Key Terms Flashcards
What is sociology?
The systematic study of human social life, groups and societies. It allows us to understand the choices we make.
Define social structures?
The parts of institutions that make up society. E.g. the criminal justice system.
Social processes?
Processes in society that involve interaction between individuals, groups, and social structures. E.g. social control.
Social issues?
Issues that effect communities, groups, societies and people’s lives. E.g. violent crimes.
Culture?
The whole way of life of a group of people passes from one generation to the next.
Value?
The belief help by a person or a social group that help build a set of norms.
Social science?
The systematic study of society and of human relationships.
Law?
A set of written rules regulating what may or may not be done by members of a society.
Social policy?
Important decisions made by the government that aim to improve the conditions of people living in their society.
Society?
A group of people who have common interests and a distinctive culture.
Norm?
An informal rule that guides our behaviour in a particular situation.
Socialisation?
The process through which we learn our culture.
Agencies/agents of socialisation?
People/Things that make socialisation happen.
Primary Socialisation?
This refers to learning during early childhood when, as babies and infants, we learn the basic behaviour patterns, language and skills that we will need later in life.
Secondary Socialisation?
This takes place outside the home and continues through life. This is how we learn society’s values and norms.
