Sociology key words

Norms

Social rules, expectations or standards that govern behaviour expected in particular situations. These may be formal (e.g. written laws or rules) or informal (e.g. rules of politeness). Each culture has their own set of norms.

Values

These tell society’s members what is good and important in life and what to aim for.

Role

How someone who occupies a certain position or status in society is expected to act. not another word for job.

socialisation

the process by which an individual learns and internalises society's norms and values. primary = within a family. secondary = education the media, peer groups, religion act.

Culture

Things shared by a society or group of people, and transmitted from generation to generation via socialisation. This includes our shared norms, values, knowledge belief and skills.

Subculture

A smaller culture within a bigger one. This refers a group of people within society who share norms and values in some ways that are different to the mainstream culture

identity

the individual’s sense of self, influenced by socialisation and interations with others e.g. gender, ethnicity, class

social class

social groupings of hierarchy usually based on differences in wealth, income, or occupation

Ethnicity

Shared culture and identity - this may include same language, religion nationality ect those belonging to the dominant ethic group are known as the ethnic majority and those that don't belong to the dominant ethnic group are known as the ethnic minority

Gender

The social and cultural characteristics of men and women.