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RACE. A socially defined category of people who share genetically transmitted physical characteristics.

RACISM. The attributing of characteristics of inferiority to a particular racial category. Racism is a specific form of prejudice focused on race.

RAPE. The use of force to compel one individual to engage in a sexual act with another.

RATIONALIZATION. Weber's concept to refer to the process by which modes of precise calculation based on observation and reason increasingly dominate the social world. Rationalization is a habit of thought that replaces tradition, emotion, and values as motivators of human conduct. Bureaucracy is a particular case of rationalization applied to human social organization.

REBELLION. Rebellions are aimed at removing particular rulers or regimes rather than bringing about significant structural changes in a society.

RECIPROCITY. A system of the exchange of goods based on social ties.

REFORM MOVEMENT. A social movement concerned to implement a limited program of social change, say changing the health care system to provide universal access to care.

RELATIVE DEPRIVATION. A perceived disadvantage in social or economic standing based on a comparison to others in a society.

RELATIVE POVERTY. Poverty defined by reference to the living standards of the majority in any given society.

RELIGION. A set of beliefs involving symbols regarded as sacred, together with ritual practices in which members of the community engage.

REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY. Based on the existence of two or more political parties, in which voters democratically elect politicians to represent their interests.

RESEARCH METHODS. The diverse strategies used to gather empirical (factual) material in a systematic way.

RESOCIALIZATION. The relearning of cultural norms and values by mature individuals usually in the context of a total institution.

REVOLUTION. A process of change involving the mobilizing of a mass social movement in order to radically transform the society.

RIOTS. An outbreak of collective violence directed against persons, property or both.

RITES OF PASSAGE. Communal rituals that mark the transition from one status to another (such as a confirmation or a wedding ceremony).

RITUAL. Formalized ceremonial behavior in which the members of a group or community regularly engage.

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The kingdom of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah. He indeed is able to do all things. -Quran, Al-Imran, Surah 3:189

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