Sociology Paper 1 Key Concepts

Socialisation Methods

Manipulation: Children are guided to certain activities by their parents. Verbal appellations: Nicknames and comments teach children about normal behaviour. Expectation: Children are quick to learn what parents and others see as ‘normal’ Imitation: Children will copy the behaviour of adults around them. Identification: Children actually think they are someone they admire and pretend to be them Canalisation: Children will be directed towards certain behaviours partly by the toy they’re given

Socialisation

The lifelong process through which individuals learn the norms, values, behaviours, and culture of their society.

Norms

The expected patterns of behaviour that guide how individuals act in specific social situations.

Primary Socialisation

The first stage of socialisation, where individuals (usually children) learn basic norms and values from their family or caregivers.

Secondary Socialisation

Occurs later in life through non-family institutions such as education, peer groups, media, religion, and the workplace. Continues learning of norms and values needed to function in wider society.

Agents of Socialisation

The individuals, groups, or institutions responsible for teaching norms, values, and culture. Main agents include the family, education system, media, peer groups, and religion.

Who was Karl Marx and what did he believe about society?

Marx was a conflict theorist who believed society is divided into two main classes: the bourgeoisie (owners) and the proletariat (workers). He argued that the bourgeoisie exploit the proletariat for profit.

What key idea did Marx introduce?

The concept of class conflict and the belief that capitalism would eventually be replaced by communism.

What was Marx’s view on social change?

Social change would occur through revolution, where the working class overthrows the ruling class.

What were two criticisms of Marx’s theory?

1.It ignores gender and ethnicity. 2. It is too economically deterministic — not all behaviour is explained by class.

What sociological perspective is Émile Durkheim associated with?

Functionalism – he believed society functions like a system where all institutions work together to promote social order and stability.

What is the organic analogy in sociology?

It’s the idea that society functions like the human body. Each institution (e.g. family, education, religion) is like an organ — if one fails, the whole system is affected and becomes dysfunctional.

What did Durkheim believe about the function of social institutions?

Institutions perform vital roles in maintaining social cohesion and value consensus. Without them, society could break down.

What are two criticisms of Durkheim’s functionalist view?

1. It ignores inequality and conflict (e.g. class, gender). 2. It assumes all institutions benefit everyone equally, which isn’t always true.