initial concepts Flashcards
what is the nature/nurture debate?
whether our behaviour is a product of genetics or a product of our environment
what is a norm?
social rules which define correct and approved behaviour in a society or group.
what is a value?
general beliefs about what is right or wrong and the important standards which are worth maintaining and achieving in society
what is culture?
the language, beliefs, values, norms, customs, roles, knowledge and skills which combine to make up “the way of life” of any society
what is socialisation?
the life long process of learning the culture of society
“common knowledge”
what is primary socialisation?
the early forms of socialisation in the family and close family.
what is secondary socialisation?
socialisation that takes place outside of the family.
through education systems, workplaces and the media.
what are agents of socialisation?
any social groups that passes on cultural norms of behaviour
e.g. religion
what is a social institution?
the various organised social arrangements which are found in all societies.
what is a role?
the expected behaviour associated with a particular social status under defined circumstances.
roles allow individuals to predict how others will act in particular situations
what is a role model?
a person whose behaviour example, or success serves as a model by emulated by others, especially young people.
what is role conflict?
a situation in which contradictory, competing, or incompatible expectations are placed on an individual by two or more roles held at the same time.
what is a sub-culture?
groups of people who express alternative norms+values to mainstream society.
they share some mainstream views but they’re generally unique to them.
what is deviance?
a failure to conform to social norms + behaviour which goes against the dominant norms of the specific society or group in which it occurs.
what is a sanction?
the means whereby a social norm is enforced, either by a positive or negative device + either formally or informally.
