Introduction to Sociology
Provide an explanation of the following terms, feel free to use examples to back up your
points:
- Sociology - Sociology is the study of human society and social problems. It is also
the study of the social world and how groups relate to each other in society.
- Culture - Culture is the shared ideas of a specific group of people. Characteristics
and knowledge of a particular group of people.
- Primary Socialisation - Primary Socialisation is when a child learns values,
attitudes, beliefs and actions appropriate to their culture through parents and
family.
- Secondary Socialisation - Secondary socialisation is when an individual learns the
basic values, norms and behaviours that are expected of them outside of family.
Often takes place throughout adolescence and adulthood. I.e. school and starting
to have their own beliefs.
- Social Institutions - A group or organisation that has specific roles, norms and
expectations which functions to meet all the social needs of society i.e.
government
- Social Roles - Social roles are a socially defined pattern of behaviour that is
expected of a person in a given group or setting. I.e. student, daughter, partner
and friend
- Social Class - Social class is a group of people in society who have the same
socioeconomic status. Set into hierarchical social categories. Can be based off
wealth, occupation, income, education and belonging to a particular subculture
- Social norms - Social norms are the unwritten rules of behaviour which are
considered acceptable in a group or society i.e. shaking hands with someone
when you first meet them, arriving to appointments on time and not talking with
your mouth full of food.
- Gender - Cultural meanings attached to being masculine and feminine, which
influence personal identities i.e. man, woman, transgender.
- Sex - Biological traits that society associates with being male or female
Provide an explanation of the following terms, feel free to use examples to back up your
points:
- Sociology - Sociology is the study of human society and social problems. It is also
the study of the social world and how groups relate to each other in society.
- Culture - Culture is the shared ideas of a specific group of people. Characteristics
and knowledge of a particular group of people.
- Primary Socialisation - Primary Socialisation is when a child learns values,
attitudes, beliefs and actions appropriate to their culture through parents and
family.
- Secondary Socialisation - Secondary socialisation is when an individual learns the
basic values, norms and behaviours that are expected of them outside of family.
Often takes place throughout adolescence and adulthood. I.e. school and starting
to have their own beliefs.
- Social Institutions - A group or organisation that has specific roles, norms and
expectations which functions to meet all the social needs of society i.e.
government
- Social Roles - Social roles are a socially defined pattern of behaviour that is
expected of a person in a given group or setting. I.e. student, daughter, partner
and friend
- Social Class - Social class is a group of people in society who have the same
socioeconomic status. Set into hierarchical social categories. Can be based off
wealth, occupation, income, education and belonging to a particular subculture
- Social norms - Social norms are the unwritten rules of behaviour which are
considered acceptable in a group or society i.e. shaking hands with someone
when you first meet them, arriving to appointments on time and not talking with
your mouth full of food.
- Gender - Cultural meanings attached to being masculine and feminine, which
influence personal identities i.e. man, woman, transgender.
- Sex - Biological traits that society associates with being male or female
