Terms, Concepts and their Use in Sociology
Social Groups and Society
A social group involves interaction and some sense of membership or connection. Primary groups such as families are characterised by close, personal relations, while secondary groups are generally more formal and goal-oriented.
Social Stratification
Social stratification refers to structured inequalities between categories of people. Class, caste and other forms of ranking can affect access to resources, prestige and opportunities.
Status and Role
Status is a socially recognised position, while a role refers to expected behaviour associated with that position. One person can occupy multiple statuses and perform multiple roles. Role conflict can arise when expectations attached to different roles clash.
Social Control
Social control refers to mechanisms through which societies encourage conformity to norms. Formal control includes laws and institutional rules; informal control includes family expectations, praise, criticism and social approval.
Explained MCQs
- A student’s position as a class representative is a:
Answer: Status.
Explanation: It is a recognised social position. The duties and expected conduct attached to that position constitute the role. - Why is social stratification more than individual difference?
Answer: Because stratification involves patterned and relatively durable inequalities between social categories.
Explanation: A difference in personal preference is not automatically stratification. Stratification concerns structured access to valued resources, status or opportunities.
Case Study
A student is expected to be a learner at school, a child at home and a team captain during sports. Identify the statuses and explain one possible role conflict.
HOTS
Explain how formal and informal social control can operate together in the same institution.