Thinking Like a Sociologist CHAPTER 1: Thinking Like a Sociologist

Sociology The systematic study of social interaction at a variety of levels Interaction between individuals: siblings, athletic teammates Interaction between groups: rival gangs, management and workers’ union Interaction between nations: diplomatic exchanges, war, agreements to control pollution

Why do we need sociology? Some people argue that sociology is just common sense. It makes the obvious difficult.

Common Sense Is subjective. Ignores facts. Is contradictory. Varies across groups and cultures. Is based on myths and misconceptions.

The Sociological Imagination According to C. Wright Mills, the sociological imagination is the ability to see the connection between individual lives and larger social influences. Personal troubles (biography) Structural issues (historical)

Microsociology Focuses on small-scale patterns of individuals’ social interaction in specific settings Individuals interacting as friends Patterns of interaction within families

Macrosociology Focuses on large-scale patterns and processes that characterize society as a whole Comparison of divorce rates for different countries Effect of trade policies on unemployment rates

Why is sociology important? It can help us make informed decisions. Should we live together before marriage? Should the U.S. increase the minimum wage? Sociology can help us understand diversity. Who are the non-Hispanic whites? What happens when men work in traditionally female occupations?

Why is sociology important? Sociology can help us evaluate social and public policies. Does a curfew for teenagers effectively reduce crime? Should the United States have government provided health care? It can help us think critically. Seeing how individual decisions are influenced by race or gender Recognizing how social class affects life chances

Why is sociology important? Sociology can expand your career opportunities. Sociologists are employed in Administrative support and management Social services and counseling Sales and marketing

Origins of Sociological Theory Sociological thinking is based on theory and empirical information. Theory—a set of statements that explains why a phenomenon occurs Empirical information—information based on observation, experiments, or experiences

Auguste Comte The “father of sociology” Argued for the empirical study of society Analyzed social statics and dynamics

Emile Durkheim Analyzed social facts (aspects of life external to the individual) Social solidarity (cohesion and harmony) Division of labor (interdependence of different tasks and occupations) Conducted study of suicide and social integration

Karl Marx Analyzed Industrial Revolution Studied Capitalism (an economic system in which ownership of the means of production is in private hands) Class conflict between capitalists and proletariat Alienation (feelings of separation)

Max Weber Argued for the importance of ideas, ideologies, and charismatic leaders Argued for verstehen or subjective understanding Argued for value free sociology

Other Important Early Social Thinkers Harriet Martineau Jane Addams W. E. B. DuBois

Contemporary Sociological Theories Theories are tools and evolve over time. Contemporary theories grew out of the 1950s and 1960s.

Functionalism Society is a complex system of interdependent parts that work together to ensure a society’s survival. Functions are purposes and activities to meet different needs that contribute to a society’s stability.

Functionalism Manifest functions are intended and recognized. Latent functions are unintended and unrecognized. Dysfunctions have negative impacts.

Functionalist Applications A school dress code What are the manifest functions? What are the latent functions? What are the dysfunctions? A fast food restaurant

Conflict Theory Conflict theory examines the ways in which groups disagree, struggle over power, and compete for scarce resources. Karl Marx predicted that conflict would result from widespread economic inequality. The “haves” dominate in social, political and economic activities over the “have-nots”

Feminist Theories Feminist theories explain the social, economic, and political position of women in society. They maintain that women suffer injustice because of their sex. They seek to free women from traditionally oppressive expectations and constraints.

Symbolic Interactionism Symbolic interactionism looks at individuals’ everyday behavior and communication through symbols and shared meanings. It is a micro-level perspective. Interactionists see society as socially constructed.

The Perspectives Functionalism Conflict Feminist Interactionism How does structure help society work? Conflict How are resources distributed? Feminist How does life reflect gender? Interactionism How do we construct meaning through symbols?