Social Studies Definitions

Question 1

Sociology

Answer 1

Scientific study of the organisation and functioning of society

Question 2

Society

Answer 2

A group of people who share a common way of life eg Irish society

Question 3

Socia groups

Answer 3

Subgroups of people within a society who share a common purpose

Question 4

Primary social groups

Answer 4

Small, permanent relationship, personal ties eg family,close friends

Question 5

Secondary social group

Answer 5

Large grieup, less permanent relationship eg colleagues

Question 6

Kinship

Answer 6

Blood relationship between family members

Question 7

Norm

Answer 7

Normal patterns of behaviour in a society eg manners

Question 8

Values

Answer 8

Attitudes and beliefs held by a society regarding what is right and wrong

Question 9

Morals

Answer 9

Norms, values and customs that are important to a society eg respecting elders

Question 10

Socialisation

Answer 10

Process where an individual learns norms, values, behaviour and social skills for their society

Question 11

Culture

Answer 11

Way of life in a society including language, music, norms, values and customs

Question 12

Role

Answer 12

Expected pattern of behaviour for someone according to their position in society

Question 13

Status

Answer 13

Position held by individuals in a society

Question 14

Ascribed status

Answer 14

Given at birth eg royal family

Question 15

Achieved status

Answer 15

Gained by effort eg doctor

Question 16

Socio economic group

Answer 16

Classification of someone by their economic and social position based on income, education and occupation

Question 17

Socioeconomic groups in Irish society

Answer 17

Lower class
Middle class
Higher class

Question 18

Social mobility

Answer 18

Movement of an individual between social class

Question 19

Social institutions

Answer 19

Arrangements in societies eg marriage

Question 20

Social change

Answer 20

Changes that take place in society die to major developments eg same sex marriage

Question 21

Role overload

Answer 21

When a person has to play many roles at the same time eg mother, wife and employee

Question 22

Role conflict

Answer 22

Expectations of one role clash with expectations of another eg parent who has to work but their child is sick

Question 23

Gender roles

Answer 23

The behaviour expected by an individual by society because of their sex.

Question 24

Generation conflict

Answer 24

When the opinions, views and morals of one generation clash with those of another