Sociology + Social Change

Sociology studies interactions and conflicts within groups to determine how society functions

Norms and predictable behaviours are important if a society is to maintain social order and stability

Sociologists determine whether changes in society are predictable or unpredictable

Sociologists examine previous conditions that brought up change in first place

Helps sociologists predict future trends and changes

What is Sociology?

All human behaviour is social so the subject matter of sociology ranges from

The family Mob behaviour organized crime religious cults race, gender and social class Deviance Culture Impact of technology

Sociology Subject Matter:

To understand the whole picture, it is important to understand the individual components

Microsociology is the study of social encounters, experiences, roles and interactions of individuals

Emphasizes how changes occur in one’s life depending on social and environmental stimuli that surround person

It looks at all the parts that influence a personmicrosociolo

gy

General Example: What occurrences/experiences

have occurred to have a stereotype generated and solidified in a person’s mind

Individual Behavioural Processes

Cognitive consistency- Preventative action to stop feelings of

segregation/unhappiness Seek out people that are just like you, so

that you aren’t “deviant” (going against the norm)

You consciously seek out things (stimuli) that is consistent with your thoughts, behaviour and attitudes

You avoid conflict through the choices that you make

The goal is balance– at any cost!2 types of microsociology

{

Cognitive dissonance- •Result of an occurrence or action•Disconnect•Feeling of discomfort with predominant group action. •Only way to overcome dissonance is to change behavior or make it consistent with your attitudes that the group has --- unhappiness •You do it to gain balance regardless of unhappiness

2 types of microsociology

Macrosociology is sociological approach in which groups, social systems and social structures are analyzed on large scale

These type of sociologists are concerned with wide sweeping changes on entire population.

Social Paradigm Shift When a new set of ideas, beliefs and values become strong enough

to effect and change the way individuals perceive reality Eg. Changing acceptance of Family structures

When change is met by resistance by a dominant group = paradigm paralysis (inability/ refusal to see beyond current systems of thought)

Resistance called confirmation bias tendency to favour information that confirms beliefs and preconceptions about an issue Look for answers that prove your pointMacrosociolog

y

{ People are uncomfortable

with change We are creatures of habit We like routines and

predictability to maintain balance

This is not how the world works especially in current day

What does this all mean?

{ The transformation in

the beliefs, interactions, practices, organizations and structures in a society/group

Challenges the status quo Normalcy = stability

•Takes many years•Prejudice and Discrimination are barriers•Social acceptance happens quicker than systemic (official rules esp. in government or formal organizations

Social Change

{http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfl8cDZPQzU

Let’s deconstruct this idea of social changeAs you watch the short clip below, consider the following:

1) What is the issue that requires the change?2) What kinds of changes need to occur to remedy this

issue?• Hint: Change happens on multiple levels-

individual, group, government, national and global

3) Why doesn’t the rest of the world care?