Sociology and Social Science Concepts

This assignment explores key concepts in sociology, including urban ecology, dimensions of religiosity, the distinction between sex and gender, heterosexism and homophobia, ethnicity vs. race, and new social movements. It delves into definitions, explanations, and examples related to each topic, providing a comprehensive overview of these fundamental sociological ideas.

Running head: SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL SCIENCE
Sociology and Social Science
Name of Student
Name of University
Author Note

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SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL SCIENCE
Table of contents
Question 1..................................................................................................................................2
Question 2..................................................................................................................................2
Question 3..................................................................................................................................2
Question 4..................................................................................................................................3
Question 5..................................................................................................................................3
Question 6..................................................................................................................................4

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SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL SCIENCE
Question 1
Urban ecology is the study of the interplay of social and physical dimensions of a city.
It helps to identify the zonal theory that exists in the city. The members of the Chicago
School developed the terminology stating that it acts as the link between physical as well
social dimensions of the cities. Urban ecology helps in identifying the ways by which
physical and social forms of cities influence one another. The common factors that exist
among people in specific residential areas are also analysed by urban ecology.
Question 2
Religiosity may include various dimensions that help in understanding the subject.
Glock’s five dimensions of religiosity include:
 Experiential: Experiential religiosity is the strength that a person possesses those ties
with the emotions of a religion.
 Ritualistic: Ritualistic religiosity investigates the frequency of the activities. This
includes the frequent time a person has involved prayers or visiting the church.
 Ideological: Ideological religiosity addresses the beliefs of an individual in the factors
that lead to the doctrine of religion.
 Consequential: The strength of a religious behaviour in the daily life of a person is
stated by consequential religiosity.
 Intellectual: Intellectual religiosity looks beyond the behavioural norms of an
individual.

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SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL SCIENCE
Question 3
Sociologists have provided a basic definition of the terms ‘sex’ and ‘gender’. The
definitions act as differences between the two terms and provide a comprehensive and
detailed understanding of the terms. On the other hand, ‘sex’ refers to the biological
distinction that helps in differentiating between a male and a female. ‘Gender’ refers to the
differences and hierarchies of the social aspects that exist between a male and a female.
These two differences provide a clear knowledge of the terms and clarify any confusion that
exists regarding it.
Question 4
The terms ‘heterosexism’ and ‘homophobia’ can be identified separately in order to
differentiate between the terms. ‘Heterosexism’ is the ideology that characterises and
dismisses a group of citizens that are considered as inferior in the society. This can be related
to the terms sexism and racism. Most people consider the terms to be inappropriate and take
offence in the terms. However, this concept has been made legal by the international law.
‘Homophobia’ refers to the fear that exists which is developed as contempt for homosexuals.
The term came into existence in the early 1970s by George Wienberg who developed a
homophobia scale.
Question 5
‘Ethnicity' is considered as a shared cultural and historical heritage. The members that
exist in an ethnic group consist of common ancestors, religious beliefs and languages. It helps
in developing a unique and distinctive social identity. The enrichment of the people is based
on the ethnic group that they belong in. On the other hand, the term ‘race' is considered as a
dangerous concept as it refers to people with similar biological traits. The members of a
society consider these characteristics as a significant social attribute. The race of people is

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SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL SCIENCE
categorised based on physical characteristics that they possess. Most people due to the
discrimination created by it consider this as an improper term.
Question 6
The common features of ‘new social movements’ include a wide range of public
issues that cause a great deal of talking point among people. There have been movements that
encourage the development of greenery around the world in order to prevent the decline of
the environment. Similarly, there have been movements concerning the empowerment of
women and taking a challenging role in the elimination of AIDS in the society. A worldwide
anti-capitalist movement has also resulted from the acts of ‘new social movement' in the
world.