Sociological Perspective & Basic Terminology Unit 1 Sociological Perspective & Basic Terminology

Terms Sociology Sociological Imagination Social Sciences Social Interaction Social Phenomena Sociological Perspective Behavior

SOCIOLOGY Sociology is the science that studies human society and social behavior. Sociologists are mainly interested in social interaction how people relate to one another and influence each others behavior.

Sociological Imagination The ability to see the connection between the larger world and one’s personal life.

Drinking & Driving How does it affect society at large? How does it affect specific groups in society? How does it affect each student in this class?

Social Sciences Disciplines that study human social behavior or institutions and functions of human society in a scientific manner. (economics, psychology, anthropology, US history, sociology, political science, etc…) Sociologists borrow major themes from other social sciences to better understand the world around them.

Social Sciences Anthropology – Study of past and present cultures Psychology – Dealing with behavior and thinking Economics – Study of choices people make in an effort to satisfy their needs and wants Political Science – Examination of organization and operation of government History – Study of past events

Social Interaction How people relate to one another and influence each other’s behavior. (i.e. conversation topics based on your environment, ice breakers, new friends, new school)

Social Phenomena Observable facts or events that involve human society. (i.e. people watching)

Sociological Perspective Viewing society and the social world through the means of scientific explanation and exploration. - Escaping the common-sense explanation of societies behavior.

Behavior …is influenced by social factors. You have learned your behavior from others.

People Auguste Comte Herbert Spencer Karl Marx Emile Durkheim Max Weber

Auguste Comte 1798 - 1857 Founder of sociology as a distinct area of study. French Philosopher who was one of the first to apply physical science to the study of social life. Focused on social order and social change – He wanted to reform society.

Herbert Spencer 1820 - 1903 Strongly influenced by Charles Darwin, an evolutionist. Spencer developed an all-embracing conception of evolution as the progressive development of the physical world, biological organisms, the human mind, and human culture and societies. Coined the term “Survival of the Fittest”. Spencer’s views of society became known as “Social Darwinism”.

Karl Marx 1818 - 1883 His views on conflict in societies social structure led to the development of: conflict theory. Believed that the structure of a society is influenced by how its economy is organized. Societies economic system strongly influences its social structure. Society is organized into two classes Bourgeoisie (capitalists) Proletariat (workers)

Emile Durkheim 1858 - 1917 Developed France’s first university sociology course. Concerned with the problem of social order. Interested in the function of religion in maintaining social order. Shared beliefs and values held society together Durkheim’s view of society was called the functionalist view.

Max Weber 1864 - 1920 Interested in separate groups in society rather than society as a whole. Focused more on the effect of society on the individual…Interactionist Perspective Wanted to understand the meanings individuals attach to their actions. Tried to see the world through others’ eyes

Three Main Sociological Theories Functionalists Conflict Theorists Interactionists Three Sociological Perspectives Functionalists Conflict Theorists Interactionists

Conflict Theory (Marx) A sociological explanation of social structures and cultural patterns on the basis of conflicts between classes and status groups each seeking to gain the most benefits/resources.

Functionalism (Durkheim) The consequence that an element of society produces for the maintenance of its social system. How are the following a function? School Religion Prison

Interactionist Theory (Weber) Focuses on how individuals interact with one another in society and how they respond to one another in everyday situations. (An individuals thoughts and feelings in response to society)

…perhaps we’ll do a riddle I am the beginning of the end, and the end of time and space. I am essential to creation, and I surround every place. What am I?

What is it???

The letter e. End, timE, spacE, Every placE Answer The letter e. End, timE, spacE, Every placE