Key concepts
What do sociologists call the rules of expected behavior in society?
Norms
Which approach studies society from a large-scale, top-down perspective — structural or social action?
Structural approach
Functionalism is usually seen as a consensus or conflict theory?
Consensus
Is Marxism a consensus or a conflict approach?
Conflict
A position in society, like being a student or a daughter.
Status
Which agent of socialisation/social institution is most important during early childhood?
Family (primary socialisation)
What is meant by a micro approach in sociology?
Focus on small-scale interactions between individuals
Which term refers to the idea that society is like a living organism, with parts working together?
What are the two main parts of society according to Marx?
The (economic) base and the (ideological) superstructure
The process of learning norms and values.
Socialisation
What is the difference between ascribed status and achieved status? Use at least one example in your explanation.
Ascribed is given at birth; achieved is earned through actions/effort.
Relevant examples
What is the key difference between consensus and conflict approaches?
Consensus = society works together in agreement; Conflict = society is divided and groups compete over power/resources.
What is the role of socialisation in Functionalism?
It teaches shared norms and values, helping maintain social order and stability
According to Marxists, how does the ruling class maintain control over society?
By using ideology, controlling institutions like education, media, and religion, and shaping beliefs to justify inequality
Functionalists say society works best when society is in a state of agreement and cooperation - what is this state called?
Social stability / Social order
Explain how CAGE (Class, Age, Gender, Ethnicity) can influence someone’s behaviour or life chances, giving at least two examples.
Two relevant points e.g., Class can affect access to education/learning; Gender can affect dress/display of emotions; Ethnicity may lead to discrimination from others; Age can affect language.
Give two features of the structural approach and two features of the social action approach.
Structural = top-down, deterministic, macro. Social action = bottom-up, free will, micro
Using four different institutions (e.g., family, education, media, religion), explain how each helps maintain social stability.
Four appropriate answers e.g.
Family – socialises children into norms and values, supporting order (e.g., teaching respect for authority)
Education – teaches skills and transmits shared values, preparing people for work and citizenship.
Religion – reinforces moral codes and collective beliefs, encouraging social cohesion.
Economy – provides roles/jobs and distributes resources, helping society function smoothly.)*
Using four different institutions (e.g., family, education, media, religion), explain how each serves the interests of the ruling class.
Four appropriate answers e.g.
Family – reproduces labour force and teaches obedience
Education – trains workers and legitimises hierarchy
Media – spreads ruling-class ideology
Religion – promotes acceptance of inequality and obedience.
In Marxism, this is the part of society made up of institutions like education, media, and religion, which spread ruling-class ideology.
Superstructure