VCE Sociology key terms

The systematic study of human societies, social groups and social behaviour, using evidence and theory to explain how social forces shape individual lives and collective outcomes.

A way of thinking that connects personal troubles to wider public issues, showing how individual experiences are shaped by historical and social circumstances beyond personal control.

The relatively stable patterns of relationships, institutions and roles that organise a society and shape how people interact and access resources.

The capacity of individuals and groups to make choices and act in ways that shape their own lives and, at times, modify social structures.

The lifelong process through which people learn the norms, values, beliefs and behaviours expected in their society, becoming functioning members of social groups.

Early socialisation occurring in infancy and childhood, usually within the family, where foundational values, language and basic social skills are first learned.

Later socialisation occurring beyond early childhood, through schools, peers, workplaces, media and other institutions, which builds on and sometimes challenges primary socialisation.

The people, groups and institutions that transmit norms and values, including family, peers, schools, religion, media and workplaces.

Shared expectations about how people should behave in particular social situations, ranging from informal everyday customs to formal rules with sanctions.

Broad shared beliefs about what is desirable, right or important in a society, which underpin norms and guide judgements about behaviour.

The shared way of life of a group, including its knowledge, beliefs, values, norms, language, symbols and material objects passed between generations.

A group within a wider society that shares distinctive norms, values, styles or interests while still participating in the broader culture.

A group whose norms and values deliberately oppose or reject those of the dominant culture, often seeking to change or withdraw from mainstream society.

Judging another culture by the standards of one's own, often treating one's own culture as normal or superior and other cultures as inferior.

The approach of understanding a culture on its own terms rather than judging it by the standards of another culture.

The part of a person's sense of self derived from membership in social groups, such as gender, ethnicity, class or religion.

The social position a person occupies, which carries particular expectations and levels of prestige; status may be ascribed at birth or achieved through effort.

The set of expected behaviours, rights and obligations attached to a particular social status or position.

The hierarchical arrangement of groups in a society according to unequal access to valued resources such as wealth, power and prestige.

A broad grouping based on economic position, typically measured through income, wealth and occupation, which shapes life chances and lifestyle.

Movement of individuals or groups between social positions, either upward or downward, within a stratification system.

The opportunities a person has to access valued goods and experiences, such as education, health care and employment, which are shaped by social position.

Unequal distribution of resources, opportunities and rewards among individuals and groups, often along lines of class, gender, ethnicity or age.

Unequal treatment of people based on characteristics such as gender, ethnicity, age or disability, rather than on individual merit.

Preconceived negative attitudes or opinions about a group or its members, formed without adequate knowledge and often resistant to contrary evidence.

An oversimplified and generalised belief about the characteristics of a group, applied to all members regardless of individual differences.

Behaviour that violates significant social norms and therefore attracts disapproval or sanctions from others.

Behaviour that breaks formal laws and is subject to official punishment by the state.

Rewards or punishments used by groups and institutions to encourage conformity to norms and discourage deviance.

The processes and mechanisms, formal and informal, through which societies encourage conformity and discourage behaviour that threatens social order.

An established and enduring pattern of social organisation focused on meeting a significant social need, such as family, education, religion or the legal system.

A social institution based on relationships of kinship, care and reproduction, taking diverse forms across cultures and historical periods.

Social relationships based on blood ties, marriage or adoption, which define obligations, roles and membership within a family group.

Significant shifts over time in social structures, institutions, norms, values or patterns of behaviour within a society.

The increasing interconnection of economies, cultures and societies worldwide through trade, technology, migration and communication.

An organised collective effort by a group of people to promote or resist social change, often outside formal political channels.

A historical period and set of social conditions associated with industrialisation, rationalisation, urbanisation and the rise of nation-states.

Numerical information gathered through methods such as surveys and statistics, allowing measurement and comparison of social patterns.

Non-numerical information such as interviews and observations that captures meaning, experience and detail rather than measurable quantities.