How Do We Learn Our Identity? (Copy)
O Level Sociology – Cheat Sheet
2.1 How do we learn our identity?
2.1.1 (a) Society as a Social Construction
| Concept | Definition |
|---|---|
| Culture | Shared way of life – language, beliefs, behavior, etc. |
| Norms | Social rules defining acceptable behavior |
| Values | General beliefs about what is right/wrong or important |
| Customs | Traditional, regular practices (e.g. weddings, festivals) |
| Roles | Expected behavior based on social position |
| Status | Social standing: |
- Ascribed = given at birth (e.g. royalty)
- Achieved = earned (e.g. doctor) |
| Stereotypes | Oversimplified ideas about groups (e.g. “boys don’t cry”) |
How These Influence Identity:
They shape how individuals see themselves, how they are treated by others, and how they are expected to behave in society.
2.1.2 The Social Construction of Identity
- Nature vs Nurture Debate:
Nature = genetics/biology;
Nurture = socialisation/learning.
Sociology supports nurture view. - Cultural Relativity:
Norms/values vary across societies (e.g. dress, marriage customs). Identity depends on cultural context. - Socialisation:
Process of learning how to behave in society. - Norms and Values:
Internalized during socialisation, guiding behavior and identity.
2.1.3 Primary and Secondary Socialisation
| Type | When It Happens | Agencies |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Early childhood | Family – first and most important |
| Secondary | Later in life | Education, Peer group, Media, Religion, Workplace |
✔ Effectiveness of Agencies:
- Family: Builds foundation of norms, language, behavior
- Education: Reinforces discipline, hierarchy, cooperation
- Peer Group: Strong influence in teenage years (e.g. fashion, speech)
- Media: Shapes values, stereotypes, role models
- Religion: Provides moral framework
- Workplace: Teaches responsibility, role expectations
2.1.4 Socialisation Processes by Agencies
| Process | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Canalisation | Directing children into gendered roles | Girls given dolls, boys given trucks |
| Hidden Curriculum | Indirect lessons in schools | Punctuality, obedience to authority |
| Media Representations | Stereotypical portrayals in TV/movies | Women shown as caregivers |
| Peer Pressure | Conforming to peer expectations | Dressing or speaking to fit in |
| Religious Teachings | Moral and behavioral codes | Modesty, charity, prayer |
| Role Modelling | Copying admired individuals | Imitating teachers, parents, celebrities |
| Workplace Training | Learning workplace norms | Timekeeping, teamwork, professionalism |
2.1.5 Sociological Perspectives on Socialisation
| Theory | View on Socialisation | Key Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Functionalist | Consensus – socialisation is essential for unity | Inadequate socialisation leads to deviance. Shared norms = value consensus and social cohesion. |
| Marxist | Conflict – socialisation benefits the ruling class | Socialises working class into accepting inequality and reproduces class system. |
| Feminist | Conflict – reinforces patriarchy | Socialisation teaches gender roles, leading to inequality between men and women (e.g. girls taught to be submissive). |
2.2 How does society control us?
2.2.1 Social Control
- Formal Social Control:
Carried out by official agencies like police, courts, schools.
Enforced through laws, rules, written codes. - Informal Social Control:
Enforced by family, peers, community through gossip, approval, disapproval, ridicule. - Sanctions:
- Positive: Rewards for conformity (e.g. praise, certificates)
- Negative: Punishments for deviance (e.g. detention, fines)
- Effectiveness:
Informal control works through internalisation of norms.
Formal control is stronger where informal norms break down.
2.2.2 Consensus vs Conflict Views of Social Control
| Perspective | View of Social Control | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Functionalist | Maintains social order | Keeps society stable; everyone agrees on norms/values |
| Marxist | Enforces inequality | Law and control benefit ruling class, oppress working class |
| Feminist | Reinforces patriarchy | Norms and expectations control women more than men |