Def. The beliefs, customs and way of life of a society of a group within society
Made distinctive by norms and values
Entire system of behaviour and beliefs of a group or society so shared norms, values and beliefs
Sociologists Definition
Williams (1983) it’s the way of life
Woodward (2000) said it was shared meaning, values and practices
Norms
Def. A form of behaviour which most people in a society follow
Social rules or expectations that govern behaviour
Normal and socially accepted behaviour
Sociologists argue that learning a culture involves learning the norms
Passed on from generations so adopted to fit changing social climate meaning norms are not fixed and based on an agreement so it is situational meaning they can change
Caveman Today
Different across cultures such as knife and form in Britain but in china it’s chops sticks
If people don’t follow these norms, they are deviant
Sociologists argue that shared norms play a crucial role in society as a social glue
They disagree over where norms come from whether it is tradition or powerful groups
Kate Fox (2004) – Englishness
Unofficial conduct that are common against all age, gender, religion. Classes and subcultures define English national identity and character
Conversation Codes
Weather = Overcome natural shyness and reserve
Grooming = Greeting awkwardly as not knowing what to do
Humour = Can’t take it seriously so laugh at one’s ability
Linguistic class codes = Know others social class
Pub talk = Suspension or relaxation so cultural remission
Values
Def. General principles or beliefs which most of the society agrees on
Develop over time and stable
Sociologists argue that learning a culture involves learning the values of society
Provides themes which underlie social norms
Seen as important as it is what we believe in so strive to achieve and guide behaviour
Norms and value linked which is why we perform certain behaviour we hold certain beliefs
Cross cultural
Everyone in same culture share some beliefs so not universal
Sociologists disagree on whose values become the dominant ones in society, so it may be the dominant ethnic group
| Norms | Values |
| Wearing a seat belt | We value the place on safety for life |
| Forming queues in orderly fashion | Value the order and fairness |
| Being quite outside a doctor’s surgery | Value placed on health, privacy and advice |
Roles
Def. Patterns of behaviour or responses carried out in social life
They’re expectations
Play several roles know all the meanings and why they are there
Individuals and groups all perform social roles
Situational, individualistic and societal
Roles won’t get along causing role conflict
Roles develop through social process so born into some roles such as son/daughter
We expect a mother to be mature, give unconditional love and listen
In contemporary UK it involves expectations of how to behave and if not, they will be socially judge
Status
Def. describes the position a person occupies in a setting
Based on social position or standing within society
Associated with prestige, honour and social standing
Held by individuals or a group
Relies on evaluation of social differences so come from something/someone perceive others
Position of high and low status so can be both at same time such as a racist activity who is a member of the British national party
Cross cultural
Ascribed Status
Given to a person through inheritance or physical characteristics
Fixed at birth such as prince William
Very little to change it
Achieved Status
A person earns their status
Based on merit or talent
It is changeable
Education and qualifications
In the UK and western societies roles and statues tend to be achieved due to members valuing equality of opportunity and merit such as lord sugar
Customs
De. Established norms that are in a society for generations and usually part of historical tradition and make nit cultural unique and distinctive
It is a celebration/act/commemoration
Every culture has different ones
Specific to one culture
Shared across a culture
Everyone in that culture knows the meaning and why they do it