Introduction to the Sociology of Gender and Social Theory

???? What is sociology and why is it important and beneficial? What is the difference b/w sociology and psychology? Making the familiar strange; questioning what is often presumed to be the natural order of things. I.e.: What is something that most Americans do that you find strange? What is a gender norm here in America that newcomers may find strange?

Developing a Sociological Consciousness Sociology: scientific study of social interactions, social organization, and the connection between individuals and society -Rigorous and systematic -Powerful scientific tool Why is sociology considered a soft science?

Thinking Like a Sociologist… The Sociological Imagination C. Wright Mills The sociological imagination helps us to understand how the social structure affects our lives and the lives of others Private troubles  Public issues

Agency vs. Structure What determines an individuals behavior? Agency-making individual choices based on free-will Structure (sociological)-cultural and structural influences operate in the decision making process How society is organized Society is patterned

Societal Structure and Organization-Some basic terminology All societies are structured around relatively stable patterns that establish how social interaction will be carried out… Status-A category or position a person occupies that is a significant determinant in how one is defined and treated Status set Achieved vs ascribed statuses Low prestige vs high prestige statuses and social stratification Roles and norms How does all this relate to gender?

Social Theories and Gender Functionalism Instrumental vs expressive roles Conflict Society is characterized by competition and dominance of some groups over others Symbolic interactionism We shape our own reality through interaction and experience We “do” gender and difference Dramaturgy Super bowl Sunday?

Feminist Theories Feminist theories explain the social, economic, and political position of women and men in society. Focus is on gender issues Maintain that (primarily) women suffer injustice because of their sex/gender. Seeks to free women (and men) from traditionally oppressive/limiting expectations and constraints. Looks at the complex intersection between one’s gender and other socially constructed categories of difference Intersectionality