Sociology                                                                                                   

Sociology Definition: The study of human society and social behavior. Big Idea: Social Interaction, or how you relate to other people, is a major factor in influencing your behavior.

WHY BOTHER? By examining why people behave the way they do we can take action to understand and possibly influence those behaviors By understanding why people behave the way they do we can take action and possibly influence OUR OWN BEHAVIORS. This is called SOCIOLOGICAL IMAGINATION.

Sociological Imagination The ability to see the connection between our lives within the larger world. Are you a completely unique individual or are you the product of the Town of New Providence, your parents, your school, or your friends?

The Background: Theorists August Comte: French philosopher argued that scientific method could be applied to social life Goal to uncover “laws” that govern society … lead to social reform and a better place to live Coined the term “sociology” – “study of society” Often credited with being “founder” of sociology

Karl “must be the money” Marx Conflict theorist: Class Struggle between rich and the poor Society is a war Between the haves and have- nots

Are the rich “really” happy? OF COURSE THEY ARE SILLY PEASANT! THEY’RE RICH!!

The alternative is too sad to face Sociological Question: Why do many people believe that the rich are not really happy? Answer: The alternative is too sad to face

Herbert Spencer: “Survival of the Fittest” Society will get better if the weak die Spencer fell out of favor because Of his perceived cruelty and popularity with the Nazis

Self-Test What instinctual needs does being the member of group serve? Why is August Comte the father of sociology? What makes Karl Marx a conflict theorist? Are Herbert Spenser’s theories wrong?

Emile Durkheim What would be the function of: Treated sociology like a science – only concrete evidence proves a theory Functionalist: elements in society function to maintain the social system Dysfunction: negative consequence an element has for the stability of the social system. What would be the function of: Religion? (Durkheim’s favorite) -Organized Sports -Schools -Prisons

5 components of culture Language Norms Values Symbol Physical Objects