Welcome to Comparative Sociology Introduction

Introduction to the Module Introductions What is comparative sociology? Why is it important? What comes next?

What is comparative sociology? To some extent most sociology is comparative Generally it refers to the comparison of large structures and process. Types of capitalism Nation-states Cultures Health and welfare systems It takes a macro view, often using ‘ideal types’

Ideal Types Concept developed by Max Weber –A way of defining social science concept –Key aspects of behaviour or institutions are focused on to build a coherent model of a concept –Used because it can help explain or compare a concept –Will not perfectly represent the social world

Constructing an ideal type With the people sitting next to you, discuss an ideal type of a university

Comparative methods Comparing similar cases –Study of democratic systems might look at two countries with proportionate representation Comparing contrasting cases –Study of economic impact within post-colonial counties might look at India and Zimbabwe

What to compare? Comparative research needs to have valid reasons for both choosing: –The units of comparison –Which counties, institutions etc –The indicators chosen can be compared –Wealth, health, population

Units of comparison The choice of units is a crucial area and needs justification: –Britain and France have many things in common, so comparison of mortality and morbidity is valid –Comparing mortality and morbidity between Britain and Ethiopia would be unlikely to reveal anything interesting

Indicators chosen The indicators chosen need to be comparable –Do the statistics measure the same thing? What counts as being sick? –Is the indicator culturally specific What is a family?

Comparing higher education Using the discussion of ideal types discuss with the people what the problems in choosing units of comparison or indicators in a comparative study of higher education.

Why is comparative sociology important? It adds to our understanding of structures and processes It illuminates differences It allows us to understand our own society better

Structures and processes Why do similar structures impact differently on different peoples and places? Why do societies change and why are they the same or different? Can the solutions to some societies’ problems help others?

Illuminates differences How do other nation-states organise for health and welfare How do the systems they chose relate to other issues in their society –Economy –Family What do these differences tell us about their culture

Understanding ourselves Are we in danger of developing ghetto’s? Why is the NHS supported when public transport is not? What will be the impact of higher university tuition fees?

Comparing higher education Discuss with the people sitting next to you what benefits there might be in a comparative study of higher education.

What next? Week 15Different forms of capitalism, different forms of society Week 16Theories of Macro Cultural Differences Week 17Clash of cultures? Week 18Comparing welfare systems Week 19Comparing health systems Week 20Comparative gender inequality Week 21Comparative citizenship Week 22Comparative education Week 23Essay preparation Week 24Essay Submission

Course organisation Weekly lectures Fortnightly seminars Module outline Assessment by 2000 word essay due in week 12. Essay questions will be given out later Slides will go on blackboard after each lecture