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