What is Sociology? Even if you don’t know what it is, you have been exposed to it at some level or another!
What is Sociology? Social Structure- The patterned interaction of people in social relationships Sociology-The scientific study of social structure Sociological perspective-The view that looks at the behavior of groups, not individuals (that’s psychology)
The Sociological Imagination The ability of individuals to see the relationship between events in their personal lives and events in society. Do we have personal freedom when making choices? Yes, but…. Examples????? “Choice” limited and structured
Obstacles to Developing the Sociological Imagination Cultural values of individualism and free will Desire for certain rather than probable answers Social processes are dynamic, not static Commitment to “common sense” Critical nature of the discipline
Why Study Sociology? To understand how society works (or doesn’t) Encourages critical thinking – Famous Peter Berger quote: “It can be said that the first wisdom of sociology is this – things are not what they seem” Prevents ethnocentrism: Judging others in terms of one’s own cultural standards. Promotes empathy: The ability to understand and share feelings with other people. Knowledge of social forces gives us power over those forces Ultimately, make the world a better place?
Social Norm Assignment Social Norm: Informal rules defining appropriate an inappropriate behavior Examples: Urinal spacing activity, Standing in line, facing the door in an elevator.Usually these are unspoken rules. Your assignment for the weekend will be to violate a minor social norm. DO NOT BREAK THE LAW. DO NOT PULL A STUNT