Terms, Concepts and their use in Sociology

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Sociological knowledge uses scientific methods, systematic observation, and specific terminology to understand society objectively. Common sense knowledge is based on everyday experiences and assumpti…

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A social group is a collection of continuously interacting persons who share common interests, culture, values and norms. Main characteristics: (1) Persistent interaction for continuity (2) Stable pat…

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A quasi group is an aggregate or combination that lacks structure or organization, and whose members may be unaware of the existence of groupings. Examples include: passengers at a railway station, ci…

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Primary Groups: Small, intimate, face-to-face association, personal relationships, sense of belonging. Examples: family, close friends, village community. Secondary Groups: Large, formal, impersonal r…

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Community: Personal, intimate, enduring relationships with considerable involvement (like family, close friends). Society/Association: Impersonal, superficial, transitory relationships of modern urban…

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In-group: A group with which members feel a sense of belonging ('us' vs 'them'). Out-group: Groups to which in-group members don't belong, often facing hostile reactions. Example: School children form…

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Reference groups are groups whose lifestyles are emulated or looked up to, though we don't belong to them. They influence our aspirations, culture, and goals. Historical example: During colonial perio…

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Social stratification refers to structured inequalities between groups in society regarding access to material or symbolic rewards. It's like geological layers with more favoured at top, less privileg…