An Introduction to Sociology

What is sociology??? Sociology is the social science that studies human society and social behavior. Social Science – Disciplines that study human social behavior or institutions and functions of human society in a scientific manner Social Interaction – How people relate to one another and influence each other’s behavior Social Phenomena – Observable facts or events that involve human society

How is sociology different? Anthropology – Comparing past/present cultures Psychology – Behavior and thinking Economics – Production/Consumption of goods and services Political Science – Operation of government History – Study of past events

What Is Culture? Culture – all the shared products of a human group Material Culture Nonmaterial Culture

Material Culture Automobiles Books Buildings Clothing Computers

More Material Culture!

Nonmaterial Culture Beliefs Family Patterns Ideas Language Political System Economic System

Components of Culture Technology Symbols Language Values Shared beliefs of good/bad and right/wrong

Norms Norms – Shared rules of conduct that tell people how to act in specific situations What social norms can you think of that exist in our society? Mores – Norms that are widely observed and have great moral significance Laws

Examining Culture Cultural Trait – an individual tool, act, or belief that is related to a particular situation or need. What are some cultural traits? Examples Using forks, knives, and spoons Specific greetings (Boss, Teacher, Friend, Mom)

Culture Complexes Individual cultural traits combine to form the next level…cultural complexes. Cultural complexes – a cluster of interrelated traits. Football is a culture complex that involves a variety or traits.

Football, a Culture Complex Material Traits: Helmets Pads First Aid Kits Benches

Football, a Culture Complex Specific Acts: Passing Catching Running Tackling

Football, a Culture Complex Specific Beliefs: Certain Rules Should Be Followed Penalties Should Be Given

What Do We Have In Common? Cultural Universals – features that are common to all cultures Family Funeral Ceremonies Shelter Dancing

More Cultural Universals Religion Sports Myths and Folklore Gift Giving Body Adornment

Variations in Cultures Ethnocentrism – the tendency to view one’s own culture and group as superior Cultural Relativism – the belief that cultures should be judged by their own standards rather than applying the standards of another culture In other words…KEEP AN OPEN MIND!

Countercultures Counterculture – reject society’s norms and replaces them with their own Hippies Organized Crime Families Anarchists

Traditional American Values Although Americans are extremely different, for the most part we all share certain values Sociologist Robin M. Williams analyzed American values and came up with a list of 15 What do you think of when someone says “traditional American values”?

Traditional American Values Personal Achievement Achievement often measured by power or wealth Individualism Individual effort is the key to personal achievement Can be negative…failure = that person is to blame Work Americans value hard work

Traditional American Values Morality and Humanitarianism Helping those less fortunate (Haiti, Syria) Efficiency and Practicality Judge new technology on its usefulness Progress and Material Comfort Technology + Science = A more comfortable world

Traditional American Values Equality and Democracy “We hold these truths to be self-evident…” Civil Rights Movement Freedom Freedom of religion, speech, bear arms Patriotism Pledge of allegiance, national holidays, 9/11

Our Changing Values Choose one or more of the traditional American values we covered in class on Friday. Why do you consider these values to be important? Explain how this value does or does not differ from those of your elders? (Parent, Guardian, Teacher, Coach)

Our Changing Values Self-fulfillment – a commitment to the full development of one’s personality, talents, and potential…think, self-help seminars Leisure Physical Fitness Youthfulness Does television, radio, and advertisements demonstrate and reflect these values?

More Changing Values Narcissism – Extreme self- centeredness Is this a bad thing? List the pros and cons A rapidly changing American value Environmental Protection

Internalization of Norms Think back to last week…what are norms? Norms – Shared rules of conduct that tell people how to act in specific situations Societies develop norms that reflect the cultural values its members consider important Enforced in two ways…internalization & sanctions

Internalization Internalization is the process by which a norm becomes part of an individual’s personality What do you do as soon as you sit down to eat at a restaurant? What do you do as soon as the traffic signal turns red?

What are sanctions? Sanctions - Rewards or punishments used to enforce conformity to norms Positive Sanctions Negative Sanctions Formal Sanctions Informal Sanctions

Positive Sanctions Positive Sanction – An action that rewards a specific type of behavior What are some examples of positive sanctions? Good Grades Pay Raises Cheers

Negative Sanctions Negative Sanction – Punishment or the threat of punishment used to enforce conformity Is the threat usually enough to deter behavior? What are some examples of negative sanctions? Ridicule Frowns Imprisonment

Formal Sanctions Formal Sanctions – Reward or punishment given by a organization or agency Positive Diploma, Pay Raise, Award Negative Low Grades, Suspension, Job Termination

Informal Sanctions Informal Sanction – A spontaneous expression of approval or disapproval by an individual or group Positive Standing ovation, compliments, pat on the back Negative Frowns, insults, exclusion from a group

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

Example 5

Example 6

Example 7

Example 8

Example 9

Example 10

Social Control Social Control - the enforcing of norms through either internal or external means Internalization is the best form of social control Social Control Agencies: Police & Courts Religion Family