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abortion

(noun) The intentional or unintentional termination of a fetus.

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absolute monarchy

(noun) A monarchical government in which a ruler has unrestricted power over the State and its people due to lack of constitutional or legal restraints.

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absolute poverty

(noun) A type of poverty that is the same regardless of location and that occurs when the resources required for minimum physical health are lacking, typically defined by limited access to food, clothing, and shelter.

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acculturation

(noun) The process and resulting changes that occur when two or more cultures come into contact.

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achieved status

(noun) A status that is acquired or earned as the result of personal accomplishment and merit, that serves as a reflection of ability, choice, or personal effort.

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achievement

(noun) Attaining status through competition (e.g., free market or standardized examination) by personal effort and accomplishment.

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achievement motivation

(noun) An individual’s drive for accomplishment and prestige through the mastery of skills and entrepreneurship, often a significant factor in economic achievement.

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acting crowd

(noun) A group of people focused on a shared action or goal.

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action sociology

(noun) Any use of sociological methods and theories to provide information to an individual or group that is planning to make a decision or undertake a goal.

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activity theory

(noun) Theory asserting that to feel satisfied and enjoy their lives, elderly individuals must stay engaged to maintain meaningful activities and replace roles or statuses lost due to age.

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acute disease

(noun) A disease that has a rapid onset or short duration, presenting with distinct symptoms and return to pre-onset condition is likely.

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adelphogamy

1. (noun) Marriage in which brothers share one or more wives; 2. (noun) Marriage between a brother and sister.

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adjustment sociology

(noun) Any use of sociological methods or theories to facilitate improved social interactions between people from different groups.

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administrative sociology

(noun) Any use of sociological methods and theories to facilitate engagement between an authority and the people and groups under their purview.

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advocate

(noun) An individual that actively speaks out for a cause, group, or another individual.

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advocate sociology

(noun) Any use of sociological methods and theories to support and empower an individual or group.

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affective individualism

(noun) The formation of marriage through personal selection based on romantic and sexual attraction instead of custom or economic and political reasons.

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affinity

(noun) Kinship established by marriage.

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affirmative action

(noun) The act or practice of giving preferential treatment (e.g., education or employment opportunities) to underrepresented groups such as the disabled, the elderly, ethnic minorities, and women who have experienced discrimination in the past.

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agamy

(noun) The absence of rules or norms dictating marriage inside (endogamy) or outside (exogamy) of a group.