Major Sociological Concepts or Terms Studied in Sociology for Class 12

Sociology is the study of society and human social behavior. It examines the ways in which individuals and groups interact within a society and how society influences their behavior and beliefs. In Class 12 sociology, students are introduced to various key concepts and terms that help them understand the functioning of society. Some of the major sociological concepts studied in Class 12 sociology are:

1. Social Structure:
- Refers to the patterned relationships and interconnections between individuals and groups in society.
- It includes institutions, organizations, roles, norms, and values that shape social interactions.

2. Social Institutions:
- These are established patterns of behavior and relationships that fulfill certain social needs.
- Examples include family, education, religion, politics, and economy.

3. Socialization:
- The process through which individuals learn the norms, values, and beliefs of a society.
- It enables individuals to acquire social skills and develop an identity.

4. Social Stratification:
- The division of society into different hierarchical layers based on social status, power, and wealth.
- It leads to the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities.

5. Social Change:
- The alteration of social structures, institutions, and relationships over time.
- It can occur through various factors such as technology, social movements, and globalization.

6. Gender and Society:
- The study of how social roles, expectations, and inequalities are constructed and perpetuated based on gender.
- It explores topics such as gender socialization, gender roles, and gender inequality.

7. Deviance and Social Control:
- Deviance refers to behavior that violates social norms and expectations.
- Social control refers to the mechanisms and processes through which society regulates and enforces conformity to norms.

8. Globalization:
- The process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence among countries and societies.
- It has profound social, cultural, economic, and political implications.

9. Social Movements:
- Organized collective actions by individuals or groups seeking to bring about social or political change.
- Examples include civil rights movements, feminist movements, and environmental movements.

10. Culture:
- The shared beliefs, values, customs, practices, and artifacts that characterize a society.
- It shapes individuals' behavior, perceptions, and worldview.

These concepts and terms provide students with a theoretical framework to analyze and understand the complexities of society. They enable students to critically examine social issues, inequalities, and transformations, fostering a deeper understanding of the social world in which we live.