Topic_1_Introduction_to_Sociology-1_2

Sociology

The study of the structure, development, and functioning of society.

Society

A group of people with common territory, interaction, and culture.

Social Institutions

Established structures within society that shape social roles and responsibilities.

Social Stratification

Categorization of people into rankings based on factors like wealth, income, and power.

Stereotyping

A set idea that people have about what someone or something is like, often based on inaccurate perceptions.

Social Policy

Aims to improve people’s well-being and deals with societal needs such as security, education, and health.

Conflict Theory

A macro-level sociological perspective that focuses on social, political, or material inequality within society.

Structural Functionalism

A macro-level theory that views society as made up of parts that work together to maintain stability and functionality.

Symbolic Interactionism

A micro-level theory that analyzes patterns of communication and the meanings behind interactions among individuals.

Economic System

An organized way a country allocates resources and distributes goods and services.

Mixed Economy

An economic system where both private enterprise and state involvement coexist.

Planned Economy

An economic system where all production and distribution decisions are made by a central authority.

Market Economy

An economic system where supply and demand determine prices and distribution of goods.

Local Councils

Government bodies that collect taxes and manage local matters such as town planning and rubbish collection.

Law vs Policy

Laws are standards that must be followed, while policies outline the goals and methods of government ministries.

Family as a Social Institution

A fundamental institution that shapes individual roles and contributes to societal survival.

Public Policy

Broader state-oriented policy concerning infrastructure and governance, within which social policy is a subset.

Major Social Institutions in Australia

Includes family, education system, media, political systems, and religion.