Sociological Terms Flashcards
Culture
The way of life of a society, incorporating language, music, folklore, knowledge, roles, customs and skills passed on through generations
Society
Society is defined as a group of people who share a similar lifestyle
Social groups
Smaller groups of people within society who share a common purpose
Primary social groups
Small groups consisting of family and friends
Secondary social groups
Larger and less personal groups like school and workplace
Kinship
A link within a group of people based on blood and relations
Norms
The normal expected patterns of behavior within society. It is expected that all children are educated
Values
The principles and beliefs held by a society which indicate what is right and wrong
Mores
The norms, values and customs that society identifies as important. Honesty and fidelity
Role
The expected part played by a person in a particular position within society. Gardai or doctors are expected to behave in a certain way which is appropriate to their profession and position within society
Socio-economic grouping
Social groups are often defined according to their wealth of income. In Ireland society is commonly classed as lower, middle and upper
Social mobility
The ability to move from one socio-economic group to another. Education and income are often thee main means by which people move up or down these groupings
Socialisation
The lifelong process of learning how to fit into society and what is acceptable behavior.
Primary socialisation
Takes place within family
Secondary socialisation
Learned outside the family. In school and at work
