20 The topic of this glossary is Social Science. terms
Hello, dear readers,
I'm currently studying Social Science. This field of study contains several courses such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, history, geography, and economics. In short, this program aims to understand our society. During my studies, I learned several new words, concepts, and theories. Those words can be quite complex and that's why a glossary can be very useful for a new student.
acculturation
noun
Cultural modification of an individual, group, or people by adapting to or borrowing traits from another culture.
activism
noun
A doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct vigorous action especially in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue.
amnesty
noun
The act of an authority (such as a government) by which pardon is granted to a large group of individuals.
anomie
noun
Social instability resulting from a breakdown of standards and values.
anthropology
noun
The study of human beings and their ancestors through time and space and in relation to physical character, environmental and social relations, and culture.
assimiliate
verb
To absorb into the cultural tradition of a population or group.
cartographer
noun
One that makes maps.
communism
noun
A final stage of society in Marxist theory in which the state has withered away and economic goods are distributed equitably.
determinism
noun
A theory or doctrine that acts of the will, occurrences in nature, or social or psychological phenomena are causally determined by preceding events or natural laws.
empiricism
noun
The practice of relying on observation and experiment especially in the natural sciences.
fascism
noun
A political philosophy, movement, or regime (such as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition.
feudalism
noun
The system of political organization prevailing in Europe from the 9th to about the 15th centuries having as its basis the relation of lord to vassal with all land held in fee and as chief characteristics homage, the service of tenants under arms and in court, wardship, and forfeiture.
Freudian
adjective
Of, relating to, or according with the psychoanalytic theories or practices of Sigmund Freud.
gerontocracy
noun
A form of social organization in which a group of old men or a council of elders dominates or exercises control.
immersion
noun
Instruction based on extensive exposure to surroundings or conditions that are native or pertinent to the object of study.
imperialism
noun
The policy, practice, or advocacy of extending the power and dominion of a nation especially by direct territorial acquisitions or by gaining indirect control over the political or economic life of other areas.
mercantilism
noun
An economic system developing during the decay of feudalism to unify and increase the power and especially the monetary wealth of a nation by a strict governmental regulation of the entire national economy usually through policies designed to secure an accumulation of bullion, a favorable balance of trade, the development of agriculture and manufactures, and the establishment of foreign trading monopolies.
philanthropy
noun
An act or gift done or made for humanitarian purposes.
pluralism
noun
A state of society in which members of diverse ethnic, racial, religious, or social groups maintain and develop their traditional culture or special interest within the confines of a common civilization.
socialism
noun
Any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods.
