Getting On The Same Page “N of One” Sociology and Other “Human Studies” Fields Sociology and Journalism Sociology and Psychology

“N” Of One What Is An “N”? The US has nearly 197 million Whites Sample Size (N) is 702 Whites

“N” Of One Talking About Social Actors’ Central Tendencies A Bell Curve

Sociology Vs. Other Fields Anthropology Tend to study small, preindustrial societies. Economics Tend to study (only) the creation, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. History Tend to study past events (again without scientific method) rather than broad social phenomena. Political Science Tend to study the forces affecting or shaping political systems and political behavior.

Sociology Vs. Journalism Essential Difference Journalists can look at the unique situation. Sociologists try to find generalities that can be applied to other similar cases. Audience Audience General public vs. other sociologists Focus Focus Methods of investigation, theories of explanation, and claims of originality Approach Approach Use of the scientific method (coming up with hypotheses, testing those hypotheses, ensuring they are verifiable)

Sociology Vs. Psychology Essential Difference Psychology tends to seek nature-al causes. Sociology tends to seek nurture-al ones. Unit Of Analysis Unit Of Analysis Psychology: Individuals Sociology: Groups Of Individuals & Institutions Why Behavior Differences? Why Behavior Differences? Psychology: Personality, emotions, and aptitude Sociology: Social dynamics and social context Theoretical Approach Theoretical Approach Psychology: Narrow & Specific Sociology: General & Conceptual Marx Weber Durkheim Dubois

Sociology Vs. Psychology Essential Difference Psychology tends to seek nature-al causes. Sociology tends to seek nurture-al ones. Unit Of Analysis Unit Of Analysis Psychology: Individuals Sociology: Groups Of Individuals & Institutions Why Behavior Differences? Why Behavior Differences? Psychology: Personality, emotions, and aptitude Sociology: Social dynamics and social context Theoretical Approach Theoretical Approach Psychology: Narrow & Specific Sociology: General & Conceptual Marx Weber Durkheim Dubois

Why Do People Kill Themselves? Data from US Dept of Health and Human Services National Institute Of Mental Health (2009) The National Institute Of Mental Health (2009) says: “The number one risk factor for suicide is depression and other mental disorders. More than 90% of people who die by suicide have these risk factors” Duh. Suicide Rates year olds% Suicide White Men18% Black Men12% Latino Men12% Asian Men7% Native Men33% year olds% Suicide White Women4% Black Women2% Latino Women3% Asian Women4% Native Women10% Older White men commit suicide at the highest rates of any population group. Widowhood, illness, and social isolation are common risk factors. Living alone and being single increases suicide risk. Divorced and separated people are more likely than married ones to commit suicide. Religion seems to protect people against suicide. This works for both people who are “spiritual” but don’t go to church much and for those who attend services. There are 1100 suicides (and 24k attempts) on college campuses every year and it is the SECOND LEADING CAUSE of death (after accidents). Suicides more prevalent in elite schools. More seniors than freshmen and more graduate students than undergrads. Older White men commit suicide at the highest rates of any population group. Widowhood, illness, and social isolation are common risk factors. Living alone and being single increases suicide risk. Divorced and separated people are more likely than married ones to commit suicide. Religion seems to protect people against suicide. This works for both people who are “spiritual” but don’t go to church much and for those who attend services. There are 1100 suicides (and 24k attempts) on college campuses every year and it is the SECOND LEADING CAUSE of death (after accidents). Suicides more prevalent in elite schools. More seniors than freshmen and more graduate students than undergrads. CLEARLY something else is going on here. S OCIOLOGICAL I MAGINATION The ability to see the relationship between individual experience (personal troubles) and the larger society (public issues)

S OCIOLOGICAL I MAGINATION The ability to see the relationship between individual experience and the larger society

Two Kinds Of Suicide Affected By Social Integration ALTRUISTIC Society Is Too Strong Emile Durkheim 1897 EGOISTIC Society Is Too Weak