Examining Social Life Chapter 1 – Section 1

Sociology Social Science Social interaction Social phenomena studies human society and social behavior Social Science study human social behavior and functions of human society Social interaction study of how people relate and influence each others behavior Social phenomena study of facts or events that involve human society

The Sociological Perspective A look at social life in a scientific way, rather than common-sense explanation Sociological imagination Ability to see connection between larger world and personal life

Sociology’s Place in the Social Science Anthropology Study of past and present Economics Study of choices people make to satisfy their needs and wants

Psychology Social Psychology Study of behavior and thinking organisms Study of how the social environment affects the behavior and personality of individuals

Political Science History Extermination of the organization and operation of governments History Study of past events

Sociology: Then And Now Chapter 1 – Section 2

Sociology as academic discipline Developmental Factors Social and Political changes Growth of Urban Population

The Early Years Sociology developed primarily in France, Germany and England

Auguste Comte (1798-1857) Founder of Sociology Social Statics Social Dynamics

Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) Influenced by the views of Darwin Society is a set of independent parts that work together to a certain system Social changes needed towards stability and perfection

Social Darwinism “Survival of the fittest” Most popular in France and Britain

Karl Marx (1818-1883) Society is divided into two classes Bourgeoisie Proletariat Class conflict Classless society

Émile Durkheim (1858-1917) Applied method of science to sociology Function – is the consequence that an element of society produces to maintain its social order

Max Weber (1864-1920) Focused on the influence of the group on the individual Verstehen Ideal Type

Current Perspectives Theory Theoretical Perspective Guide and helps interpret new findings Theoretical Perspective Set of assumptions about the nature of social life

Functionalist Perspective Based on ? Set of interrelated parts to produce a stable society Dysfunctional Manifest function Latent function

Conflict Perspective Focus on forces in society that promote competition and change Decision making in families Race relations Workplace disputes

Interactionist Perspective Focus on interaction between individuals in society Symbols Symbolic Interaction