CH. 1 The Sociological Perspective

Seeing the Broader Social Context Sociology: The scientific study of society and human behavior; structure. How Groups Influence People Maintains a group focus. Emphasizes patterned social relationships between members. How People are Influenced by Their Society Uses social factors to explain human social behavior. People Who Share a Culture People Who Share a Territory

Jobs Income Education Gender Age Race/Ethnicity Social Location - Corners in Life Jobs Income Education Gender Age Race/Ethnicity

C. Wright Mills - History and Biography The Sociological Imagination: History - Location in Broad Stream of Events Biography - Individual’s Specific Experiences

The Global Context and the Local The Global Village Instant Communication Sociology Studies both the Global Network and Our Unique Experiences

Sociology and the Other Sciences The Natural Sciences Explain and Predict Events in Natural Environment The Social Sciences Examine Human Relationships

Sociology and the Other Sciences Anthropology Studies Culture Economics Studies the Production and Distribution of Goods and Services Political Science Studies How People Govern Themselves

Sociology and the Other Sciences Psychology The Study of Processes Within Individuals Sociology Similarities to Other Disciplines

The Goal of Science Explain Why Something Happens Make Generalizations Look for Patterns Predict What will Happen Move Beyond Common Sense

Risks of Sociology Nooks and Crannies People Prefer Hidden People Feel Threatened by Information

Origins of Sociology Tradition vs. Science The Industrial Revolution Grew Out of Social Upheaval Imperialism of the Time Rise of the Scientific Method

Auguste Comte and Positivism Applying the Scientific Method to Social World Coined the Term “Sociology” “Armchair Philosophy”

Herbert Spencer - Social Darwinism Second Founder of Sociology Lower and Higher Forms of Society Coined Phrase “Survival of the Fittest”

Karl Marx and Class Conflict Engine of Human History is Class Conflict The Bourgeoisie vs. The Proletariat Marxism Not the Same as Communism

Durkheim and Social Integration Got Sociology Recognized as Separate Discipline Studied How Social Forces Affect Behavior Identified “Social Integration” - Degree to Which People are Tied to Social Group

Max Weber and the Protestant Ethic Religion and the Origin of Capitalism Religion is Central Force in Social Change Protestant Ethic and Spirit of Capitalism

Sociology in North America First Took Root in 1890 at University of Kansas Spread Rapidly in Next 20 Years Not at Harvard until 1930 American Journal of Sociology 1895

Sexism in Early Sociology Attitudes of the Time 1800s Sex Roles Rigidly Defined Few People Educated Beyond Basics Harriet Martineau Published Society in America Before Durkheim and Weber Were Born Her Work was Ignored

Racism at the Time: W.E.B Du Bois B.A. from Fisk University First Harvard Ph.D. for African American Published a Book Each Year from 1896-1914 Neglected by Sociologist Until Recently

Jane Addams: Sociologist and Social Reformer Member of American Sociological Society from Start Came from Background of Wealth and Privilege Co-Founded Hull House Co-Founded American Civil Liberties Union

Values in Sociological Research Sociology Should be Value-Free Sociology Should be Objective Research Should Involve Replication Goals and Uses of Sociology Change or just explore? Applied sociology

Theoretical Perspectives Symbolic Interactionism - How People Use Symbols in Everyday Life Applying Symbolic Interactionism - Changing the Meaning of Symbols Affects Expectations

Functional Analysis Society is a Whole Unit Made Up of Interrelated Parts that Work Together Functionalism, Structural Functionalism Robert Merton: Functions Manifest Latent Dysfunctions

Conflict Theory Karl Marx and Conflict Theory Conflict Theory Today Feminists and Conflict Theory Applying Conflict Theory

Levels of Analysis Functionalists and Conflict Theorists - Macro Level Symbolic Interactionists - Micro Level Microsociology – interest in the interaction of people “within” social structures; investigates relationships within groups Macrosociology – interest in the “intersection” of social structures; focuses on groups as a whole

Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology

Theoretical Criticisms Theory Criticisms Functionalism Tends to legitimize the status quo. Neglects social change. Assumes that society benefits everyone. Conflict Theory Overlooks forces of stability in society. Assumes that only the ruling class benefits from the way society operates. Assumes the working class does not know it is subordinate. Symbolic Interaction Sometimes fails to take the larger picture into account. Does not consider the impact of social forces and/or social structures.

Trends Shaping the Future Sociology Full Circle: Reform vs. Research Diversity of Orientations Applied/Public Sociology Globalization