A Level Sociology Induction

Flashcards reviewing core concepts, definitions, socialisation processes, and theoretical perspectives from the A Level Sociology induction booklet.

How do sociologists define Sociology?

Sociology is the study of how society is organised and how we experience life.

How is culture defined in sociology?

Culture is the term used by sociologists to describe the shared way of life which binds individuals together into a society.

What is the difference between values and norms?

Values are a set of beliefs governing what a social group holds worthwhile and important, whereas norms are accepted standards or ways of behaving that define appropriate and inappropriate behavior.

Are values and norms enforceable by law?

No, values and norms are not laws and are not enforceable by law; they are created and enforced socially and by society.

In sociology, what is defined as a 'role'?

A role is a set of norms associated with a particular status or identity.

In sociology, what is defined as a 'custom'?

A custom is a set of norms associated with a particular context or situation.

What is a subculture?

A subculture is a group within a larger society that develops its own distinct norms, values, beliefs, behaviours, roles, customs and language often in opposition to the mainstream culture.

What is socialisation?

Socialisation is the processes by which individuals are taught, learn and internalise the culture of their society.

What is the difference between agents of socialisation and agencies of socialisation?

Agents of socialisation are the people who socialise us, whereas agencies of socialisation are the institutions (places) that socialise us.

What is primary socialisation and what is its main agency?

Primary socialisation is the first stage of learning the culture, values, norms and behaviours of a society during early childhood, and its agency is the family.

What is secondary socialisation and what are three agencies associated with it?

Secondary socialisation is the process of learning the appropriate behaviour, norms and values of wider society outside of the immediate family. Its agencies include school, friends, and social media.

According to the gender socialisation table, how does the media socialise girls compared to boys?

The media represents girls as emotional and speaking about feelings, while representing boys as strong, tough men who are non-challant, with anger as the only allowed emotion.

What is the difference between social differentiation and social stratification?

Differentiation refers to the ways in which we draw sociologically significant distinctions between groups, whereas stratification refers to the ways in which differentiated social groups are organised hierarchically into layers or strata.

How is social class defined in sociology?

Social class refers to divisions in society based on economic social status, where people share a similar level of wealth, educational achievement, type of job, and income.

What is the difference between consensus theories and conflict theories?

Consensus theories argue that the current social system benefits all members of society and that continued social order is in our best interests, while conflict theories argue that society is 'set up' to benefit certain social groups through unequal power relations.

Which key sociological perspectives are classified as consensus theories, and which are classified as conflict theories?

Functionalism and The New Right are consensus theories, while Marxism and Feminism are conflict theories.