Introduction To Sociology

Question 1

Define sociology.

Answer 1

The study of society and of people and their behaviour.

Question 2

What is the Nature Vs Nurture debate?

Answer 2

The Nature vs Nurture debate is whether humans behaviour are natural (innate, given at birth) or whether it is the result of upbringing in society. Sociologists believe that behaviour is not fixed biologically and we our behaviour varies dependant on individuals and societies.

Question 3

Define culture.

Answer 3

A shared way of life. This includes customs, traditions, language, skills, knowledge, beliefs, norms and values.

Question 4

Define values.

Answer 4

Values are beliefs about what is right and wrong. They provide general guidelines for behaviour.

Question 5

Define norms.

Answer 5

Norms are expected patterns of behaviour in society. They are often unwritten rules that govern behaviour.

Question 6

Define customs and provide examples.

Answer 6

Customs are norms that have lasted a long time and have become part of society’s traditions. For example, kissing under the mistletoe at Christmas; giving chocolate eggs at Easter; lighting candles at Diwali.

Question 7

Are values and norms universal?

Answer 7

No, different cultures have different norms and values.

Question 8

Define socialisation.

Answer 8

Socialisation is the lifelong process by which people learn the norms and values of their society.

Question 9

Define primary socialisation and give examples.

Answer 9

Primary socialisation is the learning of norms and values that takes place in early years. This is often taught by parents and is things like don’t talk over people or to say please and thank you.

Question 10

Define secondary socialisation.

Answer 10

Secondary socialisation is the learning of norms and values that takes place in later life.

Question 11

Define social control.

Answer 11

Social control is the term given to various methods used to persuade or force individuals to confirm to the dominant social norms and values of a society. It is used to prevent deviant behaviour.

Question 12

Define deviance.

Answer 12

Deviance is norm-breaking behaviour.

Question 13

What is an agency of social control? Provide examples.

Answer 13

An agency of social control is an institution in society that carries out social control. They can be formal or informal agencies. A formal agency of social control is the criminal justice system, whereas informal agencies of social control would be families, religion, schools and peer groups.

Question 14

Define sanctions.

Answer 14

Sanctions are the rewards and punishments by which social control is achieved and conformity to the norms and values is enforced. So, sanctions can be positive (rewards) or negative (punishments).

Question 15

Define identity.

Answer 15

Identity is how we see and define ourselves, and how other people see and define us.

Question 16

What do type of process to sociologists believe the socialisation process is?

Answer 16

Sociologists believe that people are not passive victims of the socialisation process, because while individual identities are formed by various forces of socialisation, the choices individuals and groups make and how they react to these forces can also have an influence. An example of this is the media: the media might influence our lifestyles, but individuals react differently to what they see in the media depending on their own identity.

Question 17

Are identities rigid?

Answer 17

No, individuals may have multiple identities, presenting different aspects of themselves in different ways to different groups of people.

Question 18

Define status and give the two types.

Answer 18

A status is the position that someone holds in society and the prestige or respect given to that position.

1.) Ascribed status - A position given by birth or family background which cannot be changed.
2.) Achieved status - A social position that has been achieved.

Question 19

Define a role.

Answer 19

A role is a set of norms which outline appropriate and expected behaviour for a particular status.

Question 20

Define social stratification.

Answer 20

Social stratification is a term that is used to explain patterns of inequality.

Question 21

Define a social class.

Answer 21

A social class is a group of people who share a similar economic situation.

Question 22

Define social mobility.

Answer 22

Social mobility refers to the movement of groups or individuals up or down the social hierarchy.

Question 23

Give the main social classes.

Answer 23

Upper Class - Owners of the means of production; Marx’s bourgeoisie: large industrialists, landowners and the aristocracy.
Upper Middle Class - Professional occupations and top managers.
Lower Middle Class - Skilled non-manual occupations: routine clerical and minor supervisory work.
Upper Working Class - Skilled manual occupations.
Lower Working Class - Unskilled manual occupations.
Underclass - Long-term unemployed, and other groups excluded from full participation in society by their poverty.

Question 24

Define ethnicity.

Answer 24

Ethnicity is shared culture and identity.

Question 25

Define sex.

Answer 25

Sex relates to natural/biological differences between males and females.

Question 26

Define gender.

Answer 26

Gender related to cultural differences between males and females learned through socialisation. These are characteristics of masculinity and femininity, e.g: women are more likely to stay home to look after the children.