thinking like a sociologist chapter 1. key topics 1-1 what is sociology? 1-2 what is a sociological...
TRANSCRIPT
THINKING LIKE A SOCIOLOGIST
CHAPTER 1
Key Topics
1-1 What Is Sociology?1-2 What Is a Sociological Imagination?1-3 Why Study Sociology?1-4 Some Origins of Sociological Theory1-5 Contemporary Sociological Theories
What Is Sociology?
Sociology
Sociology: the systematic study of social interaction at a variety of levels
Systematic study assumes social behavior is regular and patterned.
Sociology
Social Interaction: the process of acting toward and reacting to people around us Interaction between individuals Interaction between groups Interaction between nations
Sociology
Sociology studies how we are similar.Each individual is unique in some ways but
like other people in most ways.We are more alike than we are different.
Sociology
Sociology is more than common sense.Common sense:
Is subjective Ignores facts Varies across groups and cultures Is based on myths and misconceptions
Sociology--Application
What Is a Sociological Imagination?
The Sociological Imagination
Sociological imagination: the ability to see the connection between individual lives and larger social influences
Developed by C. Wright MillsDistinguishes between:
Personal troubles (biography) Structural issues (public and historical)
The Sociological Imagination
Microsociology: focuses on small-scale patterns of individuals’ social interaction in specific settings Individuals interacting as friends Patterns of interaction within families
The Sociological Imagination
Macrosociology: focuses on large-scale patterns and processes that characterize society as a whole Comparison of divorce rates for different countries Effect of trade policies on unemployment rates
The Sociological Imagination--Application
How could each of these situations be both a trouble (micro) and a structural issue (macro)? Illness Unemployment Oil spill
Why Study Sociology?
Studying Sociology
Why is sociology important? Making informed decisions Understanding diversity Shaping social and public policies Thinking critically Expanding your career opportunities
Studying Sociology
Some Origins of Sociological Theory
Origins of Sociological Theory
Sociology is based on theory and empirical information.
Theory: a set of statements that explains why a phenomenon occurs
Empirical information: information based on observations, experiments, or experiences
Origins of Sociological Theory
Auguste Comte“Father of sociology”Argued for the
empirical study of society
Analyzed social statics and dynamics
Origins of Sociological Theory
Harriet MartineauTranslated Comte’s
workEmphasized
systematic data collection
Opposed slavery and advocated for women’s rights
Origins of Sociological Theory
Émile DurkheimAnalyzed social facts,
social solidarity, and division of labor
Conducted study of suicide and social integration
Origins of Sociological Theory
Karl MarxAnalyzed the
Industrial RevolutionStudied capitalism,
class conflict, and alienation
Origins of Sociological Theory
Max WeberArgued for the
importance of ideas, ideologies, and charismatic leaders
Used verstehen or subjective understanding
Argued for value free sociology
Origins of Sociological Theory
Jane AddamsCofounded Hull
HouseStudied social
disorganization and immigration
Origins of Sociological Theory
W.E.B. DuBoisCofounded NAACPExamined oppressive
effects of race and class
Contemporary Sociological Theories
Contemporary Sociological Theories
Theories are tools and evolve over time.Contemporary theories grew out of the 1950s
and 1960s.
Contemporary Sociological Theories
Functionalism emphasizes order, cohesion, and consensus.
Society is a complex system of interdependent parts that work together to ensure a society’s survival.
Contemporary Sociological Theories
Functions are purposes and activities to meet different needs that contribute to a society’s stability.
Manifest functions are intended and recognized.
Latent functions are unintended and unrecognized.
Dysfunctions have negative impacts.
Contemporary Sociological Theories--Application
A school uniform What are the manifest functions? What are the latent functions? What are the dysfunctions?
A fast food restaurant What are the manifest functions? What are the latent functions? What are the dysfunctions?
Contemporary Sociological Theory
Conflict theory examines the ways in which groups disagree, struggle over power, and compete for scarce resources.
Karl Marx predicted that conflict would result from widespread economic inequality.
Contemporary Sociological Theory
Conflict theory studies the “haves” versus the “have-nots.”
The “haves” dominate in social, political, and economic activities over the “have-nots.”
Contemporary Sociological Theory
Feminist theories explain the social, economic, and political position of women in society.
Women suffer injustice because of their sex.Feminists seek to free women from
traditionally oppressive expectations and constraints.
Contemporary Sociological Theory
Symbolic interactionism looks at individuals’ everyday behavior and communication through symbols and shared meanings.
It is a micro-level perspective.Society is socially constructed.
Contemporary Sociological Theory
Constructing meaning occurs through behavior and interpretation.
Symbols stand for something else (words, gestures, pictures)
Symbols have shared meanings and definitions of the situation.
Contemporary Sociological Theory--Application
How do humans mark their territory?How do we define the different racial
categories that people are assigned?How do we know how to feel about a war?
Contemporary Sociological Theory
Functionalism: How does structure help society work?
Conflict: How are resources distributed?Feminist: How does life reflect gender?Interactionism: How do we construct
meaning through symbols?
Chapter Review
1. What is sociology?2. Why do we need sociology?3. What is the sociological imagination?4. Describe the contributions of the early
social thinkers.5. What are the contemporary sociological
theories?