Hello, my name is Natasha and I am a student in the Social Science program at Montmorency college. I created this glossary to help myself and other students better understand the main concepts we use in our classes about society. It includes 30 important terms with their definitions, French translations, and examples to show how they are used. The terms were chosen from my course notes and reliable sources related to sociology, psychology, and history. This glossary will be a useful tool for studying, preparing assignments, and making class discussions easier to follow.
acculturation
noun
Cultural change that happens when groups interact.
Example: Immigrants experience acculturation when moving to new countries.
fr: acculturation
beliefs
noun plural
Ideas people accept as true, often linked to religion or culture.
Example: Beliefs influence how people behave in society.
fr: croyances
capitalism
noun
An economic system where businesses are privately owned.
Example: Capitalism promotes competition.
fr: capitalisme
civil rights
noun
Rights protecting citizens’ freedom and equality.
Example: The civil rights movement fought against racial segregation.
fr: droits civiques
criminology
noun
The scientific study of crime and criminals.
Example: She is studying criminology to become a police officer.
fr: criminologie
culture
noun
Shared beliefs, values, customs, and traditions of a group.
Example: Food is an important part of culture.
fr: culture
democracy
noun
A political system where citizens vote for leaders.
Example: Canada is a democracy.
fr: démocratie
discrimination
noun
Unfair treatment based on characteristics like race or gender.
Example: Discrimination in the workplace is illegal.
fr: discrimination
diversity
noun
The presence of different groups in society.
Example: Montreal is known for its diversity.
fr: diversité
economy
noun
The system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods.
Example: The global economy is interconnected.
fr: économie
ethnicity
noun
A group of people sharing culture, language, or ancestry.
Example: Ethnicity influences traditions.
fr: ethnicité
gender
noun
Social roles linked to being male or female.
Example: Gender expectations vary across cultures.
fr: genre
globalization
noun
The process of increasing international connections.
Example: Fast food is a result of globalization.
fr: mondialisation
human rights
noun
Basic rights and freedoms for all humans.
Example: Freedom of speech is a human right.
fr: droits humains
inequality
noun
Unequal access to resources or opportunities.
Example: Gender inequality is a global issue.
fr: inégalité
law
noun
A system of rules created and enforced by a government.
Example: Everyone must follow the law.
fr: loi
liberalism
noun
A political philosophy emphasizing freedom and individual rights.
Example: Liberalism supports free speech and democracy.
fr: libéralisme
norms
noun plural
Rules that guide behavior in society.
Example: It is a norm to raise your hand before speaking in class.
fr: normes
patriarchy
noun
A social system dominated by men.
Example: Feminists critique the patriarchy in society.
fr: patriarcat
philosophy
noun
The study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and values.
Example: Philosophy asks questions about the meaning of life.
fr: philosophie
politics
noun
Activities related to governing a country or community.
Example: Students discussed politics in their debate.
fr: politique
power
noun
The ability to influence or control others.
Example: Governments have the power to create laws.
fr: pouvoir
psychology
noun
The study of the human mind and behavior.
Example: Psychology helps us understand emotions.
fr: psychologie
social class
noun
A division of society based on economic or social status.
Example: Access to health care is affected by social class.
fr: classe sociale
social justice
noun
Fair treatment and equality for all people.
Example: Activists fight for social justice.
fr: justice sociale
social mobility
noun
The ability to move between social classes.
Example: Education can improve social mobility.
fr: mobilité sociale
social order
noun
The way society is organized to maintain stability.
Example: Laws keep social order in place.
fr: ordre social
socialization
noun
The process of learning norms and values to function in society.
Example: Children are socialized by their parents and teachers.
fr: socialisation
society
noun
A group of individuals living together in an organized way and sharing laws, institutions, and culture.
Example: Canadian society is multicultural.
fr: société
sociology
noun
The study of society and human interactions.
Example: I am taking a sociology course this semester.
fr: sociologie
values
noun plural
Principles or standards that guide people’s actions.
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