Key words

Question 1

Norms

Answer 1

A rule of behaviour that applies in a given culture, often in a particular context. Most
norms are informal rules, and may come with informal sanctions for breaking them.

Question 2

Values

Answer 2

A belief or concept that is held to be important by an individual, group or culture: e.g.
the American dream (USA), sexual virtue (many societies), monetary success (capitalism)

Question 3

Society

Answer 3

A group of people sharing the same geographical territory, political authority and
culture.

Question 4

Culture

Answer 4

The set of norms, values, habits, and behaviours common to a particular society.

Question 5

Subculture

Answer 5

A ‘culture within a culture’ - a ‘sub-set’ of norms and values. For example, within Brit-
ish culture, Geordie culture, working class culture, the culture of a school or peer group

Question 6

Socialisation

Answer 6

Learning the culture (i.e.: norms and values) of your society’s culture, by being ex-
posed to it

Question 7

Primary vs secondary
socialisation

Answer 7

Primary = in the first few years, in the home, family, and close community; secondary =
once you move into a ‘wider world’, i.e. go to school

Question 8

Status

Answer 8

A ‘position’ held in society, e.g. a working woman who owns a business may hold the
status of woman, wife, mother, professional, entrepreneur and boss (to her employees).

Question 9

Role

Answer 9

A status or position, e.g. ‘the role of mother’, but also means the ‘duties’ or ‘jobs’ that
come with a status, e.g. ‘a mother’s roles include caring for, organising, disciplining the kids’

Question 10

Role Model

Answer 10

A child’s main example of a given role, e.g. a parent will be a child’s model of man or
woman, mother or father, etc. Role models are not necessarily good models.