Definitions

Question 1

Define globalisation

Answer 1

• globalisation is the process of integration and sharing of goods, capital, labour, services, knowledge, leisure, ideas and culture between countries
• brought about by new technologies
• it is evidenced in global patterns of consumption + consumerism, global sport, the spread of world tourism
• it has created a consciousness of the world as a single place

Question 2

summarise conflict theory

Answer 2

• involves destabilising social structures in order to bring about change - revolution
• states that people are unhappy with following set norms + values - these are imposed on people by dominating power groups e.g. govt + economic organisation
• dom. groups maintain cont. as believe it maintains social order - c.ts think this causes underlying tension amongst individuals, who cause social change through changes to legislation, strikes, protests etc.
• changes to society = greater equality for individuals in their macro as they can redistribute the means - giving all individuals a balanced share in society.
• can be applied to micro

Question 3

summarise functionalist theory

Answer 3

• more gradual process brought about by a formally structured society. - adaption
• humanity - product of social order + every individual has a specific form/function - if everyone performs their duties, society is perfectly balanced without major conflict
• every individual belongs to a subsystem + these subsystems have a specific role in society
• subsystems are able to work effectively if they adhere to the functionalist imperatives of adaption, integration + pattern management
• more a promoter of continuity as encourages gradual change - doesn’t heavily disturb order of society
• ind. in subsystems can experience change in micro - as changes occurring in the macro will influence the role or function of individuals

Question 4

define acculturation

Answer 4

the process whereby different culture come into contact with each other - and one or both cultures take on characteristics of the other
- can be brought about by mass media or direct contact

Question 5

define enculturation

Answer 5

the process whereby individuals learn to use the patterns of social and cultural behaviour necessary to be accepted as a member of that culture
different to socialisation: enculturation refers to values + norms learned throughout life where as socialisation refers specifically to the values + norms learnt in childhood/adolescence
different to acculturation: enculturation is internal within a culture

Question 6

define socialisation

Answer 6

the process whereby children + adolescents learn to become members of their society, accepting the values, norms + behaviours of the society

Question 7

summarise evolutionary theory

Answer 7

• result of Charles Darwin’s scientific theories of evolution
• application of his theory has been cause of conflict - mainly through ‘social darwinism’
• e. theory states that society progresses in a linear manner in one direction + in an upward direction
• was altered in 20th century to allow for multilinear progression + removes the belief of upward direction
• doesn’t allow for continuity as society is forever evolving
• can be seen in the micro world as a way of bringing about change through an individual’s experience + the benefit of hindsight

Question 8

what causes social change?

Answer 8

changes to the physical environment
innovation
problem or crisis management
demographic factors
social movements
law makers
effective leadership
policy makers and planners
the mass media

Question 9

what is social change?

Answer 9

it is a constant condition of all societies and cultures - regardless of their level of development or standard of living
it occurs when the causes of social change alter: established patterns of life and social behaviours, - existing social structures, institutions and organisations - or commonly held values, beliefs and attitudes

Question 10

what are quantitive methods?

Answer 10

enables the collection of very specific data from a large group.
easily collated into percentages/tables/graphs
includes: questionnaire (w closed ended q.s or ratings), content analysis (mainly counting), statistical analysis, observation

Question 11

what are qualitive methods?

Answer 11

used for studies at the individual or small group level and finding out indepth how and what people are thinking/feeling
includes: questionnaire (open ended q.s), content analysis (analysis and interpretation of cultural elements/artefacts about meanings of content), interview, focus group, secondary research, personal reflection, participant observation, case study

Question 12

what is scenario writing?

Answer 12

a process of analysing possible future events by considering alternative possible outcomes

Question 13

what is trend analysis and forecasting?

Answer 13

forecasting is the process of making statements about events whose actual outcomes have not yet been observed. the forecaster will usually consider previous trends (trend analysis) and often make predictions by applying social theory