Sociology Key Concepts: Norms, Socialisation, Theories & Structures

Norms and values

An unspoken rule on how individuals should behave in society, and shared beliefs in society that something is important.

Primary Socialisation

Socialisation that takes place when your young, that your brought up with your family or carers.

Secondary Socialisation

Socialisation that takes place when your growing, that you gain at school or in the workplace.

Nature vs nurture debate

Created by Genie Riley, the debate whether human behaviour is mainly the result of biology or environmental experiences.

Social Institutions

Organized structure in society, like religion, education, family, legal system, media that meet needs to maintain social order.

Consensus Theory

We have shared values, norms and we all agree with each other in institutions that work together to maintain order.

Conflict Theory

Society made up of two groups competing for power and resources and that social structures.

Organic analogy

A functionalist term used to describe how the body is society which contains each essential organ to keep society running.

Functionalist view of society

A society as a system based on shared values, which different institutions work together to maintain order.

Patriarchy

When women are seen less inferior to men, and men are seen more superior to women.

Conflict between bourgeoisie and proletariat

Bourgeoisie exploit the workers for profits, this leads to inequality and struggle over power and resources.

Quantitative data

Data in numerical or statistical form, such as graphs and statistics.

Qualitative data

Data that is based on words like interview responses.

Structural theory

Sees people shaped by society, emphasis is on the power of society OVER the individual. They are influenced by social institutions.

Interactionism

An approach that is concerned with the meaning of action and its interpretation.