What are some basic sociological concepts?

The basic concepts of sociology revolve around the patterns of human behavior that sociology looks to study: society and culture, ways in which individuals and groups interact and the factors which influence an individual's role in society. The paradigms of sociology, including functionalist, conflict, symbolic interactionist, exchange and ethno-methodology will shape the way these concepts are applied.

Specific sociological concepts examine the patterns of human behavior in context.

• Society and culture - the study of components of culturem such as language, dress and values, countercultures and subculture; ethnocentrism
• Socialization, social interaction, social deviance and social control - anticipatory socialization, resocialization and the study of crime
• Class and caste systems, income and wealth distribution, privilege and oppression, social mobility
• Sex, gender and race - the feminization of poverty, prejudice, oppression and sociobiology