Theory & Methods

Question 1

Norms

Answer 1

The rules or expectations of society.

E.g. Giving your seat to an old person.

Question 2

Values

Answer 2

The unwritten guidelines for society.

E.g. Treat your elders with respect.

Question 3

Mores

Answer 3

Norms based on desired behaviour and appearance.

Question 4

Culture

Answer 4

The norms, values, languages, customs, beliefs, rules, cuisine, art and etc…

Question 5

Subculture

Answer 5

A group of people within a large culture that develop their own norms and values.

Question 6

Roles

Answer 6

The expected behaviour of an individual in a certain social position.
E.g. Gender roles

Question 7

Role conflict

Answer 7

Conflict between two roles.

E.g. Women who are mothers and doctors, as they are trying to satisfy both roles.

Question 8

Status

Answer 8

The social position of a person (ascribed/ achieved)

Question 9

Social control

Answer 9

Mechanisms that maintain social order and cohesion.

Question 10

Sanctions

Answer 10

Rewards and punishments to maintain social control.

Question 11

Primary socialisation

Answer 11

Occurs in the family, norms and values.

Question 12

Secondary socialisation

Answer 12

Learning the norms and values of society from social institutions such as education and the workplace.

Question 13

Nature

Answer 13

Human instinct.

Question 14

Nurture

Answer 14

The way in which people are brought up and how their environment affects their identity and behaviour.

Question 15

Globalisation

Answer 15

Interconnectedness.

Question 16

Identity

Answer 16

Values, beliefs, personality of a person.

Question 17

Social institutions

Answer 17

Family, education, workplace etc…

Question 18

Determinism

Answer 18

Individuals life course is shaped by eternal forces.

Question 19

Organic analogy

Answer 19

Social institutions work together like the human body to contribute to society running smoothly.

Question 20

Functional prerequisites

Answer 20

Basic needs.

E.g. food, shelter clothing and etc…

Question 21

Value consensus

Answer 21

General agreement about the norms and values of society achieved through socialisation.

Question 22

Bourgeoisie

Answer 22

The ruling class / owners of the means of production.

Question 23

Proletariat

Answer 23

The working class who sell their labour.

Question 24

Capitalism

Answer 24

The current economic system we live in based on competition, profit and consumerism.

Question 25

Means of Production

Answer 25

Factories, land, businesses, work force owned by the bourgeoisie.

Question 26

Surplus value

Answer 26

Profit for the bourgeoisie.

Question 27

Surplus value

Answer 27

Profit for the bourgeoisie.

Question 28

False class consciousness

Answer 28

The proletariat are brainwashed and unaware of their position/ class.

Question 29

Dominant ideology

Answer 29

The ideas and values of the ruling class.

Question 30

Class consciousness

Answer 30

The proletariat would become aware of their position and exploitation. ( the revolt).

Question 31

Gender inequality

Answer 31

Men and women are not equal.

E.g. pay gap.

Question 32

Malestream

Answer 32

Male sociologists carry out research on a masculine perspective and then assume that this can be applied to women as well.

Question 33

Patriarchy

Answer 33

Men are the most powerful in society which disadvantages women and leaves them undervalued.

Question 34

Liberal feminists

Answer 34

Concerned with legal rights, working with the government on legislation to improve equality.

Question 35

Marxist feminists

Answer 35

Focus on the relationship between capitalism and inequality for women.
E.g. working double shifts.

Question 36

Radical feminists

Answer 36

More extreme, want to abolish the patriarchy and male supremacy.

Question 37

Conservative views

Answer 37

Traditional views, do not want change.

E.g. to favour the nuclear family, punitive laws.

Question 38

Welfare state

Answer 38

Government supports citizens through supplying housing, health care, education and money to survive.

Question 39

Neoliberalism

Answer 39

Economic policy model which promotes privatisation, marketisation, deregulation and competition.

Question 40

Pick & Mix society

Answer 40

People can create their own identities by picking and choosing for cultures around the world. (fuelled by consumerism and the media).

Question 41

Meta-narratives

Answer 41

The over-arching theories.

E.g. Marxism and functionalism.