1. Introductory Concepts
Sociology
Introductory Concepts

2. Learning Objectives
To understand and be able to define key terms such as norms, values, socialisation, culture and identity.

3. Culture and Identity
Individually on your post it note write down a definition of:
The term culture on one side
The term identity on the other side
Now share it with your partner and agree on which definitions are the best.

4. Culture and Identity Culture refers to the way of life of a society.
This includes:
Language
Beliefs
Values
Norms
Customs
Roles
Identity refers to how we see and define ourselves as well as how others see and define us.
This can include:
Gender
Sexuality
Social class
Nationality
Ethnicity
And others

5. Values and Norms
Values are widely accepted beliefs that something is worthwhile and desirable.
For example: the value of respect for human life.
Note down 5 values in British society
Norms are social rules which define acceptable behaviour in society. For example: queuing. 2) Note down 5 norms in British society.

6. Values and Norms Identify the values underlying the following norms:
Don’t cheat in exams
Brush our teeth
Queue
Sit apart from the only other person on the bus
Values are very important because:
They affect our behaviour via norms.
Many laws are based on society’s values.
What are customs?
These are norms which have lasted a long time and become part of society’s traditions.

7. Roles
Roles refers to the patterns of behaviour expected from individuals in society.
People play many different roles in their lives and there are different expectations of behaviour for each role.
Complete the table
What would happen if you didn’t keep to the expected behaviour of each role?
Role
Expected behaviour
Student
Friend

8. Roles Occasionally our different roles may result in role conflict.
What do you think this means?
Explain how the following individuals may suffer from role conflict:
A mother who is taking a night class whilst also working a full time job.
A student whose best friend is upset due to his partner breaking up with him.

9. Status
Status refers to the amount of social importance a person has in the eyes of other members of society.
There are two main types:
Ascribed status
Achieved status
Explain what the difference is between each.
Provide at least two examples for each type.
Ascribed status is fixed at birth, e.g. age, ethnicity.
Achieved status is achieved by an individual’s own efforts, such as through education or work.

10. Socialisation
Produce a timeline outlining what you learn in society and how. Think about norms, values, roles, status etc.
Socialisation is the process by which individuals learn the culture of the society they live in.
It is also the process by which identities are formed.
Socialisation is carried out by the agents of socialisation.

11. Agents of Socialisation
These are social institutions which help us learn our identities and the culture of society.
They include:
Family
Peer group
Education
Media
Workplace
Religion
PRIMARY SOCIALISATION
SECONDARY SOCIALISATION

12. Social Control
The agents of socialisation can also carry out social control.
This refers to the methods used to persuade or force individuals to keep to the dominant norms and values of society.
How might the following social institutions do this?
Family
Education
Workplace
Peer group
Media
Religion
There are two types of social control:
Formal social control (written rules for behaviour)
Informal social control (unwritten rules for behaviour)

13. Initial Assessment 1
Outline and explain two ways in which norms and values can influence behaviour (10 marks)
Minimum of 1 side of A4
Two separate paragraphs