Definitions

Question 1

What does sociology involve?

Answer 1

Sociology involves the scientific study of the organisation and functioning of society

Question 2

What is sociology?

Answer 2

It is the study of people and how they behave and interact

Question 3

Define society.

Answer 3

A group of people who interact with each other and share a purpose or way of life

Question 4

Define social groups.

Answer 4

Subgroups of people within society who share a common purpose

Question 5

Name the two types of social groups.

Answer 5

Primary social group

Secondary social group

Question 6

Define primary social group.

Answer 6

A small group of people with permanent relationships and close personal ties, e.g.

Question 7

Define secondary social group.

Answer 7

A large group of people with less permanent relationships and impersonal ties, .e.g. school community or work colleagues

Question 8

Define kinship,

Answer 8

A blood relationship that exists between family members

Question 9

Define norms.

Answer 9

The normal patterns of behaviour individuals are expected to follow within society

Question 10

Define values.

2

Answer 10

The attitudes and beliefs held by a society regarding what is right and wrong

These are reinforced by the laws of a country

Question 11

Define mores.

Answer 11

The norms, values and customs that are considered important by society, e.g. showing respect to elders

Question 12

Define socialisation.

Answer 12

The process whereby an individual learns appropriate norms, values, behaviour and social skills in order to behave in a manner acceptable to society

Question 13

What are the two methods of socialisation,

Answer 13

Primary socialisation

Secondary socialisation

Question 14

Define primary socialisation,

Answer 14

Socialisation within the family

Question 15

Define secondary socialisation,

Answer 15

Socialisation outside the family, e.g. school or work

Question 16

Define culture.

Answer 16

The way of life of a society, which includes language, music, customs, norms and values and skills passed on from one generation to the next

Question 17

Define roles.

Answer 17

The expected pattern of behaviour of an individual according to their status or position in society, e.g. a judge should be fair and impartial when in court

Question 18

Define status.

2

Answer 18

The position held by individuals relative to others within society

It is often defined by the amount of respect and prestige shown to them by others

Question 19

What are the two types of status?

Answer 19

Ascribed

Achieved

Question 20

Define ascribed status.

Answer 20

Status given at birth, e.g. members of a royal family

Question 21

Define achieved status.

Answer 21

Status gained through an individual’s own effort, e.g. educational achievements

Question 22

Define socio-economic grouping.

Answer 22

The classification of individuals according to their economic and social position in relation to others, based on income, education and occupation

In Ireland these groups are classified as: lower, middle and higher class

Question 23

Define social mobility.

2

Answer 23

The movement of individuals between socio-economic groupings, e.g. from middle class to higher class

This may occur due to educational progression

Question 24

Define social institutions.

Answer 24

Organised social arrangements found in many societies, e.g. family and marriage

Question 25

Define social change,

Answer 25

Changes that take place in society due to major developments. For example changes in technology, e.g. social media