Intro Key Terms Flashcards
(35 cards)
Culture
The way of life of a group of people, including things shared by a society, such as norms and values.
Norms
The rules and guidelines for expected and appropriate behaviours.
Values
The belief that some things are worthwhile and more important than others, such as individual liberty.
Customs
A set of norms associated with a particular social occasion, such as giving gifts at Christmas.
Ascribed status
A position in society assigned on the basis of biology, i.e. the Queen.
Achieved status
A position in society earned through performance i.e. the prime minister.
Social roles
Particular norms of behaviour you’re expected to follow based on the parts you play in society - for example, a students role is to learn.
Role conflict
When several social roles clash, meaning the expectations of the role cannot be fulfilled successfully - for example, being a student who has homework, an employee who has to work and a friend who needs to comfort someone all on one night.
Social order
The maintenance of a stable society.
Social control
The process by which society insures that people conform to norms and values, so that social order is maintained i.e. through sanctions.
Formal social control
Official means of dealing with deviant behaviour, i.e. the law.
Informal social control
Unofficial means of dealing with deviant behaviour, i.e. criticism.
Positive sanctions
Reinforcing good behaviour through rewards, i.e. pocket money.
Negative sanctions
Discouraging bad behaviour through punishment, i.e. being expelled.
Social construct
An idea that is created and given special meaning by people, i.e. childhood.
Ethnocentric
When your culture influences your perspective, leading to seeing others as different or inferior.
Nature Nurture debate
Whether peoples’ behaviour is more influenced by genetics or upbringing.
Feral children
Children bought up without the usual process of human socialisation, for example, Genie Wiley.
Socialisation
The process beginning at birth and ending at death, by which we learn the norms and values of our society.
Agents of socialisation
Institutions that teach us the expected rules of society, such as the family and education.
Primary socialisation
The first stage of socialisation, occurring in infancy, from immediate family at home.
Secondary socialisation
The second stage of socialisation occurring in late childhood and into maturity, involving agents beyond family, such as school and peers.
Tertiary socialisation
The third stage of socialisation that occurs throughout adulthood in new situations, such as the workplace.
Formal socialisation
A deliberate and conscious process involving sanctions or instructions.
