An Invitation to Sociology

The Sociological Perspective Perspective - particular point of view Example- your baby is cuter, brighter, etc. than your friends baby Sociology - Scientific study of social structure (human social behavior) Sociological Perspective - view that looks at behavior of GROUPS, not individuals example - relationship between women employment and family size

Social Sciences Sociology Anthropology (investigates preliterate societies) Psychology (human, mental and emotional processes) Economics Political Science (Government) History

Social Structure Patterned interaction of people in social relationships Example - students and teachers relate in similar and patterned ways (in all societies) Sociologists look at the power of groups and how behavior changes in different situations Example - riot after championships, power of the group Why conform (acceptance) Sociological imagination - ability to see the link between society and self Challenges group assumptions Example - married couples must have children

The Origin of Sociology Auguste Comte “father of Sociology” Positivism - knowledge should be derived from scientific observation (must be sure) Looked at social statics (stability and order) and social dynamics (social change)

More sociologists Harriet Martineau - emphasized sociology as a science and feminism Herbert Spencer - Social Darwinism and evolution of social change Karl Marx - social scientist that looked at changing society, concerned about poverty and working class

Marxism Identified several social classes, but said eventually there would only be 2 Bourgeoisie (capitalists) - class that owns the wealth Proletariat - work for the bourgeoisie Class conflict - struggle that will always exist between the 2 groups

More sociologists Emile Durkheim - 1st to use statistical methods to study groups, 1st to teach Sociology at a University Mechanical solidarity - working societies / preindustrial societies, more conformity Organic solidarity - industrial society, based on specialized roles

Last of sect. 2 Max Weber - humans react based on their understanding of the situation Verstehen - putting yourself in the place of others Rationalization - mind - set that emphasizes knowledge, reason and planning Jane Addams - social reformer, spent her life working on social issues Hull House in Chicago

Theoretical Perspectives A set of assumptions accepted as true 3 perspectives: 1. FUNCTIONALISM - approach that emphasizes the contributions made by each part of society - society may change but it will return to a stable state - society is relatively whole Society rests on consensus

2 kinds of functions 1. Manifest function - intended and recognized (schools teach math) 2. Latent function - unintended and unrecognized (schools build relationships) Dysfunction - negative consequences DMV - are all rude people

2nd Theoretical Perspective 2. CONFLICT PERSPECTIVE - approach that emphasizes conflict, competition and constraint - society is inconsistent and subject to change - involves coercing members in the group - life is a competition Power- ability to control others

3rd Theoretical Perspective 3. SYMBOLIC INTERACTION - focuses on interactions based on shared symbols Red light means stop Guide behavior towards other reactions Symbol - anything that stands for something else but has an agreed upon meaning Flag and eagle - patriotism DRAMATURGY - least thought of approach that depicts human interaction as theoretical