What is sociology? The definition we’ll use Soc 10 Introduction WHAT IS SOCIOLOGY? What is sociology? The definition we’ll use Sociology is the *systematic, empirically based study of **human society. * How sociologists look. ** What sociologists look at. Sociology overlaps with – but is distinctive from – disciplinary neighbors like anthropology, history, political science, psychology, and social work.

The emergence of sociology in the mid-19th century Soc 10 Introduction WHAT IS SOCIOLOGY? The emergence of sociology in the mid-19th century Industrial Revolution Economy built on agriculture  economy built on manufacturing Urbanization: rural life  cities Changes in family and community life Less togetherness between family generations New sources of knowledge & expertise Creation of specialized social institutions such as education and health care. Rise in social problems – crime, disease, etc. Emergence of scientific thought INDUSTRIALIZATION Industrial technology. Industrial revolution. Manufacturing – new sources of energy from water and steam. Instead of laboring at home in tightly knit groups, workers became part of an anonymouse work force. Breakdown of traditions and shared values, as well as mutual support systems. URBANIZATION Move to cities b/c of factory jobs. Many cities grew rapidly, creating housing being overwhelmed, spread of disease, rise of poverty, crime, homelessness, etc. POLITICAL CHANGE With urbanization & industrialization, shift in thought from traditional connections to individual self-interest. Individual rights & liberties (e.g., in French & American revolutions). EMERGENCE OF SCIENCE Testing hypotheses with data – not just speculation.

Basic sociological argument (Prof. R-K) Soc 10 Introduction WHAT IS SOCIOLOGY? Basic sociological argument (Prof. R-K) Every human experience is social: Affected by social factors and/or Given meaning through social definitions Manifest through social interaction.