Chapter 1: Understanding Sociology
Important Questions What is Sociology? Why is it important? What types of things do Sociologists study?
Sociology and the Social Sciences Science : a body of knowledge obtained by methods based on systematic observation What’s the difference between the social sciences and the natural sciences and what do they have in common? Hook- Up Culture in College:
The Sociological Imagination
Allows us to look at the world critically and question common sense assumptions Thomas Theorem: what you believe to be real is real in it’s consequences.
The Three Main Sociological Perspectives New Year City Murder Rates: upon.com/su/9SToBv /:Q$HnFTw$:GFRziPG h/projects.nytimes.c om/crime/homicides /map/
Symbolic-Interactionism Focuses on the Micro and Social Psychology Humans living in a world of meaningful objects Looks at Nonverbal Communication Founder: George Herbert Mead Social Thinking:
Functionalism Emphasizes the ways parts of a society are structured to maintain stability. Looks at the Macro Interconnected parts working together to keep society functioning Social Institutions make up these parts. Manifest functions Latent Functions Dysfunctions Founder: Emile Durkheim
Conflict Perspective Groups struggle for resources and power Bourgeoisie and the proletariat Helps to maintain privileges of some groups at the expense of others. Looks at the science of exploitation Feminist View : Sees inequality in gender as central to all behavior Founder: Karl Marx
Are you feeling overwhelmed? That’s ok! That’s why I am here. Let’s practice!!!!
Example #1- The Family How might we analyze the family using the three sociological perspectives? Jenna McCarthy’s Ted Talk: 8u42OjH0ss 8u42OjH0ss
Example #2: Prostitution How does the world’s oldest profession create stability for society? What social institutions are involved?