Sociology: An Introduction

Part 1: Basic Sociological Understandings “Sociology is everywhere & everywhere is sociology…”

How do politicians use sociology to appeal to the group?

What are the social sciences & how is sociology different from the other social sciences?

What is Sociology? DEFINITION: the systematic study of human society & social behavior TWO PRIMARY QUESTIONS: Why do people behave the way they do? Why are social situations the way they are?

Sociological Perspective DEFINITION: a scientific & systematic method of viewing the behavior of groups Seeing the general in the particular… Seeing the strange in the familiar…

Sociological Perspective Peter Berger: Seeing the general in the particular… Possible to identify general social patterns in the behavior of particular individuals Individuals ARE unique; however, society’s social forces shape us into “kinds” of people

Sociological Perspective C. Wright Mills: Seeing the strange in the familiar… There are definite connections between one’s personal life and society as a whole Society shapes our lives We must give up the idea that human behavior is simply a matter of personal decisions

Sociological Perspective Sociological Imagination: The ability to see connections between the larger world and our personal lives Connection between “history” & “biography” “the capacity to range from the most impersonal & remote topics to the most intimate features of human self – and to see the relations between the two…” How do your problems fit into the bigger picture? Why am I paying so much for gas? What kind of job can I expect when I graduate? PRIVATE v. PUBLIC ISSUES

What is the fault/problem of the individual? What is the fault/problem of society?

Sociological Perspective Benefits of the Sociological Perspective: Assess the truth of “common sense” Assess the opportunities & constraints in our lives (social forces) Empowers us to become active social participants Allows us to live in a diverse world

Part 2: Historical Origins

Historical Background Developed as an academic discipline during the mid-19th century Sociology emerged as the intellectual atmosphere of Europe shifted Change in Focus: How should an ideal society operate? How does society operate in reality?

Historical Timeline Enlightenment (late 1600s to late 1700s) Industrial Revolution (mid 1700s to mid 1800s) Urbanization (mid 1800s forward)

Part 3: Who’s Who in Sociology

Auguste Comte (1798–1857) French philosopher Father of Sociology (1838) Coined “Sociology” One of the 1st to apply the scientific method to study of social life Focused on social order and social change

Herbert Spencer (1820–1903) English philosopher Heavily influenced by Darwin Believed that social change and conflict were inevitable on the road to a perfect society “Social Darwinism”

Karl Marx (1818–1883) German philosopher Believed that society is a direct reflection of economic organization; driven by economic forces Two Warring Classes: Bourgeoisie & Proletariat

Emile Durkheim (1858–1917) French sociologist Particularly concerned with social order, as well its maintenance Interested in the functions of societal institutions First true sociological study, Suicide (1897)

Max Weber (1864–1920) German sociologist Interested in society’s impact on the individual, rather than society as a whole Vershtehen (fehr-SHTAY-en) Social actions/motivations Most influential in regards to modern sociology…

Part 4: Sociological Theory

Importance of Theory Attempts to explain social behavior in terms of the “real world” Three Major Theoretical Approaches: Structural-Functionalism Conflict Theory Symbolic Interactionism

Importance of Theory Each approach provides a set of fundamental assumptions that help guide sociological understanding Macro-Level v. Micro-Level

Macro-Level

Structural-Functionalism Guiding Question: How is social order maintained & what are the consequences of this maintenance? Key Players: Comte, Spencer, Durkheim

Structural-Functionalism Assumptions: Society is an organism comprised of interrelated parts; known as subsystems Subsystems work together to promote solidarity & stability Each subsystem has a function (manifest v. latent) YouTube Video: Latent Function of Ed? Subsystems: Economy, government, religion, education, the family – each has a FUNCTION Function; positive consequence; promote stability Dysfunction; negative consequence; promote change Latent Function – unrecognized & unintended consequence of social structure Manifest Function – recognized & intended consequence of social structure

Structural-Functionalism Major Emphases: Stability (function v. dysfunction) Harmony Evolution Emphases: Stability – Evaluate patterns in terms of whether they contribute to the maintenance of society. Functional patterns have positive consequences while dysfunctional patterns have negative consequences (e.g., reliance on cars has led to environmental problems and weakened family and community ties). Harmony – Assume parts of society, like parts of an “organism,” work together for the good of the whole and are characterized by harmony. Evolution – Social change occurs through evolution – adaptation of subsystems or institutions to new needs and demands. Also proposes that changes in one subsystem will likely lead to changes in others.

Structural-Functionalism Key Criticisms: Conservative bias; overlooks key social issues Subjective and unclear

Conflict Theory Guiding Question: How is society organized (or divided) and who benefits from this? Key Players: Marx, Weber, Mills Primary Focus: Addresses conflict within society The forces in society that promote competition & change

Conflict Theory Assumptions: Society consists of basic inequalities; contributes to inevitable conflict Social relations are in a constant state of change The “Haves” v. the “Have-Nots” Privileged individuals and groups benefit from a given set of social arrangements and they do so at the expense of less privileged groups. Typically the privileged exert power because of their control over the means of production – i.e., the means through which people make a living.

Conflict Theory Major Emphases: Competition over scarce resources Impact of inequalities on power & rewards Social change as a result of conflict

Conflict Theory Key Criticisms: Difficult to explain the more orderly & stable elements of society Too heavily focused on economy & class; neglects the cultural aspects of society Assumes that differences ALWAYS lead to conflict

Micro-Level

Symbolic Interactionism Guiding Question: How, and in what way, do people interpret and negotiate their surroundings? Key Players: Weber, Mead, Cooley

Symbolic Interactionism Assumptions: People attach meaning to things based on their ongoing interactions with others Continuously negotiated Meanings guide action & reaction As relationships change, the meanings people give to certain things will change

Symbolic Interactionism Major Emphases: Language & symbols are the building blocks of society Importance of interpersonal relationships & social interaction Socialization

Symbolic Interactionism Key Criticisms: Tends to minimize the impact of larger societal factors in regards to interpersonal relationships & interactions