Sociology - Definitions Flashcards
What is Sociology?
Sociology is a social science that studies human society and behaviour.
What is Culture?
Culture refers to the ways of life of the members of a society, or of groups within a society. For instance marriage customs, family life and religious ceremonies.
What is a Symbol?
A symbol is an object, word, or action that represents a concept.
For example, in Ireland;
The tricolour is a symbol of our national identity
The shamrock is a symbol of our Christian heritage
What is Language?
Language is the most obvious way in which members of a society share meaning.
For example, the native language of Ireland is Irish (Gaeilge) most families and people in. Although majority of the Irish society speak English, the Irish language is not dead with many parts of the country.
What is an ascribed status?
An ascribed status is one that has been given at birth. These statuses are beyond the individual’s control, for instance traits such as height, your race and your sex.
What is an achieved status?
An achieved status is a status that has been attained through effort and achievement, rather than one that was given at birth.
What are Social Groups?
Social groups refer to an audience or a crowd that do not constitute a sociologist’s definition of a group. To be part of a group, members must agree on a number of characteristics, reflecting a shared common interest or interactions with one another.
What are Social Institutions?
Social institutions are organised systems of norms and structures that help regulate and govern specific areas of social life, such as family, education, religion, and government.
What are the agents of Socialization?
A person, group, or institution that influences an individual’s social development.
What is Primary Socialization?
The first stage of socialization that occurs in early childhood, usually within the family.
What is Secondary Socialization?
Social learning that takes place beyond the family, such as in schools or workplaces.
What are Peer Groups?
A social group consisting of individuals of similar age and interests that influence behaviour and identity.
What is Mass Media?
Forms of communication (TV, social media, newspapers) that influence public perception and behaviours.
What are Social Norms?
Unspoken rules and expectations that govern behavior in a society.
What is Social Stratification?
Social stratification refers to a ‘system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy’
Example: slavery, estate, caste, class.
What is a Closed System?
Closed systemscause minimal change in social position. They do not allow people to shift levels and do not permit social relationships between levels. Closed systems include estate, slavery, and caste systems.
What is a Open System?
Open systemsare based on achievement and allow for movement and interaction between layers and classes.
What is the Caste System?
The caste system is a social stratification system that categorizes people into rigid, hierarchical groups based on their birth, occupation, and social status.
