Chapter 2: Terms, Concepts and Their Use in Sociology

1. Need for Sociological Concepts

• Concepts are like tools for sociologists.

• They help in classifying, analysing, and understanding society scientifically.

2. Important Sociological Terms

(a) Society

• A group of people who share social relationships, culture, institutions, and live in a definite territory.

• Society is more than individuals → it is a system of relationships.

(b) Community

• Group of people living in a specific locality.

• Emotional attachment and sense of belonging.

• Example: Village community.

(c) Institution

• Organised system of social relationships that fulfil social needs.

• Example: Family (reproduction, care), Education (knowledge), Religion (beliefs).

(d) Social Groups

• Collection of individuals interacting and sharing identity.

• Primary Group: Small, intimate, emotional (family, friends).

• Secondary Group: Large, impersonal, formal (school, office).

(e) Status and Role

• Status: Position a person holds in society (teacher, student, mother).

• Role: Behaviour expected from that status (teacher should teach, student should study).

(f) Norms and Values

• Norms: Rules of expected behaviour (e.g., respecting elders).

• Values: Shared beliefs of right and wrong (e.g., honesty, equality).

(g) Culture

• Shared customs, traditions, beliefs, art, language.

• Passed from one generation to another (socialisation).

(h) Social Stratification

• Hierarchical division of society based on caste, class, race, gender, power, wealth.

• Creates inequality.

3. Importance of Sociological Concepts

• Help us distinguish between personal problems and social issues.

• Enable comparative studies of societies.

• Help in policy-making and reforms.

🔑 Key Terms

• Society, Community, Institution, Primary Group, Secondary Group, Status, Role, Norms, Values, Culture, Stratification.