Higher Sociology

Course Outline Units Human Society Social Issues Culture and Identity Assessments Exam Assignment

Culture and Identity Perspectives: structural; action Theories include: Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism, Symbolic interactionism and Labelling. Sociological concepts which must include: primary socialisation, secondary socialisation, identity, culture, subculture, diversity, power and status, prejudice and discrimination. The impact of socialisation on the formation of identity. The significance of power and status in terms of relationships, with reference to a culture and/or subculture. Aspects of identity which must include both age and gender. Aspects of culture; high culture; popular culture. Sociologically relevant research and evidence for aspects of culture and identity including at least two appropriate research studies — this must include the main findings and conclusions of: — Cohen (1972) Folk Devils and Moral Panics to explain deviance within a subculture. — one other study of choice to explain a chosen aspect within a culture or subculture. Practical, ethical and theoretical criteria used to evaluate sociological research.

Socialisation Learning Intentions: To be able to explain what social order is. To be able to use the following key terms: values, norms, primary socialisation and secondary socialisation.

Task Discuss what the following are: A norm is behavioural patterns. Value A norm is behavioural patterns. A value is a shared set of beliefs.

Social Order Agreed norms and values means that (MOSTLY) people that we live in proximity to behave predictably. We have a set way of greeting each other, is this the same or different than it is in Spain? Norms and values give us social order, if we did not have this, there would be chaos.

Socialisation Socialisation is the passing on of culture. It is a process that turns individuals into members of a social culture by adopting things like: language, customs, knowledge, skills, roles, values and norms, interests and status. Our use of knives and forks is something we are socialised to do. Our knowledge of Robert Burns and the customs that surround him are all things that we are brought up (socialised) to understand.

Primary/Secondary Socialisation Write on your whiteboard: There is primary and secondary socialisation. What do you think primary socialisation is? What do you think secondary socialisation is? Think about where you might learn each one and give an example.

Primary Socialisation Primary socialisation takes place in the family. Children internalise norms and values by imitating their parents/guardians. They are rewarded for socially acceptable behaviour and punished for socially deviant behaviour. They are referred to as primary socialisation because they are the first agents we come across in life. For example being potty trained, saying please and thank you.

Secondary Socialisation The agents of secondary socialisation take over from the age of around five. These are more formal institutions who have systems in place to reward and discourage certain behaviors. The most important secondary agents of socialisation are: Education –skills such as numeracy and literacy. Functionalists suggest that school promotes consensus, children learn to value belonging to a larger group through things like school uniform and assembly which helps us to fit into society. Marxists suggest there is a hidden curriculum that socialises pupils into ruling class cultures and encourages them to accept exploitation (eg. doing as you are told and don’t ask questions). Peer groups – are of similar social status and socialise individuals towards conformity or deviance. Youth subcultures sometimes encourage deviant behaviour. Religion – most religions oppose theft and murder and teach respect for elders. Mass media – powerful in shaping norms and values in the audience. Some sociologists argue that the media have now replaced religion in secondary socialisation (snapchat and facebook as normal ways of communication rather than face to face or on the phone). Workplace – enables people to join the world of work such as being on time and obeying the boss.

Task Use the hand out to answer the following questions. Explain what primary socialisation is and why it is important. Explain what secondary socialisation is and give three detailed examples. Give an example of a person who has ascribed status, give reason for your answer. Give an example of a person with achieved status, give reason for your answer.

Exit Task Why do we need Social Order?