Definitions Flashcards
What does sociology involve?
Sociology involves the scientific study of the organisation and functioning of society
What is sociology?
It is the study of people and how they behave and interact
Define society.
A group of people who interact with each other and share a purpose or way of life
Define social groups.
Subgroups of people within society who share a common purpose
Name the two types of social groups.
Primary social group
Secondary social group
Define primary social group.
A small group of people with permanent relationships and close personal ties, e.g.
Define secondary social group.
A large group of people with less permanent relationships and impersonal ties, .e.g. school community or work colleagues
Define kinship,
A blood relationship that exists between family members
Define norms.
The normal patterns of behaviour individuals are expected to follow within society
Define values.
2
The attitudes and beliefs held by a society regarding what is right and wrong
These are reinforced by the laws of a country
Define mores.
The norms, values and customs that are considered important by society, e.g. showing respect to elders
Define socialisation.
The process whereby an individual learns appropriate norms, values, behaviour and social skills in order to behave in a manner acceptable to society
What are the two methods of socialisation,
Primary socialisation
Secondary socialisation
Define primary socialisation,
Socialisation within the family
Define secondary socialisation,
Socialisation outside the family, e.g. school or work
Define culture.
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
Define roles.
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
Define status.
2
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
What are the two types of status?
Ascribed
Achieved
Define ascribed status.
Status given at birth, e.g. members of a royal family
Define achieved status.
Status gained through an individual’s own effort, e.g. educational achievements
Define socio-economic grouping.
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
Define social mobility.
2
The movement of individuals between socio-economic groupings, e.g. from middle class to higher class
This may occur due to educational progression
Define social institutions.
Organised social arrangements found in many societies, e.g. family and marriage
Define social change,
Changes that take place in society due to major developments. For example changes in technology, e.g. social media
