Society and Culture Prelims

Social & Cultural Concepts

Persons — individuals shaped by society

Society — groups, networks, institutions

Culture — shared knowledge, beliefs, values

Environment — physical, social, political surroundings

Time — past, present, future; continuity & change

Power — ability to influence others

Authority — legitimate use of power

Gender — socially constructed differences

Identity — sense of self

Technologies — tools that shape interactions

Globalisation — increased interconnectedness

Continuity & Change — what stays the same vs evolves

Socialisation — learning values + norms

Values — deep principles

Beliefs — ideas considered true

Customs — traditional behaviours

Norms — expected behaviours

Roles — expected behaviours in positions

Status — position in society

Key Ideas

Micro / meso / macro levels

Socialisation agents: family, peers, school, media

Cultural transmission

Social & cultural literacy

Research methods

Continuity & change

Interactions between groups

🟩 Depth Study: Irish Travellers

Who they are

Nomadic ethnic minority group in Ireland

Distinct culture, language (Shelta), traditions

Culture

Strong family networks

Marriage traditions

Religion (Catholic influence)

Traveller economy (trading, crafts)

Nomadism as identity

Discrimination

Stereotypes (dirty, criminal — incorrect + harmful)

Housing discrimination

School exclusion

Media misrepresentation

Continuity & Change

Decline in nomadism due to laws

Increased access to education

Changing gender roles

Modernisation vs cultural preservation

Interactions with wider society

Prejudice