Understanding the basic concepts of Sociology is the foundation for studying society, social behavior, and social institutions. Whether you are preparing for UGC NET Sociology or exploring the subject for the first time, knowing these core terms is essential because they appear repeatedly across different topics and units of the syllabus.

According to the session, concepts such as Values, Norms, Folkways, Mores, Sanctions, and Customs are among the most frequently used sociological terms. A clear understanding of these concepts helps build a strong conceptual base for advanced topics in Sociology.

This article explains these fundamental sociological concepts, their meanings, differences, and importance for UGC NET Sociology preparation.

UGC NET Sociology Course

What Are Basic Sociology Concepts?

Basic sociology concepts are fundamental ideas used to understand how individuals interact with society and how societies function. These concepts explain expected behavior, social rules, traditions, values, and everyday practices that shape social life.

According to the session, these terms are used throughout Sociology and therefore should be understood before studying more advanced topics.

Some of the most important concepts include:

• Values

• Norms

• Folkways

• Mores

• Sanctions

• Customs

UGC NET Sociology Preparation Study Plan

Why Are Basic Sociology Concepts Important?

These concepts provide the foundation for understanding social behavior and social relationships.

According to the session, they are important because:

• They appear across multiple Sociology topics.

• They help explain individual and group behavior.

• They are frequently asked in UGC NET Sociology examinations.

• They make it easier to understand advanced sociological theories.

A strong understanding of these concepts helps candidates interpret questions more accurately during examinations.

UGC NET Sociology Notes Handwritten

Values

Values refer to the beliefs and ideals that people consider desirable or important.

According to the session, values represent the qualities and behaviors that individuals believe should be encouraged within society.

Examples of Values

Some examples mentioned in the session include:

• Honesty

• Respect

• Equality

These values guide individual behavior and influence how people distinguish between desirable and undesirable actions.

ATOM Dec 2026 Sociology Batch Paper 2

Key Characteristics of Values

• Reflect desirable behavior.

• Based on personal beliefs.

• Can vary from one individual to another.

• Influence personal decision-making.

UGC NET Sociology Syllabus PDF Download

Norms

Norms are the expected rules of behavior that members of a society are expected to follow.

Unlike values, norms provide practical guidelines for everyday conduct.

For example, standing in a queue at a bank or thanking someone after receiving help are examples of expected social behavior discussed in the session.

Characteristics of Norms

• Expected rules of behavior.

• Guide social interactions.

• Maintain order in society.

• Differ from one society to another.

UGC NET Sociology Previous Year Question Papers

Difference Between Values and Norms

Although values and norms are closely related, they are not the same.

Values	Norms
Represent desirable beliefs and ideals	Represent expected rules of behavior
Based on individual beliefs	Based on social expectations
May differ from one individual to another	May differ from one society to another
Guide what people consider good or desirable	Guide how people are expected to behave

According to the session, remembering this distinction is important for conceptual clarity and examination preparation.

Folkways

Folkways are informal everyday customs and manners followed in daily life.

These are common social practices that people generally follow without the fear of severe punishment if they are ignored.

The session gives examples such as:

• Greeting others.

• Saying “Good Afternoon” or “Good Morning.”

• Washing hands before eating.

• Following basic everyday manners.

These practices help maintain polite social interactions but are generally less strict than other social rules.

ATOM Dec 2026 Sociology Batch Paper 2

Characteristics of Folkways

• Informal social practices.

• Everyday manners.

• Less strict than moral rules.

• Usually not associated with severe punishment.

Mores

Mores are strong moral norms that distinguish between right and wrong behavior.

According to the session, mores are stricter than folkways because they involve moral values and ethical expectations within society.

Examples include:

• Theft.

• Fraud.

• Other actions considered morally wrong.

Violating mores is viewed more seriously because these rules are closely connected with society’s moral standards.

Characteristics of Mores

• Concern right and wrong behavior.

• Based on moral values.

• Stronger than folkways.

• Violations are taken seriously.

Difference Between Folkways and Mores

Folkways	Mores
Informal everyday behavior	Strong moral rules
Concern manners and customs	Concern right and wrong
Less strict	More strict
Usually involve minor social disapproval	May involve strong social condemnation

Understanding this distinction is important because questions often compare these two concepts in Sociology examinations.

Sanctions

Sanctions refer to the rewards or punishments associated with following or violating social rules.

According to the session, society encourages desirable behavior through rewards and discourages undesirable behavior through punishment.

Types of Sanctions

Sanctions may include:

• Appreciation for following social norms.

• Rewards for desirable behavior.

• Punishment for violating rules.

• Social disapproval for unacceptable conduct.

Customs

Customs are long-established traditions and practices that are followed across generations.

According to the session, many customs continue simply because they have been practiced for a long time within a community or family.

Examples mentioned include traditional rituals and practices that are passed down from one generation to another.

Characteristics of Customs

• Traditional practices.

• Passed down across generations.

• Deeply rooted in society.

• Reflect cultural continuity.

Quick Revision Table

Concept	Simple Meaning
Values	Desirable beliefs and ideals
Norms	Expected rules of behavior
Folkways	Informal everyday manners
Mores	Strong moral rules about right and wrong
Sanctions	Rewards and punishments for behavior
Customs	Traditions followed across generations

These six concepts form the foundation of Sociology and are essential for understanding many other topics covered in the UGC NET Sociology syllabus.

Social Group

A social group is a collection of two or more individuals who interact with one another and share a common identity, interest, or objective.

According to the session, people become a social group when they communicate regularly and have something in common. For example, students preparing for the UGC NET examination form a social group because they share a common goal and interact with each other.

Characteristics of a Social Group

• Consists of two or more individuals.

• Members interact with one another.

• Shares common interests or goals.

• Develops a sense of belonging.

Types of Social Groups

The session briefly introduces two common types of social groups:

Primary Group

Primary groups are characterized by close, personal, and emotional relationships.

Example:

• Family

Secondary Group

Secondary groups involve formal, impersonal, and goal-oriented relationships.

Examples:

• Colleagues

• Office staff

• Professional groups

Social Institution

A social institution refers to an organized system of rules, procedures, and norms that regulates important aspects of social life.

According to the session, social institutions guide how individuals are expected to behave in different areas of society. They establish rules that help maintain order and continuity.

Examples of Social Institutions

The session identifies several examples:

• Family

• Religion

• Education

• Caste

Each institution functions according to its own set of rules and expectations.

Characteristics of Social Institutions

• Based on established rules.

• Regulate social behavior.

• Help organize society.

• Continue across generations.

Community

A community is a group of people living within a specific geographical area who share a sense of belonging and common social life.

The session explains that the key feature of a community is a fixed locality. People living together in a particular village or locality often share common interests, traditions, and everyday interactions.

Characteristics of a Community

• Fixed geographical area.

• Shared way of life.

• Sense of belonging.

• Common social relationships.

Examples

• Village communities.

• Urban neighbourhoods.

• Local settlements.

Difference Between Social Group and Community

Although both involve interaction among people, they differ in important ways.

Social Group	Community
Based on interaction and common identity	Based on interaction within a fixed locality
Members may live in different places	Members generally share the same geographical area
Common goals or interests	Common life and locality

According to the session, a community must have a specific locality, whereas a social group may exist without members living in the same place.

Association

An association is a group of individuals who voluntarily come together to achieve a specific objective.

The session emphasizes that associations are formed for a particular purpose and people join them voluntarily rather than by birth or compulsion.

Characteristics of an Association

• Formed voluntarily.

• Created for a specific purpose.

• Goal-oriented.

• May be temporary or permanent.

Examples

• Clubs

• Trade unions

• Professional organizations

Organization

An organization is a formally structured group that operates according to established rules, responsibilities, and hierarchy.

According to the session, organizations have formal procedures that define how members perform their duties and interact with one another.

Characteristics of an Organization

• Formal structure.

• Defined hierarchy.

• Rules and regulations.

• Assigned responsibilities.

Examples

• Government offices.

• Companies.

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Power

Power refers to the ability of an individual or group to influence or control the behavior of others.

The session explains that power allows people to affect decisions and influence social actions in different settings, including politics, families, and workplaces.

Characteristics of Power

• Ability to influence others.

• Exists in different social settings.

• Can affect decision-making.

• May or may not be legally recognized.

Prestige

Prestige refers to the respect, honour, or social recognition that an individual receives because of their achievements or social position.

For example, teachers, scholars, and professionals often receive prestige due to their role and contribution to society.

Characteristics of Prestige

• Based on social respect.

• Linked with achievements or position.

• Varies across societies.

• Reflects social reputation.

Wealth

Wealth refers to the economic resources and material possessions owned by an individual.

According to the session, wealth includes income, property, land, and other assets that contribute to an individual’s economic status.

Examples of Wealth

• Land

• Property

• Income

• Financial assets

Authority

Authority is the legitimate exercise of power.

The session highlights that Max Weber distinguished authority from power on the basis of legitimacy. Authority is accepted because it is exercised according to recognized rules or social approval, whereas power may exist without such legitimacy.

Difference Between Power and Authority

Power	Authority
Ability to influence others	Legitimate use of power
May not be legally accepted	Based on legitimacy
Can exist without official approval	Socially or legally recognized

Max Weber’s Types of Authority

According to the session, Max Weber classified authority into three types.

1. Traditional Authority

Traditional authority is inherited through customs or long-established traditions.

Example:

• A ruler succeeding another ruler by inheritance.

2. Legal-Rational Authority

Legal-rational authority is granted according to laws, rules, and formal procedures.

Examples:

• Police officers.

• Civil servants.

• Government officials.

3. Charismatic Authority

Charismatic authority arises from an individual’s exceptional personality, leadership qualities, or influence.

The session refers to leaders who gain public support because of their personal qualities rather than legal position or family background.

Quick Revision Table

Concept	Simple Meaning
Social Group	People interacting with a common identity or goal
Social Institution	Organized system of social rules
Community	Group living in a fixed locality
Association	Voluntary group formed for a specific purpose
Organization	Formal structure with rules and hierarchy
Power	Ability to influence others
Prestige	Respect or social honour
Wealth	Economic resources and property
Authority	Legitimate exercise of power

These concepts are frequently used throughout Sociology and provide the foundation for understanding social structures, institutions, and relationships.

Status

In Sociology, status refers to the position or rank that an individual occupies in society.

According to the session, every person holds different statuses in life. For example, a teacher has the status of an educator, while a student holds the status of a learner. These positions help define an individual’s place within society.

Types of Status

The session explains two major types of status.

1. Ascribed Status

Ascribed status is assigned to an individual by birth and does not depend on personal effort.

Examples:

• Caste

• Religion

• Family background

2. Achieved Status

Achieved status is earned through an individual’s own efforts, abilities, or accomplishments.

Examples:

• Teacher

• Professor

• Civil servant

Key Points

• Status defines a person’s social position.

• It may be acquired by birth or earned through achievement.

• One individual can hold multiple statuses simultaneously.

Role

A role refers to the responsibilities, duties, and expected behavior associated with a particular status.

According to the session, once a person occupies a specific status, society expects them to perform certain functions related to that position. For instance, a teacher is expected to teach students, prepare lessons, and evaluate examinations.

Characteristics of a Role

• Connected with status.

• Defines expected behavior.

• Changes according to social situations.

• Helps society function smoothly.

Difference Between Status and Role

Status	Role
Position occupied in society	Duties performed according to that position
Represents social identity	Represents expected behavior
Can be ascribed or achieved	Changes according to responsibilities

Understanding this distinction is important because questions frequently compare these two concepts in Sociology examinations.

Caste

According to the session, caste is a social system in which membership is determined by birth.

The session highlights several important features of caste:

• Birth-based membership.

• Fixed social position.

• Difficult to change.

• Associated with ideas of purity and pollution.

These characteristics distinguish caste from other forms of social classification.

Class

A class refers to a group of people who share a similar economic position.

Unlike caste, the session explains that class is not fixed and can change over time through education, occupation, income, and economic mobility.

Examples of Social Class

• Upper class

• Middle class

• Lower class

Difference Between Caste and Class

Caste	Class
Based on birth	Based on economic position
Fixed social status	Can change over time
Membership generally remains unchanged	Mobility is possible
Hereditary	Achievement and income can influence class

Race

According to the session, race refers to groups distinguished by biological and physical characteristics.

Examples include differences in:

• Skin colour

• Hair characteristics

• Other inherited physical features

These characteristics are biological rather than cultural.

Ethnicity

Ethnicity refers to a group of people who share a common cultural identity.

According to the session, members of an ethnic group often have common traditions, language, customs, or cultural heritage that distinguish them from other groups.

Characteristics of Ethnicity

• Shared culture.

• Common traditions.

• Shared identity.

• Cultural belonging.

Tribe

A tribe is described in the session as an indigenous social group with its own customs, traditions, language, and territory.

Traditionally, tribal communities have maintained distinct social and cultural identities and often lived separately from the mainstream society.

Characteristics of Tribes

• Indigenous communities.

• Distinct customs and traditions.

• Separate cultural identity.

• Common territory.

Sex and Gender

The session emphasizes that sex and gender are different concepts and should not be treated as interchangeable.

Sex

Sex refers to the biological differences between males and females and is determined by birth.

Gender

Gender refers to the social roles, expectations, and behaviours that society associates with masculinity and femininity.

According to the session, these expectations are socially created and vary across societies and cultures.

Difference Between Sex and Gender

Sex	Gender
Biological concept	Social concept
Determined by birth	Shaped by society
Based on physical characteristics	Based on social expectations
Generally constant	Can vary across societies

Summary of Basic Sociology Concepts

The following table provides a quick revision of all the concepts discussed in this article.

Concept	Meaning
Values	Desirable beliefs and ideals
Norms	Expected rules of behaviour
Folkways	Informal everyday customs
Mores	Strong moral norms
Sanctions	Rewards and punishments
Customs	Traditions followed across generations
Social Group	Individuals sharing interaction and common goals
Social Institution	Organized system of rules
Community	Group living in a fixed locality
Association	Voluntary group formed for a common purpose
Organization	Formal institution with hierarchy
Power	Ability to influence others
Prestige	Social respect and honour
Wealth	Economic resources and property
Authority	Legitimate use of power
Status	Position occupied in society
Role	Duties associated with status
Caste	Birth-based social system
Class	Economic grouping
Race	Biological classification
Ethnicity	Shared cultural identity
Tribe	Indigenous cultural community
Sex	Biological identity
Gender	Socially constructed identity

UGC NET Sociology Preparation Tips

According to the session, candidates should focus on understanding the meanings and differences between these concepts rather than simply memorizing definitions.

Pay special attention to:

• Values vs Norms

• Folkways vs Mores

• Social Group vs Community

• Caste vs Class

• Power vs Authority

• Status vs Role

• Sex vs Gender

These comparisons are commonly tested through conceptual and matching questions in UGC NET Sociology.

Conclusion

Basic Sociology concepts provide the foundation for understanding society, culture, institutions, and social relationships. Concepts such as Values, Norms, Folkways, Mores, Status, Role, Caste, Class, Authority, Community, and Gender are used throughout Sociology and are essential for developing conceptual clarity.

Basic Sociology Concepts FAQs