theories, methods & debates

• structural approach - individuals shaped by society > puppets on string

  -studies social institutions & structures that make up society

  -'top-down'
• social action approach - individuals have free will & choice

  -studies actions of individuals & interpretations

  -'bottom-up'
• 2 types of structural - based on consensus / conflict
• socialisation - process whereby individuals learn society's culture
• positive sanction - action that rewards particular kind of behaviour
• negative sanction - a punishment or threat of punishment used to enforce conformity
• formal sanction - official action taken by formal organisation
• informal sanction - social / cultural action taken by an individual / group
• primary socialisation - takes place during childhood

  - families usually main agency of socialisation

  - mostly teaches particularistic norms & values
• secondary socialisation - takes place throughout rest of childhood & life

  - performed by other social institutions

  - teaches more universal norms & values
• gender socialisation - teaches what's the expected norms & values for different gender roles

  - done from early age throughout process of canalisation

  - canalisation = directing boys & girls to gendered objects & activities
• achieved status - gained through own success
• ascribed status - inherited characteristics we're born with

  - beyond our control
• role - made up of particularistic norms of expected behaviour associated with given status / identity