Sociology: An Introduction Chapter 1 Sociology: An Introduction

Sociological imagination Seeing the relationships between social conditions and one’s own situation in life. Social conditions The realities of the life we create together as social beings.

Sociology The scientific study of human societies and human behavior in the many groups that make up a society. Micro-level sociology An approach to the study of society that focuses on patterns of social interaction at the individual level.

Macro-level sociology An approach to the study of society that focuses on the major structures and institutions of society. Middle-level sociology Studies the effects of communities and organizations on individual lives or behaviors.

Scientific method The process by which theories and explanations are constructed through repeated observation and careful description. Human ecology A sociological perspective that emphasizes the relationships among social order, social is organization, and the distribution of populations in space and time.

Interactionism A sociological perspective that views social order and social change as resulting from repeated interactions among individuals and groups. Functionalism A sociological perspective that focuses on the ways in which a complex pattern of social structures and arrangements contributes to social order.

Conflict perspective A sociological perspective that emphasizes the role of conflict and power in society. Power The ability to control the behavior of others, even against their will.