Sociology of Everyday Life – 7 Mark Answers
UNIT – 1
1. Symbolic Interactionism:
Symbolic interactionism is a sociological perspective that explains how people create and interpret
meanings through everyday interactions. It focuses on symbols, language, and shared meanings.
Symbols shape actions, guide interpretations, and help people understand situations. Everyday
gestures, expressions, and words create social reality.
2. Role and Status – Linkage:
Status is a social position; role is the behavior expected from that position. Role is the dynamic
aspect of status. Every status carries roles, and performance of roles strengthens or weakens
status. Both are interdependent and shaped by cultural norms.
3. Status – Types & Difference:
Status is a defined social position. Types include ascribed, achieved, master, temporary, and
occupational. Ascribed status is given at birth, like caste or gender; achieved status is earned
through effort, like doctor or athlete.
4. Verbal & Non-verbal Communication:
Verbal communication uses spoken or written language. Non-verbal communication includes
gestures, expressions, posture, and tone. Both work together to convey meaning and emotions.
5. Agents of Socialization:
Agents include family, school, peers, media, religion, workplace, and community. They teach
norms, values, culture, and skills needed for social integration.
6. Socialization – Meaning & Characteristics:
Socialization is the lifelong process of learning culture, norms, and behaviors. It is continuous,
interactive, shapes personality, and transmits culture. Major agents include family, school, peers,
media, religion, workplace, and community.
UNIT – 2
7. Habitus & Friendships:
Habitus refers to internalized values, habits, and tastes gained through upbringing. It influences
friendships through shared lifestyles, comfort, class-based similarities, and cultural background.
8. Male–Male vs Female–Female Friendships:
Male friendships are activity-based and less emotional. Female friendships are expressive,
emotional, and intimate. Men bond through action; women bond through communication.
9. Classed Friendship:
Classed friendship refers to friendships shaped by social class differences. Barriers include
different lifestyles, economic limits, cultural gaps, stereotypes, and limited interaction spaces.
10. Social Class & Friendships:
Class influences friendships through lifestyle compatibility, economic ability, language, schooling,
neighborhood, and cultural capital. It shapes who people meet and bond with.
11. Habitus & Youth Friendships:
Habitus shapes youth friendships through similar tastes in music, fashion, food, hobbies, language,
and school environment.
12. Nature of Interpersonal Relationships:
They are mutual, emotional, dynamic, reciprocal, socially shaped, goal-oriented, and unique to
each pair of individuals.
13. Elements of Interpersonal Relationships:
Key elements include communication, trust, respect, empathy, honesty, support, and commitment.
14. Homophily Principle:
Homophily means individuals prefer friends who are similar in interests, values, class, gender, or
background. It creates comfort and reduces conflict.
15. Challenges in Interpersonal Relationships:
Challenges include poor communication, lack of time, conflicts, trust issues, distance, social
pressure, and changing priorities.