Charismatic authority, as defined by Max Weber, is based on the extraordinary qualities of an individual leader. This form of authority is not restricted to a specific type of society; it can arise in traditional settings or within modern, legal-rational systems. Charismatic leaders often emerge during times of crisis or social upheaval, regardless of the existing underlying political framework of the society in question.

Manifest functions are the recognized and intended consequences of any social pattern or institution. In the context of critical sociology, the protection of the interests of the power elite is often cited as a manifest function of government, as the state is frequently structured to maintain the status quo and safeguard the assets and influence of those who hold significant economic and political power.

A government's core responsibility is to maintain order, enforce laws, and protect its citizens. While social welfare and regulation are important functions, political control is the foundational purpose of government. It provides the framework for legal stability and the administration of public affairs within a defined territory.

Primary groups, such as family and close peer circles, are essential for the development of an individual's personality. Through intimate, face-to-face interaction and long-term emotional bonds, these groups transmit cultural norms, values, and behavioral expectations, which form the foundation of an individual's identity and psychological makeup.

Cultural transmission theory, often associated with Edwin Sutherland's differential association theory, argues that deviance is a learned behavior. Individuals acquire deviant values, techniques, and motivations through social interaction with others who are already involved in deviant subcultures. This process emphasizes that deviance is not innate but is instead socialized through peer groups and close personal relationships.

A constitutional government is defined by its adherence to a supreme law or set of principles that restricts the authority of the state. By operating within these established legal boundaries, the government ensures that its actions are predictable, transparent, and accountable to the rule of law, thereby preventing the arbitrary exercise of power by those in office.

Deviance serves as a catalyst for social change by challenging established norms and institutional structures. When individuals or groups engage in behaviors that deviate from current standards, they often highlight the limitations or injustices of existing rules. Over time, if these behaviors gain traction, they can lead to the evolution of societal norms, eventually becoming integrated into the mainstream culture.

Gambling and prostitution are classified as social order crimes, also known as victimless crimes or vice crimes. These offenses are considered harmful because they are believed to undermine the moral fabric, stability, and collective values of society. Unlike crimes against persons or property, these acts are regulated primarily because they are viewed as disruptive to the established social order and public morality.

Status inconsistency occurs when an individual's social positions are mismatched across different dimensions of stratification, such as having high income but low occupational prestige. This creates a state of social ambiguity for the individual.

A taboo is a strong social prohibition against words, objects, actions, or discussions that are considered undesirable or offensive by a group, culture, or society. Cannibalism is universally regarded as a severe taboo in almost all modern societies, representing a fundamental violation of moral and social boundaries regarding human life and dignity.