ANT 121 Introduction to Sociology

What is sociology? The scientific and systematic study of society, social interaction and human behaviour.

What is the focus of sociology? The social consequences of activities, behaviours and attitudes. Questioning how and why people act in the ways they do. The recognition that human behaviour is social in nature. Culture - beliefs, values, norms & language. The entire society and ALL social institutions. The external & structural factors that influence people. Industrialised, developed societies & globalization.

The Sociological Perspective Looks beyond the limitations of individual view of the world - develop an understanding of society as a whole. Understands the importance of cultural influences upon our lives. To understand those from different race, ethnic or class backgrounds. C. Wright Mills (1959) coined the term, ‘the sociological imagination’, also known as the sociological lens or perspective. Provides an in-depth examination of social organization & behaviour. Develops a framework for analyzing the social world in broader context transcending personal experience or “common sense”.

Sociology versus Common sense The example of suicide shows how sociological findings contradict ‘common sense’ beliefs & ideas. People assume suicide is linked to being unhappy & those living in desperate circumstances & poverty would be more likely to commit suicide. The opposite is true - wealthy, developed countries have the highest suicide rates, whereas in Africa the rates remain relatively low. Similarly, in South Africa, the suicide rate among whites is higher than among blacks. You would also expect the suicide rate to decrease after apartheid ended, yet the opposite is true. You may assume that the suicide rate would decrease during an economically prosperous period, but the suicide rate increases when there is a sudden change in people’s lives, even if positive like an economic boon, or winning the lottery.

Socialisation Is a lifelong interactive process of cultural learning involving different types of social actors. The individuals, groups & institutions that facilitate this process are the agents of socialisation They ensure that individuals learn & incorporate the values & norms of their culture as well as their various positions in the social structure in such terms as class, race and gender.

Agents of socialisation Primary Agent: The Family Secondary Agents: Peer groups, schools, religious institutions & the mass media.

Uses of sociology / What sociologists do Sociology graduates can lecture & do research at universities. Offer collection of skills - good oral & written communication, critical thinking, interpersonal skills & problem solving ability. Able to deal effectively with a wide range of social issues & problems. Apply expertise to issues like urbanization, homelessness, violence, crime, over population, AIDS and the formulation of social policy. Work in government departments, research institutes, trade unions, business world. Consultants, advisors in prisons, hospitals & NPOs. Specialize to further increase career prospects. If you are interested in health issues, medical sociology is recommended.