Nature of Sociology

Sociology• Looks at things from the “group”—

not the individual.• This is the sociological

perspective.– If women are thought of as less in a

society, does that come from the individual or from society.

– If normally law abiding kids join in a riot and steal from stores…

What are some patterns in social relationships we see every day?

• Greetings—

• Manners--

• Addressing authority—

• How do we learn all of these?

…address categories…Look for Patterns in social behavior…Study why group/ individual behavior might differ…Look at the “Big Picture.”

Sociologists…

Listen to this story and then write down how a sociologist

would approach it…

• Background of mugger, rescuer• Type of neighborhood (typical for

muggings?)• Did police act properly?NOW, how does this differ from what a

psychologist would do…

Conformity• How do you conform?• Why do you conform?• Value in the group–Need to belong– Remember—the individual is not

the important knowledge—it’s the action of the group…

Try this—In groups of 3…

• Make a list of 8 things you did between the time you got up and 9 am.

NEXT>>>• Make a chart with two columns –

one labeled Boys; One-Girls.• Look around the room, List 5

descriptors of how your classmates are dressed.

Now—make a master list on the board…

• Is there conformity within the group???

Sociological Imagination

• We need to remember that social forces will affect our lives.

• Social Imagination is the ability to see the relationship between events in our personal lives and group behavior.

• Helps us deal with pressures that occur on us• Helps us understand the events occurring in

the world.

Social Imagination also Challenges Conventional Wisdom

---that which people assume is true:• Boys are better at math• Girls should raise children because their

better at it• Girls should be nurses, boys should be

doctors• Boys can’t dance• Girls can’t run long distances…• Boys are better athletes• Teachers… (careful!! )

Last thing…• In your groups, make a list of 5

reasons teens dress the way they do.…….I’ll do the same.Now let’s compare.

Homework: Read 6-13. Do: Read “Another Time” p 10; do 1-2-3

Read “Job opportunities” p 12 Do 1-2-3Be sure you can define “Key Terms p 7