SOCIOLOGICAL FINDINGS VERSUS COMMON SENSE TRUE/FALSE The earnings of U.S. women have just about caught up with those of U.S. men. When faced with a natural disaster such as floods and earthquakes, people panic and social organization disintergrates. Revolutions are more likely to occur when conditions remain bad than when they are improving. Most people on welfare are lazy and looking for a handout. They could work if they wanted to.

Compared to men, women touch each other more while they are talking to one another Compared to women, men maintain more eye contact while they are conversing. The more available alcohol is, the more alcohol- related injuries and fatalities occur in the U.S. highways. Couples who live together before they marry usually report higher satisfaction with their marriages than couples who do not live together before they marry.

The reason that people discriminate against minorities is prejudice; unprejudiced people don’t discriminate. Students in Japan are under such intense pressure to do well in school that their suicide rate is about double that of U.S. students.

Defining Sociology Sociology is the scientific study of human social life, groups, and society. –Maintains a group focus. –Emphasizes patterned social relationships between members. –Uses social factors to explain human social behavior.

Sociologists Focus… On the group, not the individual. On patterns of social behavior. On social forces that encourage conformity. On the effects people have on social structure.

Benefits of Sociology Provides a vision of social life that extends beyond one’s limited personal experience. Research contributes to public policies and programs. Enhances the development of occupational skills.

SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE Sociological perspective: opens a window onto unfamiliar worlds and offers a fresh look at familiar worlds. gain a new vision of social life. asks, how are people influenced by their society- a group of people who share a culture and a territory.