Key concepts

Culture-

• Shared norms, values, beliefs and language of a group or society

• Subculture- A culture within a culture (Goths, punks)

Norms and values-

• Norms- Social rules or expectations that guide behaviour (saying please and thank you)

• Values- Beliefs about what is important and worthwhile (respect, freedom, success)

Socialisation-

• The process of learning the culture of your society

• primary socialisation- Takes place in early childhood, mainly through the family

• Secondary socialisation- Occurs throughout life (education, media, peers, religion)

Agents of socialisation-

• Family- Teaches basic norms and values, discipline and language

• Education- Teaches formal curriculum and hidden curriculum (punctuality, obedience)

• Peers- Influence through group pressure and social acceptance

• Media- Shapes views on gender, violence, beauty

• Religion- Provides moral codes and belief systems

• Workplace- Teaches discipline, teamwork and responsibility (especially in adult socialisation)

Identity-

• How individuals see themselves and how they are perceived by others

• Social identity- Based on membership in social groups (gender, ethnicity and class)

• Personal identity- Individual personality traits and life experiences

Social control-

• Formal social control- Enforced by institutions like the police, courts and schools

• Informal social control- Enforced by peer pressure, family expectations and social norms

Nature vs Nurture-

Nature- Human behaviour is biologically determined

Nurture- Behaviour is learned through socialisation