Cambridge International AS & A Level Sociology: every topic, by paper

What is socialisation?

The lifelong process of learning the norms, values and culture of a society.

What is the difference between primary and secondary socialisation?

Primary socialisation happens in early childhood, mainly in the family; secondary socialisation happens later through school, peers, media, religion and work.

What are norms?

Unwritten rules of acceptable behaviour in particular situations.

What is the difference between positivism and interpretivism?

Positivists seek objective, scientific, quantitative data; interpretivists seek to understand meanings using qualitative methods.

What is validity?

Whether research gives a true picture of what is being studied.

What is reliability?

Whether research can be repeated and give the same results.

What is functionalism?

A structural consensus theory that sees society as a system of interdependent parts working together to maintain stability.

What is Durkheim's idea of social solidarity?

The shared values and bonds that hold society together.

What is Marxism?

A conflict theory arguing capitalist society is based on exploitation of the working class (proletariat) by the ruling class (bourgeoisie).

What is a nuclear family?

Two parents and their dependent children living together.

What is an extended family?

A family including relatives beyond the nuclear family, e.g. grandparents living with parents and children.

What is a lone-parent family?

A family with one parent and dependent children, most often headed by a mother.

What is the domestic division of labour?

How household tasks and childcare are divided between partners.

What are segregated conjugal roles?

Partners have separate roles, e.g. male breadwinner and female homemaker.

What are joint conjugal roles?

Partners share tasks and leisure time.

What is the role of education according to functionalists?

It passes on shared values, teaches specialist skills and sorts people into jobs by ability.

What did Durkheim say about education?

It creates social solidarity by transmitting shared values and teaches specialist skills.

What did Parsons say about education?

School is a bridge between family and society, applying universalistic standards and meritocracy.

What is differential educational achievement?

Differences in educational success between social groups, e.g. by class, gender and ethnicity.

What is cultural deprivation?

The idea that some groups lack the norms, values, language or skills needed for educational success.

What is material deprivation?

Lacking money and resources, e.g. books, space, a computer or a healthy diet, which affects achievement.

What is a substantive definition of religion?

A definition based on what religion is, e.g. belief in God or the supernatural.

What is a functional definition of religion?

A definition based on what religion does for individuals or society, e.g. creating social solidarity.

What did Durkheim argue about religion?

Religion creates social solidarity; the sacred symbolises society itself, so worshipping it reinforces shared values.

What is secularisation?

The process by which religion loses its influence in society.

What is a church (in Troeltsch's typology)?

A large, established religious organisation with a hierarchy, claiming a monopoly of truth, often linked to the state.

What is a denomination?

A religious organisation, smaller than a church, that accepts society's norms and does not claim a monopoly of truth.

What is mass media?

Forms of communication that reach large audiences, e.g. TV, newspapers, radio and the internet.

What is media concentration?

Ownership of the media becoming concentrated in the hands of a few large corporations.

What is the Marxist view of media ownership?

Owners use media to spread ruling-class ideology and protect their interests.

What is a media representation?

How the media portray a group, place or event.

What is a stereotype in the media?

A simplified and often negative image of a group that is repeated in the media.

How have women traditionally been represented in the media?

Often in domestic or sexualised roles, judged on appearance, and under-represented in powerful roles.

What is globalisation?

The increasing interconnectedness of societies through trade, communication, culture and migration.

What are the main drivers of globalisation?

New communication and transport technology, transnational corporations, trade liberalisation and global media.

What is a transnational corporation (TNC)?

A company that operates in many countries.