Acquiring Culture in Sociology

These flashcards cover key concepts in sociology related to culture, socialization, and related topics for exam preparation.

What is Sociology?

The study of society.

What is Culture?

Culture is the learned shared behavior of members in society, describing a way of life that includes norms, values, language, beliefs, and roles.

What are the two types of Culture?

Material Culture (physical objects) and Non-Material Culture (ideas, beliefs, and rules).

What is Primary Socialisation?

The early stage of socialization where children learn norms and values primarily through family.

What is Secondary Socialisation?

Socialization that occurs later in life, involving a wider range of agents such as education, peers, media, and religion.

What is Ethnocentrism?

The belief that one's own culture is superior to others.

What does 'Collectivist Culture' refer to?

A culture where members see themselves as part of a group and prioritize teamwork over personal freedom.

What does 'Individualist Culture' refer to?

A culture that emphasizes individual freedom and personal choice, where people are encouraged to think for themselves.

What is a Subculture?

A group within a culture that adopts its own unique norms and values, differing from the mainstream culture.

What is Cultural Transmission?

The process by which cultural norms and traditions are passed on from one generation to the next through socialization.

What are Agents of Socialisation?

Entities that influence an individual's socialization, including family, education, peers, media, and religion.

What is Feral Children?

Children who have been deprived of human society for much or all of their childhood years, demonstrating the importance of socialization.

What techniques are used in gender socialisation?

Verbal appellation, manipulation, canalisation, and imitation are techniques that shape gender roles and expectations.

What is the Meaning of Status in society?

A position a person occupies in society, which can be ascribed (born into) or achieved (earned through actions).

What is the Nature-Nurture debate?

A discussion about whether human behavior is determined more by genetic factors (nature) or social influences (nurture).

What is Sociology?

The study of society, focusing on social behavior, societal structures, and cultural norms.

What is Culture?

Culture is the learned shared behavior of members in society, a comprehensive way of life that includes not only norms and values but also language, beliefs, art, and roles.

What are the two types of Culture?

Material Culture (physical objects such as tools, clothing, and buildings) and Non-Material Culture (ideas, beliefs, traditions, values, and rules that shape a society).

What is Primary Socialisation?

The early stage of socialization, primarily occurring within the family unit, where children learn societal norms and values that are foundational for their identity.

What is Secondary Socialisation?

Socialization that occurs later in life, involving a wider range of agents, such as education systems, peer groups, media outlets, and religious institutions, which continuethe process of learning social norms.

What is Ethnocentrism?

The belief that one's own culture is superior to others and using one's own cultural norms as a standard to evaluate other cultures.

What does 'Collectivist Culture' refer to?

A culture where individuals perceive themselves as part of a larger group, emphasizing the importance of community, teamwork, and interdependence over individual autonomy.

What does 'Individualist Culture' refer to?

A culture that values personal freedom, individual choice, self-expression, and autonomy, encouraging individuals to act independently.

What is a Subculture?

A group within a larger culture that adopts its own distinct norms, values, and practices, which may differ from those of the mainstream culture.

What is Cultural Transmission?

The process through which cultural norms, values, beliefs, and practices are passed down from one generation to the next, primarily through socialization.

What are Agents of Socialisation?

Entities that play a significant role in shaping an individual's socialization process, including family, educational institutions, peer groups, mass media, and religious organizations.

What is Feral Children?

Children who have been isolated from human contact, often living in the wild, which highlights the crucial role of social interaction in developing language, social skills, and norms.

What techniques are used in gender socialisation?

Techniques such as verbal appellation (use of names), manipulation (encouragement of certain behaviors), canalisation (focusing on specific activities), and imitation (learning gender roles through observation) that influence gender identity.

What is the Meaning of Status in society?

A position an individual occupies within the social structure, distinguished as ascribed status (assigned at birth) or achieved status (earned through actions or accomplishments).

What is the Nature-Nurture debate?

A long-standing discussion in psychology and sociology concerning whether human behavior and personality are shaped more by genetic makeup (nature) or by social and environmental influences (nurture).