AQA A Level Sociology Culture and Identity (external)

(socializationprocess) What is Socialization?

Learning culture through socialization allows us to operate in society. A new born is born without understanding. Allows for predictability and limited ciaos and confusion as people know what is expected

(socializationprocess) What is REsocialization?

Being taken out of usual social situations and being placed in new ones. Having to learn new norms and values.

(socializationprocess) Explain Primary Socialization?

Occurs through the early years through family. Parsons said it is crucial in turning babies into social beings and teaches norms and values before understanding themselves as individuals

(socializationprocess) Explain Secondary Socialization?

Continuous process as we grow older. Creation of New Social Identities based upon Primary Identities and link to roles people adopt

(socializationprocess)Nature vs Nurture?

Nurture that makes people fully social members of society

(socializationprocess) Feral Children?

Missed out on the socialization process thus fail to demonstrate aspects of human behavior

(socializationprocess) Functionalists - Family: Parsons?

Primary socialization is crucial in turning new-born babies into social beings, young children imitate the behaviors of their parents and older siblings and learn what is right and wrong. Firstly learn basic norms and values of society before understanding a sense of themselves

(socializationprocess) Functionalists - Education: Durkheim?

Schools are society in miniature, through the hidden curriculum children learn to follow a fixed set of rules. Providing preparation for later in life

(socializationprocess) Functionalists - Education: Parsons?

Believes education provides a bridge from particularistic values of the home to universalistic values of society. This means it socializes children into basic norms and values of society

(socializationprocess) Functionalists - Education: Davis and Moore?

The education system helps to socialise children into the meritocratic principles of society. Education system is meritocratic and people are judged according to their ability and effort, not according to who they are allowing for social mobility

(socializationprocess) Functionalists - Education: Evaluation?

Too readily assume there is a consensus over norms and values students are socialized into. Hargreaves believes the education system promotes individualism and competition in society

(socializationprocess) Functionalists - Religion: Parsons?

Believe it is an integrative force that helps people to live harmoniously and a regularity force that helps back up the laws of society, each religion has a code of laws that must be obeyed as does society

(socializationprocess) Functionalists - Religion: Evaluation?

Casanova found religion does not provide consensus and unity. Instead most conflicts in society have religious foundations. For example the Iraq war

(socializationprocess) Marxists - Family: Zaretsky?

Family is a prop to capitalism, the hierarchical way family is organised discourages workers from questioning the nature of capitalism. Producing workers needed for capitalism, with children socialised to obey.

(socializationprocess) Marxists - Family: Evaluation?

Ignore the positive function of the family - functionalities would stress the benefits families perform for individuals and society as a whole

(socializationprocess) Marxists - Religion?

It is an ideological force as religious beliefs aren't true, rather manipulated and presented by the most powerful group in society. It controls the feelings of workers to stop them wanting a revolution. It is the 'opium of the masses' meaning it acts as a type of drug to keep the workers passive and stop revolution

(socializationprocess) Feminists - Family?

The family socializes women into benefiting capitalism. Woman's oppression is said to perform vital functions for capitalism by socializing women into thinking they should want children, women are reproducing the labor force.

(socializationprocess) Feminists - Family: Ansley?

Sees domestic violence as an outlet of men's frustration with the exploitation they experience in the workplace

(socializationprocess) Feminists - Family: Radical Feminists?

Maintain that the main source of women's oppression in the family is patriarchy, claiming the family and marriage are an exploitative institution that benefits men.

(socializationprocess) Feminists - Family: Evaluation?

Ignores the positive aspects of family life, many women actively choose and enjoy looking after home and bringing up children. Ignores recent equality break-through with better access to divorce, jobs and control over fertility

(socializationprocess) Feminists - Religion: De Beauvoir?

Argues religion oppresses women in the same way as Marx suggests religion oppresses working classes. They see it a a ideological force with leaders being male and teaches women how to act through secondary socialization i.e. being subservient to men

(socializationprocess) Feminists - Religion: Watson?

Highlighted the use of veils within the Muslim faith as an example of oppression as it is seen by many as a way of socially controlling women

(socializationprocess) Feminists - Religion: Evaluation?

Not all religions can be criticized for being patriarchal, women are taking an active role in religion.

(identity) What is meant by Identity?

- How we and others see us

- Some parts of identity are shared wearas others are unique

- Indentity is fluid wearas personality is fixed

(identity) How is Identity formed?

-Through social institutions, the socialization process and how we interact with others. Identity is socially constructed. We are not free to adopt any identity we like as class/gender/ethnicity are likely to influence how people see us

(identity) What are the 8 types of identity?

Collective / Social / Individual / Multiple / Cultural / Achieved / Ascribed / Stigmatized

(identity) Collective Identity?

Refers to the individuals sense of beloning to a group or collective i.e. subculture or group

(identity) Social Identity?

Refers to a collective sense of belonging to a group. Individuals identity themselves being similar to others in the group i.e. gender/ethnic

(identity) Individual Identity?

The unique sense of personhood held by each person in his or hers own right. Created by social interaction i.e. dna/personal history

(identity) Multiple Identity?

People have several identities that. You can draw one source of identity and may insert differant 'selves' depending on circumstances i.e/ good daughter/student

(identity) Cultural Identity?

A sense of belonging to a distinct ethnic, cultural or sub cultural group

(identity) Achieved Identity?

Individuals can shape there own identity. This type of identity is selected through the individual i.e. teacher/student

(identity) Ascribed Identity?

Identity given though society i.e. female

(identity) Stigmatized Identity?

Geoffman argues this is undesirable and excludes people from full acceptance in society. those with this identity can face serious social consequences e.g. contempt / refused employment etc i.e. blind/mentally ill

(identity) Jenkins concept on Identity?

'Involves knowing who we are, knowing who others are and hoe others see us etc'

(identity) Lawlers concept on Identity?

We share identity to make us similar to others. Nobody is identical, always will be something that makes us unique. Self understanding is learnt early

(identity) Mead's concept on Identity?

Suggests aspects of our identity that make us who we are can be considered the inner core. Social experiments help with development of self identity

(identity) Becker's concept on Identity?

A master status is the dominant identity which overrides other aspects of a 'person'

(identity) Changes to Identity over time?

As people get older they will view them selves and be viewed differently

(identity) Primary and Social Identities?

Ethnic/Gender

New social Identities

(identity) Functionalists perspective on identity?

Identities are fixed and based on being sociolised into a shared culture through primary and secondary socialization. People continue to follow these ideas through integration, regulation and sanctions in society

(identity) Marxists perspective on identity?

Individuals identities are fixed based around class positions in society. Socialization by the super structure e.g. education, the media and religion maintains the infrastructure and ensures that working class identities are linked to social position and social class

(identity) Feminists perspective on identity?

Individuals identities are fixed based on gender, gender socialization when young leads boys and girls forming their identity around their gender and what males and females should and shouldn't do

(identity) Social Action perspective on identity?

Individuals identities are not necessarily fixed, identity emerges as a aresult of social interaction, people try and portray themselves in a certain way to others. Furthermore, identity is based on how others react to the individual

(identity) Postmodernist perspective on identity?

Individuals identities are not fixed. There are a lot of choice in todays society. Our identities constantly created and recreated through consumption.

Hobswarn - Most identities are like shirts that we choose to wear

(identity) Structuraliseations perspective on identity?

Individuals identities are somewhat fixed and somewhat changeable. Giddens - Social structures limit the identities that they might adopt, but it is possible to form identities in the first place. The reflexive self - Giddens sees identity as an evolving narrative that individuals continually reflect upon, and rework

(identity) Giddins and the reflective self?

Identities are a combination of individual/personal factors and social influences. Creating an identity is not an individual process but a social and collective one. Identities are socially constructed and formed through interactions with others

(culture) What is Culture and what makes it?

Commonly defined as the way of life for a social group, made up of values/norms/beliefs

(culture) What is Dominant Culture?

Main culture in a society which is accepted without opposition by most people e.e. British culture patriarchal and unequal -> white men benefit most

(culture) What is High Culture?

Seen as artistic or intellectual and highly valued in society. Considered 'special' and to be treated with respect. Aimed at middle and upper class.

(culture) Characteristics of High Culture?

- associated with elites, wealthy and educated

- superior to others and other cultures

- found in special places

(culture) What is Popular Culture?

Commercially produced that is simple and easy to understand. Tends to involves mass products to sell to the mass of ordinary people. Products have little value and there short lived as dont have roots in life

- Sometimes borrows ideas from high culture

(culture) Characteristics of Popular Culture?

- reflects norms, values and activities of the majority

- culture of the working class, consumes are not passive

- challenges mainstream ideas

(culture) What is Mass Culture?

Sometimes refereed to as 'popular' or low culture. Seen as inferior to high culture and at ordinary people for profit

(culture) Characteristics of Mass Culture?

- created by commercial organisations for profit

- consumers are passive and are dummed down as 'goodie' or 'baddie' stereotypes

- associated with industrial societies

(culture) What is Folk Culture?

Habits of traditional communities emerging directly from lived experiences. Created by local communities and involves active participation e.g. folk music and story telling often passed through generations

(culture) Characteristics of Folk Culture?

-authentic and actively created

- created by local communities

- rooted with experience, customs and rooted with everyday society

(culture) Subculture?

Smaller culture held in mainstream society who hold beliefs and norms and values of there own making them a sub-creation of society.

Subcultures of resistance: different from dominant culture and activiley oppose it

(culture) Evolution of Mass Culture: Harmful Effects?

Leavis claims mass culture is inferior to high culture that destroys correct use of language and it exploits emotional needs and fears

(culture) Evolution of Mass Culture: Dominant Class?

Marxist would say high culture is seen as superior to popular culture as the ruling class have the power to dominate what is seen as important, worthwhile and good taste

(culture) Evolution of Mass Culture: Diversity and Choice?

Pomos see mass culture as having value, they feel there is a lot of diversity and choice in mass culture meaning people don't passively consume, but are critical and selective

(culture) Evolution of Mass Culture: Positive Benifits for society?

Livingstone found that the writers of soaps educate and inform people of important or controversical issues e.g. domaestic violence / rape etc

(culture) Changeing of High & Popular Culture: Post Modernist?

Feel the distinction between the two is weakening. Elements of high culture have became apart of popular culture and viceversa. Expansion of media-based creative indestires mean people can no longer agree on what differances them

(culture) Changeing of High & Popular Culture: Improvement in Tech?

Mean the original art and music can be consumed by people in there homes without having to do to the theature or gallery

(culture) Changeing of High & Popular Culture: Story?

Members of each culture no longer only comsumes high or popular culture

(culture) Marxist view on Mass Culture?

Works as a distraction to stop the prolitariats realizing there problems and stops revolution against the bourgeoisie and profits the

bourgeoisie

(culture) Post Modernist view on Mass Culture?

Allows people to pic&mix there interests. It is important and should be studied, any developments in tech mean people passivly conform

(culture) Functionalist view on Mass Culture?

Makes social solidarity as people come together

(culture) Giddens view on Mass Culture?

Lines between high and mass culture are like boarders between a country. They are only there because we are told so, people will always disagree on where they lie, whether they should be acknowledged at all and who has the right to move them

(culture) What is Global Culture?

Globalization is growing interdependence and interconnect of societies across the globe. Events will happen in one part of the world influencing what happens in another

- Global culture is when people in different countries share norms/values/attitudes/products

(culture) Characteristics of Global Culture?

- global availability of cultural products

- trends to fashion in large cities spreading

- global media corps & the internet

(culture) Global Culture: International Tourism?

People can absorb different cultures and communities from around the world

(culture) Global Culture: Internet?

Instant communication and exploration of other cultures

(culture) Global Culture: Division of Labor?

World is economically interconnected, iphones etc are assembled with components from around the world

(culture) Global Culture: American Food Industry?

Operates on a global scale and weakens local culture e.g. 33,000 Mcdonalds worldwide thus possible to buy there food anywhere

(culture) Global Culture: TV Production?

USA and UK production companies sell formats globally e.g. who wants to be a millionaire has been distributed to 120 countries

(culture) Global Culture: Transnational Media?

Companies such as apple/nike can promote products on a global scale and logos and brands are recognized globally

(culture) What is Cultural Homogenization?

Culture is becoming the same, the merging of different cultures into one culture

(culture) Marxists on Culture?

They are pessimistic about low/mass culture and believe it is used to control the working class

(culture) Marxists - False needs and commodity: Adorno and Horkeimer?

Argue mass culture encourages the working class to think they 'need' to buy things e.g. lots of trainers. You don't need them but as it is good for capitalism we think we do, these are called 'false needs'

(culture) Marxists - False needs and commodity: Commodity Fetishism?

False needs create obsessions and desires about consumer goods i.e. 'must have objects' like the new iphone. Neo-Marxists argue that commodity fetishism is like a religion as capitalism creates a desire only it can satisfy. Meaning we think capitalism is good

(culture) Marxists - Oppression of Working Class Frankfurt School: Transmitting?

The main way of transmitting capitalist ideology is through media. Mass culture through media helps oppress working class by destroying communities and individuality, encouraging acceptance of authority and discourages people thinking themselves

(culture) Marxists - Oppression of Working Class Frankfurt School: Stops Change?

Mass culture such as newspaper gossip stop working class from trying to change their lives, as they make people believe that experianes are down to fate of luck rather then social class or personal action.

(culture) Marxists - Oppression of Working Class Frankfurt School: False Class Consciousness?

Mass culture distracts people from the serious issues of capitalists, by giving them something to concentrate on other then there exploitation. Meaning mass culture and mass media can be used by the bourgeoisie to prevent a revolution from occuring

(culture) Marxists - Gramsci: too simple?

Disagreed with the Frankfurt schools and argued the idea of a single mass culture was to simplistic

(culture) Marxists - Gramsci: Capitalism?

Capitalism creates dominant culture the 'dominant hegemony'. Capitalism needs opposition to exist, as capitalism could create an oppositional illusion that its a fair system.

(culture) Marxists - However?

Marxists ignore the postive aspects that a shared culture brings such as integration and solidarity

(culture) Functionalism - Social Glue?

Believe structures of society are set up to allow society to run as smoothly as possible. Durkiem describes this culture as a form of 'social glue'. Bonding people together by creating shared interests and purposes

(culture) Functionalism - Internalization and Consensus?

Individuals internalize the norms and values of society, meaning those norms and values become part of you, creating a consensus, meaning everyone shares the same norms and values which in turn gives society a 'collective consciousness' stopping a breakdown in society

(culture) Functionalism - However?

This idea of culture is rose tinted, by assuming that popular culture benefits society it ignores all of the ways is can oppress

(culture) Internationalists - Action?

Culture is determined by behavior and interaction of individuals, emphasizing the 'action' of individuals opposed to structural theories which focus on big structures in society. People choose opposed to reacting to social forces, culture comes from peoples own ideas on interaction

(culture) Internationalists - Bottom up?

See culture as being partly developed from the bottom of society at individual level, if people change the way they react in relation to each other then culture will change also

(culture) Internationalists - What is Symbolism Interaction?

Individual and social interactions are produced by interaction between others. Involves understanding human behaviors and how they are labelled

(culture) Internationalists - What does Verstehn mean?

Gaining sympathizing and understanding, the idea of understanding human behavior by putting yourself in there position

(Culture) Internationalists - What did Cooley say: Looking Glass Self?

The image of yourself is reflected back to us like a mirror. Children identities develop based on interactions with others and how people view them

(Culture) Internationalists - Mead: Symbols vs Instincts?

Behaviour is not shaped by fixed, pre-programmed instincts we respond to the world by giving meanings to things that are significant to us.

We convey these meanings through symbols. Therefore an interpretive phase comes between a stimulus and our response to it - before we know how to respond to the stimulus, we have to interpret its meaning.

(Culture) Internationalists - Mead: Symbols vs Instincts - manage?

We manage to interpret meaning by 'taking the role of the other' by seeing ourselves as they see us. This ability develops through social interaction e.g. imitation as children. Through shared symbols, we become conscious in the ways of acting, and these symbols socialise us.

(Culture) Internationalists - Blumer?

Suggests that Interactionism has 3 basic functions:

1. People act in terms of symbols that stand for something else - they have attached meaning.

2.These meanings develop through interactions and can change.

3. People try to interpret meanings that others give to actions by imagining themselves in their position and taking on their role. Thus socialisation is based on social actors and the meaning they create.

(Culture) Internationalists - What did Geoffman say - stage?

Society is a stage, with people acting out performances. Good actors persuade audiences they really are the characters they are, just like people try to project a particular impression of themselves. People influence and manipulate the way in which others see them. Using impression management, individuals try to convince others are the identities that they are trying to assert. 'Symbols of identity' during socialisation process reveal how we see ourselves and how we want others to see us. e.g. the way people speak and the words they use, styles of clothing etc

(Culture) Internationalists - What did Geoffman say - Individual and Social Identities?

Everyone is engaged in the socialisation process of manipulating others and being manipulated by them to give the best possible impression of themselves. It is through this that people develop their individual and social identities. He argues that life is like the front and back of a theatre and suggests that at home is backstage, a person can discard their stage identity and be themselves