6.1 Basic sociological concepts notes

1. 6.1.1Sociology: origin, scope and the founders (Comte, Spencer); society and community

   Sociology is the scientific study of society and social relationships; Auguste Comte named it and Herbert Spencer gave it its evolutionary, "society as an organism" outlook.

   Standard · 8 min · Read here
2. 6.1.2Social groups: primary and secondary, in-group and out-group, reference groups; status and role

   A social group is two or more people who interact, share a sense of belonging and follow common norms; within groups each person holds statuses (positions) and plays roles (the behaviour expected of those positions).

   Standard · 7 min · Read here
3. 6.1.3Culture: definitions, folkways and mores, ethnocentrism, cultural relativism and cultural lag

   Culture is the learned, shared and transmitted way of life of a group, made of material things and non-material ideas, values and norms; norms range from mild folkways to strongly enforced mores and laws.

   Standard · 8 min · Read here
4. 6.1.4Socialisation, social control and theories of social change

   Socialisation turns a newborn into a member of society; social control keeps members within the norms; and theories of social change explain how and why societies transform.

   Standard · 8 min · Read here

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