The Social Sciences: Sociology

What is Sociology? Systematic study of groups and societies How does our society affect our behavior? Sociological Perspective: Stresses the social contexts in which we live What we do and how we think are the result of exposure to human groups

A little history…

Founders of Sociology Auguste Comte Positivism: Father of sociology Knowledge = empirical observations Father of sociology Apply science to study development of societies

Founders of Sociology Herbert Spencer Social Darwinism: Societies evolve from lower to higher forms ‘Survival of the fittest’

Founders of Sociology Karl Marx Class Conflict Bourgeoisie vs proletariat

Founders of Sociology Emile Durkheim Social integration Degree to which people are tied to their social group Behavior cannot be understood in individual terms; we must also examine social forces that affect people

Founders of Sociology Max Weber Religion is the force of social change Protestant ethic: Frugal living and investing to make money

Theoretical Perspectives Theory: Organizes empirical observations (explains) Acts as a guide for future observations (predicts) Three major theories in sociology Symbolic interactionism Functional analysis Conflict theory

Symbolic Interactionism Symbol: Something to which we attach meaning Example: We define ourselves and our relationships according to symbols Society is composed of symbols Analyze how behaviors depend on the symbols we use to define ourselves and others

Symbolic Interactionism How would symbolic interactionism explain high divorce rate in the U.S.? Marriage used to be seen as a lifelong commitment Divorce was viewed as immoral, a flagrant disregard for public opinion, and abandonment of adult responsibilities

Symbolic Interactionism Emotional satisfaction ‘True love’ ideal Meaning of children Meaning of parenthood Marital roles Perception of alternatives Meaning of divorce Changes in the law

Functional Analysis Society is a whole unit, made up of parts that work together (like a living organism) Whenever we examine a part of a society, we need to look for ways it functions (helps) and dysfunctions (harms) in relation to the larger society

Functional Analysis How would functional analysis explain high divorce rate in the U.S.? Industrialization and urbanization undermined traditional functions of the family, leading to high divorce rate

Functional Analysis Basic functions of the family: Economic production Socialization of children Care of sick and elderly Recreation Reproduction

Conflict Theory Society is composed of groups that engage in competition for scarce resources Karl Marx’s observations of class struggle Authority: Power that people consider legitimate

Conflict Theory How would conflict theory explain high divorce rate in the U.S.? Marriage reflects basic inequalities between men and women Higher divorce rate is a sign that women are making headway in their struggle with men

Functions of Sociology aka What’s in it for me? General enlightenment Challenge of public perceptions

Functions of Sociology aka What’s in it for me? General enlightenment Challenge of public perceptions Identify social problems and design solutions

Functions of Sociology aka What’s in it for me? General enlightenment Challenge of public perceptions Identify social problems and designing solutions Sociological imagination or sociological perspective