Introduction to Sociology
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Transcript of Introduction to Sociology
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGYChapter 1, Section 1
WHAT IS IT? Sociology= studies human society and
social behavior in a scientific manner.
Look at two main aspects of society: Social interaction= how people relate to one
another and influence one another’s behavior.
Social phenomena= observable facts or events in human society.
WHY DO PEOPLE STUDY SOCIOLOGY?1) Understand how behavior is influenced by
social factors. 2) Learn how to view the world through others’
eyes• Look beyond common beliefs and find
hidden meanings= sociological perspective. 3) Attempt to balance one’s personal desires
with their social environment. • Connect the larger world with personal
life= sociological imagination. 4) Find your ‘place’ both within society and
history.
SOCIOLOGY AS A SOCIAL SCIENCE Sociology is one of 6 social sciences. A social
science studies human behavior, institutions or functions of human society in a scientific manner.
Other social sciences: Anthropology Psychology Economics Political science History
SOCIAL SCIENCES What do each of the other social sciences
look at? (Be able to explain each in your own words)
Anthropology– cultures of past, less-advanced societies.
Psychology– focuses on individual behavior. Economics– study of choices people make; how
people are affected by economic factors. Political science– organization and operation of
government. History– study of past events; how past events
affect current behaviors and attitudes.
SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVESChapter 1, Section 2
HOW SOCIOLOGY STARTED Sociology did not develop until the 1800s. Sociology developed in Europe, because of
changes as a result of the Industrial Revolution. People left their homes in the countryside and
came to cities. As cities became crowded, people began to interact on a closer scale than ever before.
Social problems such as housing shortages, crime, and lack of jobs arose.
The desire for individual rights amongst society led to the American and French Revolutions.
THE EARLIEST SOCIOLOGISTS Auguste Comte
French (1798-1857) “father” or “founder” of sociology-- coined
the term believed that sociologists should worry about two
problems: order and change social statics = overall structure of a
society remains unchanged social dynamics = elements within the
society change to allow for social development
“cerebral hygiene” - attempt to keep his mind pure.
THE EARLY SOCIOLOGISTS (CONT’D) Herbert Spencer
English (1820-1903)Adopted a biological view of society–
saw society as an organism Influenced by Charles Darwin
Coined the phrase “survival of the fittest”
Social DarwinismAdvocated against social reform efforts
because it would disrupt the natural selection process of evolution The best traits of society would survive over time
THE EARLY SOCIOLOGISTS (CONT’D) Karl Marx
German (1818-1883)Structure of society is
influenced by how its economy is organized.There are two classes, the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.
The bourgeoisie own the means of production and the proletariat provides labor.
The imbalance of power between the two classes would lead to rebellion.
THE EARLY SOCIOLOGISTS (CONT’D) Emile Durkheim
French (1858-1917)First to apply scientific principles to
study of society. Study directly observable features.
Saw society as a series of interrelated parts, but the function(s) of these parts was his focus. Function= a consequence that an element of
society produces in order to maintain the social system.
Specifically looked at religion. 1897 study Suicide was the first of its kind
THE EARLY SOCIOLOGISTS (CONT’D) Max Weber
Prussian (1864-1920)Focused on the groups within a
society rather than society as a whole. What is the effect of society on the individual?
Believed in the use of Verstehn to put yourself in someone’s place to study meanings behind an individual’s actions.
Created the term ideal type to refer to the essential characteristics of a feature of society.
THE THREE PERSPECTIVES Theory= explanation of relationships
among phenomena. Theoretical perspective= a ‘school of
thought’, outlining specific ideas about the nature of social life.
Three perspectives: Functionalist Conflict Interactionist
THE THREE PERSPECTIVESChapter 1, Section 2 (cont’d)
FUNCTIONALISM Emphasizes
function of social partsFamily, religion etc.
See social parts as in integrated whole society
Patterns of unrest, change, integration and stability
Consensus on social values
Social Change
Social Integratio
nStability
Social Unrest
Functionalist Perspective
FUNCTIONALISM TERMSManifest functions of institutions
are open, stated, conscious functions. They involve the intended, recognized, consequences of an aspect of society.
Latent functions are unconscious or unintended functions and may reflect hidden purposes of an institution.
A dysfunction is an element or a process of society that may actually disrupt a social system or lead to a decrease in stability.
CONFLICT PERSPECTIVE Permanent social
conflictCompetition for
interests and value
Power and who gets what
Change occurs when power shifts
powershift
conflictPower shift
conflict
Conflict Perspective
CONFLICT- EXPLAINED
WHAT DOES THE TITANIC HAVE TO DO WITH IT?
Not exactly ‘fair’, is it?
SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM Focuses on
interactions between people
Establish meaning from reaction to symbols
Base behaviors on these symbols
Imagine how others might react to symbols
Interact based
Onobservation
s
Predict Social
behaviorsBased on
interactions
Learn meaning through
observation
INTERACTIONS MEAN DIFFERENT THINGS TO DIFFERENT INDIVIDUALS
REVIEW: WHICH IS FUNCTIONALISM, CONFLICT PERSPECTIVE, OR SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM Societies are in relative balance
F Power is the most important element in life
C Religion helps hold together a society morally
F Symbols are crucial to social life
S Many element exist in society to benefit the
powerful C
Social change is constantly occurring C
Conflict is harmful and disruptive to society F