Sociology: What is it Anyway? Society, the Basics

Defining Sociology Sociology is the scientific study of human society and social interaction Society—group of people that share a common… Culture Territory

Groups in Society Within a society, there are many subgroups that people belong to. What subgroups exist in Canada?(ex. Ethnic Groups, Educational Level, etc…)

Social Interaction Sociologists study social interaction—the behavior of groups in society

Review Macrosociology Microsociology An approach of sociology that analyzes social systems on a large scale Example: studying religion and learning about religious worship as a large structure or institution in society The study of small groups and individuals within a society Example: studying religion and learning about the role and beliefs of a single worshipper or small group of worshippers within a religion

Group Influence on the Individual Can you think of a behavior that is not influenced by other people?

Social Perspective Social Perspective—almost every aspect of a person’s thoughts and behaviors are strongly influenced by other people  Main Ideas: The social situation influences people’s behavior Radical changes in one’s behavior can occur when the situation changes

Example of Social Perspective: The Social Network In what ways might people who belong to Facebook be influenced to do certain things? How has Facebook changed your life?

Source: Social Science: An Introduction. Canada: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 2011, p. 100. Nicole Michelle. “What is Sociology?”