Sociology

UNIT 1: CULTURE AND SOCIAL

STRUCTURE

Chapter 1:The Sociological Point of View

Section 1: Examining Social LifeSociology: the study of human interaction and

relationships

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5pp_fZDU8I

So…how is sociology similar to and different from other social sciences?

Social sciences are a category of studies that focus on human behavior, institutions, and functions of human society in a scientific manner.

Sociology human society and social behavior

Main interests in social interaction (how people relate to each other’s behavior)

and

social phenomena (observable facts or events that involve human society).

Pair Partner Reflection

What is sociology?

How is sociology similar to and different from other social sciences?

The Sociological Perspective

…Looking beyond what is considered the common belief and value system to explore the hidden meaning behind human actions.

“Searching for the ELEPHANT in the room”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz7ZWfzUxeg

Sociological Imagination:The ability to see the connection

between the larger world and your personal life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqvnVAL8-1g

Other Social Sciences are…

Anthropology: the comparative study of

past and present cultures

Psychology: study of the mind and human

behavior

Social Psychology: the study of how the social environment affects an individual

behavior and personality

Economics: the study of satisfy needs and

wants of the individual and society through

making choices

Political science: the study of organization

and operation of governments

History: the study of past events

Section 2: Sociology: Then and Now

Factors that developed the study of SOCIOLOGY:

Rapid social and political change occurred in Europe because of the Industrial Revolution.

1. Rural economy (farming) decreased and Urban economy (factories/industries) increased.

2. More workers than available jobs; shortage of housing; increased crime, and pollution.

3. The effect of society on individual freedom and individual rights.

Early Years of DevelopmentTHE MOST INFLUENTIAL EARLY DEVELOPERS OF

SOCIOLOGY WERE…

Auguste Comte French philosopher (1798-1857) Considered the FOUNDER of Sociology Applied scientific methods to the study

of social life. Coined the term sociology. Inspired the events of the French

Revolution 2 areas of study:

1. Social order

2. Social change (social dynamics) Ignored the research and theories of

others to keep his mind “pure” (called cerebral hygiene)

Herbert Spencer English philosopher (1820 – 1903)

Influenced by Charles Darwin’s Nature vs. Nurture Theory

Believed in the “survival of the fittest”

Social Darwinism – people achieve or not achieve their economic and social status based on their physical and intellectual capabilities

Also practiced “cerebral hygiene”

Karl Marx German philosopher (1818-1883) Believed that the structure of society

is heavily influenced by how its economy is organized. 2 classes in society:

1. Bourgeoisie – capitalists; own the means and methods to produce goods and services

2. Proletariat – workers; own nothing Believed that an imbalance in social

power leads to social conflict Classless society would be created by

a workers’ revolution with all needs taken care of by contributions from all

Emile Durkheim Frenchman (1858-1917) Developed the first university sociology

course One of the first sociologists to

systematically apply the scientific method to sociology.

Concerned with the problem of social order

Focus on the function of interdependent parts of society

Saw religion as a way to maintain social order; offered a moral compass

Should only study aspects of society that is directly observable.

Max Weber Prussian (1864-1920) Was an economics professor Interested in separate groups within

society, instead of society as a whole. Believed sociologists should go BEYOND

what is observable and search for the feelings and thoughts of the individuals

Verstehen (fehr-SHTAY-en): an attempt to understand the meanings individuals attach to their actions (i.e. Listening with Understanding and Empathy).

Worked to identify the essential characteristics of a feature of society (ideal type).

Functionalist Perspective

(Comte, Spencer, & Durkheim)

Conflict Perspective

(Karl Marx)

Interactionist Perspective

(Max Weber)

• See society as a set of interrelated parts that work together to produce a stable social system

• Focus mostly on the functions of the family and education

Example: Family Structure In Societyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1WyqpMkxmY

Terms to Know:Dysfunctional – any part of society that has a negative consequence or does not operate as intended

Manifest function – the intended consequence of some element of societyLatent function – the unintended and unrecognized consequence of an element of society.

• Focus on the forces in society that promote competition and change.

• Monitors the effects of the powerful on the powerless.

• Anticipates social conflict from lack of resources for some.

Example: How Social Status Affects Relationshipshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yZ8TvDzw-A

• Focus on how individuals interact with one another in society on an everyday basis.

• Monitors how symbols affect people

Example: Interactions with People Who are Obese

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okQffrY_vFo

Term to Know:

Symbol: anything that represent something else.