life- standards set out by the society in order to generate a specific set of desired behavior from its members; usually agreed upon by all members of the society, and implemented by following these moral norms or rules.

Conscience collective- a set of norms, beliefs, and assumptions shared by all members of the society.

Mechanical solidarity- kind of solidarity that hold traditional societies together, usually characterized by socialization of the same pattern, through same shared experiences and values.

Organic solidarity- kind of solidarity associated with modern societies, wherein differentiation of economic activities of each individual is determined.

Anomie- state of normlessness of the individual in the society, wherein s/he feels a lack of attachment or commitment to the norms of his/her society.

Historical materialism- a method of studying history and its trends through the economic system and technologies that emerged in the society through time.