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An Invitation to Sociology Summary of Topics The Sociological Perspective The Origins of Sociology Theoretical Perspectives Click on a hyperlink to view a topic or click on the right arrow to proceed through the chapter Chapter Overview 2

Objectives Define sociology Describe sociological perspective Distinguish sociology from other social sciences

Bell Ringer What are norms? What does it mean to violate norms? Behavior is shaped by custom and culture.

What is unique about sociology? What is sociology? The scientific study social structure (of human social behavior) What is unique about sociology? The sociological perspective focuses not on the individual, but on the social, or group level. Psychology deals with the individual America has a strong bias against childless and one-child marriages - will talk about this when we talk about understanding patterns -couple without children called selfish -only child is called spoiled -had large families a. Needed for work and many children died young b. Now not necessary so change in attitude is reflected by decrease in family size Babies are brighter and cuter to their parents -newlyweds find their spouses more attractive than their friends find them -your attitudes and beliefs are determined by your perspective Chapter 6

The Sociological Perspective Sociology is the scientific study of social structure. look for the patterns in social relationships. sociological imagination- the ability to see the link between society and self You can benefit from this understanding when you look at how and why you make certain choices. Chapter 3

A perspective is a particular point of view or a particular way of looking at an issue. View other perspective pictures Chapter 5

Individual vs. Social Perspective Young man joins a gang Prove toughness Taught by society to be masculine Woman divorces husband Develops her potential Social trend of sexual equity Teen commits suicide Escape depression Peer group expectations Sociologists don’t speak of a young man, a married woman, or a teenager. They speak in terms of categories such as young men, married women, or teenager.

Individual vs. Social Perspective Someone who can’t find a job Homelessness is a result of Immigrants came here because Personal: lifestyle choices, ability, talent, morals, drunkenness, substance abuse Societal: wages, exploitation, lack of jobs, poor schools, lack of opportunities Draw a map to get from school to the café’ many different ways to get to the same point why do you choose the route you did? defend yours as the best choice your ideas depend on your perspective

Social structure is the patterned interaction of people in social relationships. -developed by Emile Durkheim -people’s behavior within a group setting can’t be predicted from their personal characteristics -something new is created -Denver wins super bowl -Texas A and M and University of Texas Said take bronze (hard) made up of copper, tin, and lead (soft and pliable) Look for patterns what are common patterns of behavior forms of greetings asking for dates ways of addressing those in authority Things are rarely the way they are because of “accident” Walk into any school a. Students: some will be listening and taking notes, others daydreaming b. Teachers: lecturing, walk around room and help students 1999 Denver Broncos win Super Bowl otherwise law abiding citizens challenged the police in ways they wouldn’t have as individuals. Texas A and M and University of Texas Rivalry 1. Banished after 12 Aggie students died while making the pregame bonfire 2. Longhorns at halftime played Amazing Grace while fans removed their hats 3. Joint candlelight vigil before the game What would you do if a fight broke out in the cafeteria? 1. Stand and watch 2. Cheer 3. Try to break it up Chapter 8

All groups encourage conformity Why do people conform? All groups encourage conformity Family and friends Occurs because members have been taught to value the group’s ways Conform even when their personal preferences are not the same Americans, Nigerians, and Russians all have different eating habits, religious beliefs, and attitude toward family. Smoking and drinking. Picture p. 11

What is gained by using our sociological imagination? an understanding of the effects of events on our daily lives an improved ability to make decisions, rather than just conform Chapter 4

The sociological imagination questions common interpretations of human social behavior and challenges conventional social wisdom Definitions: sociological imagination conventional social wisdom Chapter 4a

The sociological imagination questions common interpretations of human social behavior and challenges conventional social wisdom sociological imagination: the ability to see the link between society and self Definitions: sociological imagination conventional social wisdom Chapter 4b

The sociological imagination questions common interpretations of human social behavior and challenges conventional social wisdom conventional social wisdom: ideas people assume are true Definitions: sociological imagination conventional social wisdom Chapter 4c

Illiteracy Rates “Nearly all American adults know how to read and write.” The map shows the percentage of Americans over 20 years old who are illiterate. Literacy is the ability to read and write at the fourth grade level Which states have the highest rate of illiteracy? (South) Which states have the lowest rate of illiteracy? (Northwest) What are some of the reasons for illiteracy? a. Lack of opportunity to attend school b. English as a second language c. Failure of schools to identify children with difficulties Study shows juvenile delinquency increases as church attendance decreases.. a. Can you assume lower attendance causes the delinquency? b. Happens because of age and as you get older, less likely to attend church Can you think of similar example where age is a factor? Questioning and researching assumptions is an important aspect of sociology Learn to question conventional wisdom- what people believe to be true Is conventional social wisdom about illiteracy rates really wise or true? Support your answer. Chapter 4d

The Social Sciences Social science is a branch of learning that deals with human society. It includes a number of disciplines, which we generally refer to as the social sciences. These disciplines differ but they share enough in common to overlap. History Political Science Economics Psychology Sociology Anthropology Sociology is a relatively new social science Geography is not listed, considered a bridge science between the hard science (science) and the soft science (social science) Social Sciences For more information on a particular branch of social science, select it from the tree. Chapter 7

Anthropology Anthropology investigates culture, the customary beliefs and material traits of groups. It is the social science most closely related to sociology. Anthropologists, however, concentrate on the study of preliterate societies (societies that do not use writing). Sociologists focus on modern, industrial societies. Anthropologists might study the division of work among family members in ancient Egypt. History Political Science Economics Psychology Sociology Anthropology Social Sciences Chapter 7a

Economics Economics is the study of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. An area of research for an economist might be the annual income levels of American families. History Political Science Economics Psychology Sociology Anthropology Social Sciences Chapter 7b

History History examines past events in human societies. Historians generally rely on newspapers, historical documents, and oral histories as sources of information. The nature of family life in colonial society is an example of something a historian might study. History Political Science Economics Psychology Sociology Anthropology Social Sciences Chapter 7c

Political Science Political science investigates the organization, administration, history, and theory of government. Political scientists are concerned, for example, with voting patterns and participation in political parties. A political scientists might investigate the relationship between a family’s social class and voting behavior. History Political Science Economics Psychology Sociology Anthropology Social Sciences Chapter 7d

Psychology Psychology investigates human mental and emotional processes. While sociologists concentrate on the group, psychologists also study the development and functioning of the individual. A psychologist might study the effects of birth order on emotional development. History Political Science Economics Psychology Sociology Anthropology Social Sciences Chapter 7e

Sociology Sociology investigates human social behavior from a group rather than an individual perspective. It concentrates on patterns of modern-day social relationships. Sociologists might study the relationship between the employment of women and family size. History Political Science Economics Psychology Sociology Anthropology Social Sciences Chapter 7f

Click the mouse button or press the space bar to display the answer. Compare how someone studying individual behavior would explore alcohol abuse with how someone studying group behavior would approach the problem. Exploring why a person reacts in a particular way to alcohol abuse illustrates the study of individual behavior. Looking at socioeconomic factors that favor or discourage alcoholism is an example of the study of group behavior. Click the mouse button or press the space bar to display the answer. Chapter 9

The Origins of Sociology Sociology is a young science. It grew out of the writings of European scholars who were interested in bringing back a sense of community to society in the late 1800s. After World War II, America took the lead in developing the field of sociology. The majority of all sociologists are from the United States. Chapter 10

Time Line of Early Sociologists  C. Wright Mills publishes Sociological Imagination 1959 Jane Addams awarded Nobel Peace Prize 1931   1904 Max Weber publishes The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism  W.E.B. DuBois publishes The Philadelphia Negro: A Social Study 1899  1897 Emile Durkheim publishes Suicide  Herbert Spencer publishes Social Statics 1850  1848 Karl Marx publishes The Communist Manifesto, promoting a classless society  1838 Auguste Comte’s book, Positive Philosophy, identifies science of sociology  1837 Harriet Martineau publishes Society in America Select a sociologist, by clicking on their name, and view their contributions.. Chapter 11

Jane Addams – early American sociologist 1860–1935 social reformer co-founded Hull House in Chicago slums awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, 1931 focused on problems caused by imbalance of power among social classes active in women’s suffrage and peace movements Chapter 11a

Auguste Comte–early French sociologist 1798–1857 father of sociology first to advocate the scientific study of society positivism– science based on knowledge of which we can be “positive” distinguished between social stability (statics) and social change (dynamics) Chapter 11b

W.E.B. DuBois–early American sociologist 1868–1963 African American educator and social activist focused on the question of race inside and outside the United States analyzed social structure of African American communities active in Pan African movement, concerned with rights of all African descendents Chapter 11c

Emile Durkheim–early French sociologist 1858–1917 first used statistical methods in study of human groups first to teach university sociology course showed human behavior to be explained by social factors rather than psychological ones Chapter 11d

Harriet Martineau–early English sociologist 1802–1876 emphasized sociology as a science translated Comte’s Positive Philosophy introduced feminism into sociology strong and outspoken supporter of both women and slaves Chapter 11e

Karl Marx–early German sociologist 1818–1883 guided by principle that social scientists should try to change the world rather than merely study it emphasized the role of class conflict in social change writings were later used as a basis for communism Chapter 11f

C. Wright Mills–early American sociologist 1917–1962 called the personal use of sociology “the sociological imagination” first described emergence of strong middle class (White Collar, 1951) published Power Elite, (1956) father of student movement of 1960s Chapter 11g

Herbert Spencer–early English sociologist 1820–1903 early proponent of Social Darwinism opposed social reform; it interfered with process of natural selection compared society to human body; composed of parts working together to promote its well-being Chapter 11h

Max Weber–early German sociolgist 1864–1920 developed the concept of verstehen– understanding social behavior by putting yourself in the place of others identified rationalization as key to change from preindustrial to industrial society pioneered techniques to prevent personal biases in research Chapter 11i

Name the “giants” who helped to lay the foundation for the discipline of sociology and identify their contribution. Marx Mills DuBois Addams Weber Comte Durkheim Spencer Martineau Click on the names to view their contributions. Click the mouse button or press the space bar to display the answer. Chapter 12

Jane Addams – early American sociologist 1860–1935 social reformer co-founded Hull House in Chicago slums awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, 1931 focused on problems caused by imbalance of power among social classes active in women’s suffrage and peace movements Chapter 12a

Auguste Comte–early French sociologist 1798–1857 father of sociology first to advocate the scientific study of society positivism– science based on knowledge of which we can be “positive” distinguished between social stability (statics) and social change (dynamics) Chapter 12b

W.E.B. DuBois–early American sociologist 1868–1963 African American educator and social activist focused on the question of race inside and outside the United States analyzed social structure of African American communities active in Pan African movement, concerned with rights of all African descendents Chapter 12c

Emile Durkheim–early French sociologist 1858–1917 first used statistical methods in study of human groups first to teach university sociology course showed human behavior to be explained by social factors rather than psychological ones Chapter 12d

Harriet Martineau–early English sociologist 1802–1876 emphasized sociology as a science translated Comte’s Positive Philosophy introduced feminism into sociology strong and outspoken supporter of both women and slaves Chapter 12e

Karl Marx–early German sociologist 1818–1883 guided by principle that social scientists should try to change the world rather than merely study it emphasized the role of class conflict in social change writings were later used as a basis for communism Chapter 12f

C. Wright Mills–early American sociologist 1917–1962 called the personal use of sociology “the sociological imagination” first described emergence of strong middle class (White Collar, 1951) published Power Elite, (1956) father of student movement of 1960s Chapter 12g

Herbert Spencer–early English sociologist 1820–1903 early proponent of Social Darwinism opposed social reform; it interfered with process of natural selection compared society to human body; composed of parts working together to promote its well-being Chapter 12h

Max Weber–early German sociolgist 1864–1920 developed the concept of verstehen– understanding social behavior by putting yourself in the place of others identified rationalization as key to change from preindustrial to industrial society pioneered techniques to prevent personal biases in research Chapter 12i

SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM Sociology includes three major theoretical perspectives: FUNCTIONALISM CONFLICT PERSPECTIVE SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM . Remember in lesson one when we looked at pictures that showed perspective? 2. Today we are going to look at different perspectives in sociology.   3. Look at map p. 24 turning the world upside down a. there is no reason North has to be at the top of the map b. First maps put the Meditterranean Sea in the center 4. Click for definition of theoretical perspective Click the hyperlink to learn more about theoretical perspectives or click on a graphic to learn more about a particular type of theoretical perspective. Chapter 13

Functionalism Emphasizes the contributions made by each part of society Family, economy, religion- all parts A change in one may lead to a change in another. Most aspects of a society contribute to the society’s well-being and survival. Society rests on the voluntary participation of its members. FUNCTIONALISM Functionalism- a. emphasizes the contributions made by each part of society 1. family, economy, religion are all parts b. a change in one may lead to a change in another 1. economy changes so that causes family to change 2. Industrial Revolution- people moved to town, family size decreased c. 1960's - no longer accept all involvement in war as legitimate public more aware of environmental protection d. most aspects contribute to the well being of society 1. if it didn't benefit society, it would dissappear e. a function is a contribution made by some part of society 1. manifest funtion- intended and recognized 2. latent functions- unintended 3. EX- school- manifest function is to teach skills, latent function socialization 4. negative consequence of an aspect of society is dysfunction f. With functionalism, there is a consensus on values 1. democracy, success, equal opportunity- all valued by Chapter 13a

Functions Function- contribution made by some part of society Manifest function- intended and recognized Latent function- unintended, happens as a result In functionalism, there is consensus on values Accounts for high degree of cooperation in a society . a function is a contribution made by some part of society 1. manifest funtion- intended and recognized 2. latent functions- unintended 3. EX- school- manifest function is to teach skills, latent function socialization 4. negative consequence of an aspect of society is dysfunction f. With functionalism, there is a consensus on values 1. democracy, success, equal opportunity- all valued by Americans 2. the consensus on values accounts for the high degree of cooperation found in any society.

Conflict perspective Emphasizes the role of conflict, competition, change, and constraint within a society Society experiences inconsistency and conflict everywhere. Society is continually subjected to change. Society involves the constraint and coercion of some members by others. CONFLICT PERSPECTIVE Slide: Conflict Perspective 1. emphasizes the role of competition, change, and constraint 2. focuses on the disagreements among groups as they compete to preserve and promote their own special values and interests 3. Central theme is power and who gets what a. those with the most power- have the ability to control the behavior of others 4. EX: woman's movement was about changing the balance of power between men and women. a. entering occupations once only open to men b. gender relations are changing (divided household tasks) c. conflict theory says these changes due to increasing power among women Chapter 13b

Central theme is power, who gets what Conflict Theory Central theme is power, who gets what Those with power control those without power

SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM Focuses on the interactions among people based on mutually understood symbols. People learn to interpret the meanings of symbols from others. People base their interaction on their interpretations of symbols. Symbols permit people to predict the behavior expected of them. SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM 1. focuses on interactions among people instead of social structures 2. uses symbols a. anything that stands for something else and has an agreed upon meaning attached to it 1. gesture 2. facial expression 3. team mascot- school loyalty 4. American flag b. if people do not share the same meaning of a symbol, confusion results c. what if some thought red light meant go 1. would have chaos 3. We learn the meaning of the symbol when we see the way others react to it. a. Latin America- whistle at end of a performance to show disapproval b. we base our behavior (interaction) on the meaning of symbols 1. no encore if audience whistles c. we use symbols to imagine how others will respond to us before we act 1. internal conversations to visualize how others will respond to us Chapter 13c

Symbolic Interaction Dramaturgy-approach that depicts human interaction as theatrical performances People present themselves by the way they dress, gestures, tone of voice. . dramaturgy- approach that depicts human interaction as theatrical performances a. like actors on a stage, people present themselves by the way they dress, gestures, tone of voice

A theoretical perspective is: a set of assumptions about an area of study, in this case about the workings of society viewed as true by its supporters and it helps them organize their research Chapter 14

Which perspective is the best? There is no “better” theoretical perspective. Each perspective highlights certain areas of social life. The advantages of one perspective are the disadvantages of another. Certain issues and problems are best understood from a particular perspective. Chapter 15

SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM Society Looks at the Internet We can use technology to help us understand the role of “perspective taking.” The Internet began as a way for military and scientific personnel to share information after a nuclear war. ARPAnet (the Internet’s forerunner) was formed in 1969 with only four connected computers. According to some estimates, there will be more than 500 million users worldwide by the year 2003. Cyberspace technology showcases the usefulness of the three theoretical perspectives. 1. One perspective is not better than another, we must look at all three   Slide: Society looks at the internet Are there some dysfunctions of the internet? a. our reliance on them- if a computer crashes everything could be shut down b. some people seem to interact more with a computer than their family members FUNCTIONALISM CONFLICT PERSPECTIVE SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM Click on each theoretical perspective to learn more. Chapter 16

Functionalism Cyberspace has both positive and negative consequences. Advantages: parents can work at home and spend more time with children; individuals with disabilities can do jobs at home that would otherwise be denied, becoming more fully integrated into society. Dysfunctions: young people may have easy access to pornography, which can distort views of human sexuality; hate groups can be formed by strangers living many miles apart; anonymity may encourage antisocial or violent behavior. Chapter 16a

Conflict perspective The Internet is changing American society by contributing to the increasing speed of technological change. Social instability created by rapid change might be investigated; workers may be let go as more tasks are performed by computers. Could guide investigation comparing numbers of computers used in school districts of varying socioeconomic levels. Because computer literacy is becoming essential for obtaining a well-paying job, students at wealthy schools with access to computers may have an advantage over students in poorer districts. Chapter 16b

Symbolic interactionism Can the Internet affect a child’s social development? Popularity of TV cartoon characters reinforced by Web pages where children join fan clubs, interact with other fans, and view video clips whenever they want. Some TV shows feature children behaving in ways unacceptable in many American homes. TV provides limited exposure, but the Internet allows them to become part of daily life. Might conclude that what children come to accept as desirable behavior is based increasingly on interpretations of symbols and behaviors represented by these characters, thus the Internet lessens adult influence on children. Chapter 16c

Think about it... Which perspective would you choose to conduct an in-depth study of the Internet’s effect on society? Why? Chapter 17

Click the mouse button or press the space bar to display the answers. Indicate whether the following statements represent functionalism (F), the conflict perspective (C), or symbolic interactionism (S). a. Societies are in relative balance. b. Power is one of the most important elements in social life. c. Symbols are crucial to social life. d. Social life should be understood from the viewpoint of individuals involved. e. Social change is constantly occurring. f. Conflict is harmful and disruptive to society. F C S S C F Click the mouse button or press the space bar to display the answers. Chapter 18

Chapter Summary Sociology studies patterns in human social behavior. It assumes a group, rather than an individual perspective. Sociology is a young science that started in Europe. After World War II, Americans took the lead in developing the field. The three major theoretical perspectives are: functionalism (society as an integrated whole), conflict theory (class, race, and gender struggles), and symbolic interactionism (how group members use shared symbols as they interact). Chapter 19