sociology key terms

socialisation

The process in which we learn norms and values

Primary socialisation

Socialisation within the home and family, teaches you things such as how to speak and preform basic functions

secondary socialisation

Socialisation outside of the home in places such as school and the media, these provide you with more specialised skills such as reading and writing

Norms

Expected and socially excepted behaviours

values

What is right and wrong and socially important in society. things such as politeness

culture

a shared way of life within a society such as language, beliefs and norms and values

identity

how we see ourselves and how others perceive us

social control

how society ensures we all follow the same norms and values. There are two types, formal and informal.

Sanctions

Reward or punishment based on a certain action

Agencies of social control

The people and organisations which enforce and administer social control

social differentiation

The way in which we classify individuals into social groups such as, class, gender, age, race, religion

power

Ability to exert influence and control over yours and other lives

stratification

the unfair division of people into the social hierarchy, where the most privileged are at the top whilst the least are at the bottom

Closed system

A system in which you cannot change your position in the social hierarchy

Open system

Where you are able to change your position in the social hierarchy

Status

One’s social position and the influence and power they hold based off of it

ascribed status

A certain amount of power you hold based on what was bestowed upon you at birth

achieved status

the power and status gained based off of one’s own work and actions in society

social mobility

Ability to move up and down the social hierarchy

life chances

The opportunities in which we face for success in society