Chapter 1Chapter 1

The Sociological The Sociological Point of ViewPoint of View

Chapter 1 The Sociological Point of ViewChapter 1 The Sociological Point of View

sociology surrounds ussociology surrounds us sociologysociology- the study of human society - the study of human society

and social behaviorand social behavior main interest is main interest is social interactionsocial interaction- how - how

people relate to one another & people relate to one another & influence each other’s behaviorsinfluence each other’s behaviors

focus on group (over the individual)focus on group (over the individual)

The Social SciencesThe Social Sciences

social sciencessocial sciences- disciplines that - disciplines that study human social behavior or study human social behavior or institutions and functions of human institutions and functions of human societysociety

sociologists examine sociologists examine social social phenomenaphenomena- observable facts or - observable facts or events that involve human societyevents that involve human society

The Sociological PerspectiveThe Sociological PerspectiveWhy Study Sociology?Why Study Sociology? gain a new perspective of self & worldgain a new perspective of self & world look beyond common beliefs to see hidden look beyond common beliefs to see hidden

meanings behind human actions; look at social meanings behind human actions; look at social life in a systematic waylife in a systematic way

a a sociological perspectivesociological perspective helps you see all helps you see all people are social beings and to view the world people are social beings and to view the world through others’ eyesthrough others’ eyes

find balance between your desires & demands find balance between your desires & demands of your environmentof your environment

helps you view your life in contexthelps you view your life in context

Sociological ImaginationSociological Imagination

sociological imaginationsociological imagination- coined - coined by C. Wright Mills- the ability by C. Wright Mills- the ability to see the connections between to see the connections between the larger world and your the larger world and your personal lifepersonal life