Chapter 1 An Invitation to Sociology What you should be able to do 1: Define Sociology 2: Describe two uses of the sociological perspective 3:Distinguish Sociology from other social sciences 4: Identify the pioneers of Sociology and their contributions 5:Understand the three major theoretical perspectives of Sociology

First Day Wrap-up Syllabus signatures? Abandon Ship Discussion Resources: www.reitzmartin.weebly.com Google Classroom

Section 1: An Invitation to Sociology What is Sociology? Sociology studies human social behavior. It assumes a group, rather than an individual, perspective. Sociologists look for the patterns in social relationships. Individuals can benefit by using their sociological imagination

Perspective is a particular point of view. We all see what is happening around us through our own perspectives—our own point of view. Sociology has its own perspective– the sociological perspective (a view that looks at behavior of groups not individuals) Psychologists may study the individual, but sociologists always study groups. Sociological Perspective – Personal Problems, Public Issues Teens, Gangs, Transgenders, Athletes, CEO’s, Poor, etc.

The Importance of Patterns In society you will inevitably find patterned relationships. Social Structure (patterned interaction of people in social relationships) Example: Schools Emile Durkheim – define something by the sum of its parts: Bronze..What is it made of? Hurricane Katrina Ferguson, MO, Baltimore, MD

Why do people conform? Members of a group think, feel and behave in similar ways. Conformity occurs because members value the group’s ways. Some conform when personal preferences are not that of the group Teens and Drugs/Sex

Acquiring the Social Imagination The sociological perspective enables us to develop a sociological imagination. C. Wright Mills -> sociological imagination (the ability to see the link between society and self)

What is gained by using our sociological imagination? We can begin to understand the effects of events, and put ourselves in a better position to make our own decisions rather than merely conform. We can questions common interpretations of human social behavior, and challenge social wisdom—ideas that people assume are true.

Ain’t that America! Or Ain’t that America? John Mellencamp – Pink Houses Extra Credit Assignment– See Google Classroom Ain’t that America! Or Ain’t that America?

Chapter 1 Section 2: The Origins of Sociology See Google Classroom for Assignment

Chapter 1 Section 3: Theoretical Perspectives Sociology includes three major theoretical perspectives. Functionalism (views society as an integrated whole) Conflict theory (looks at class, race, gender struggles) Symbolic interaction (examines how group members use shared symbols as they interact.

The Role of Theoretical Perspectives Perspective – how the brain interprets an image or event; also the way you interpret the meaning of an image or event. Influenced by beliefs or values you hold, draws attention to some things and blinds you to others. When perspective highlights certain parts of something, it necessarily places other parts in the background.

What is Theoretical Perspective? Theoretical perspective is a set of assumptions about an area of study. They are viewed as true by its supporters and it helps them organize their research. Competing theories usually exist at the same time.\ In sociology the three most widely accepted perspectives are functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism.

Functionalism Functionalism – approach that emphasizes the contributions (functions) made by each part of society. Social institutions (family, economy, education system, political system) are critical for society to function properly Example: Family, Economy, Religion – all “parts” of a society. Family contributes by providing reproduction/care, structure. How does functionalism explain change? A change in one part leads, to a change in the other parts. Industrialization’s effect on families in the US. Functionalism assumes that societies tend to return to a state of stability if altered.

Functionalism Continued Do all functions have a positive effect? Most aspects exist to promote a society’s survival and well-being. –if they didn’t they would not disappear Robert Merton (1996) Manifest functions factors that lead to an expected outcome. Latent functions are factors that lead to an unintended and unforeseen outcome. Schools – teach math skills / friendship development Negative consequences of a function is a dysfunction How does functionalism view values? General consensus on values w/in a society. Most Americans agree on the desirability of democracy, equality, etc. Accounts for high degree of cooperation found in any society. Functionalism suggests that a society’s values and norms provide the foundation for the rules and laws that it creates.

Functionalism Continued Critics of functionalism sometimes claim that this paradigm does not take into account the influence of wealth and power on the formation of society. Functionalists are accused of supporting the status quo, even when it may be harmful to do so. Functionalists may argue that society works for the greatest number of people. Change will arise when problems become “big enough”. However, critics would argue that this belief results in many minorities being ignored. Functionalist perspective often fails to recognize how inequalities in social class, race, and gender perpetuate imbalance in our society.

Conflict Perspective Conflict Perspective – emphasizes conflict, competition, change, and constraint within a society. (This is the opposite of functionalism). Focuses on issues like race, gender, social class, criminal justice, intonations relations, etc. Two main concerns for conflict theorist are economic wealth and power. Groups and societies compete to preserve/promote their own special values/interests Central question for conflict theorist – “Who gets what?” If you believe that discrimination, ageism, sexism, racism, and classism occur in society because some people have the power to promote their desires over others’; then you think like a conflict theorist.

Conflict Perspective Continued How does the conflict perspective explain social change? Many conflicting groups exists, as balance of power shifts between groups, change occurs. Women’s movement – what changes have occurred as women have grown increasingly equal to men in power/influence? Which perspective is better? Neither – both highlight certain areas of social life. Each have advantages/disadvantaces Critics of conflict theory often accuse it of being too radical. This paradigm often becomes synonymous with the idea that powerful people oppress the weak. A simple reading of conflict theory can also seem to make the notion of conflict seem like a bad thing. Doesn’t competition breed excellence?

Symbolic Interactionism Symbolic Interactionism is an approach that focuses on the interactions among people based on mutually understood symbols. In other words, how communication influences the way people’s interactions with each other create the social world in which we live. Symbolic Interactionists believe that the root of society comes from its symbols. They suggest that the symbols we use are arbitrary, meaning that they vary from culture to culture.

Symbolic Interactionism Continued What is the significance of symbols in symbolic interactionism? Symbol – something choses to represent something else. (symbols are observable, but may represent something not observable. Red light/ Green light Disputes arise when we do not share the same definitions. Symbolic interactionism is the most micro of sociological approaches, as it often studies the activities of individuals and then draws connections to larger society from these. Studies of relationships, race, deviance, and even social movements can all use a symbolic interactionist approach.

Symbolic Interactionism Continued What are the basic assumptions of symbolic interaction? (Herbert Blumer) We learn the meaning of a symbol from the way we see others react to it. Once we learn the meanings of symbols, we base our behavior on them. We use the meanings of symbols to imagine how others will respond to our behavior. We have “internal conversations” that enable us to visualize how others will respond to us before we act – everyone around us is doing the same thing.