Introduction to the Study of Sociology and Anthropology

1-2 Developing a Sociological Consciousness Sociology: scientific study of social interaction, social organization, and the relationship between individuals and society

What is Anthropology? The study of humans, past and present The study of humans, past and present – Sociocultural Anthropology -examines patterns and practices across cultures, with a special interest in how people live in particular places and how they organize, govern, and create meaning with attention given to race, sexuality, class, gender, and nationality -A central concern of anthropologists is the application of knowledge to the solution of human problems -Other areas within anthropology include biological/physical; archeology; and linguistic

Why are these disciplines sometimes criticized as soft sciences? What do you see as the main similarities? Differences?

Agency vs. Structure – What determines an individuals behavior? Agency-making individual choices based on free-will Structure-cultural and structural influences operate in the decision making process – How society is organized – Society is patterned

The Sociological Perspective The Sociological Imagination – C. Wright Mills

Sociological Perspective/Imagination The sociological imagination helps us to understand how the social structure affects our lives and the lives of others – Private troubles  Public issues – – --Would your life be different if you lived in another time and place? A different country and historical era? Gender? Race? Sexuality? Religion? Social Class? Political affiliation? – Would you be the same person? Have the same opportunities? Make the same choices and have the same values?

Culture is defined as the meanings and ways of life that characterize a society including beliefs, values, norms, sanctions, and symbols. Culture

Levels of Analysis Macro Analyses - Looks at the "big picture" of society and suggests how society is affected at the institutional level. Micro Analyses - Concerned with the social psychological dynamics of individuals interacting in small groups.

Theory A theory is a set of statements that explains why a particular phenomena happens – Theories can be viewed as tools or lenses through which individuals view society and, in this case, the family. – Theories differ

Dominant and Minority Groups Minority group: subordinate group whose members have significantly less control or power than members of dominant or majority group