Chapter One The Sociological Imagination: Insights, Themes and Skills

Objectives To introduce some of the key features of sociology.To introduce some of the key features of sociology. To introduce the three core themes that will be used throughout the book.To introduce the three core themes that will be used throughout the book. To discuss briefly the roles that theorising and research play in developing sociological knowledge.To discuss briefly the roles that theorising and research play in developing sociological knowledge.

What is sociology? –Definition: “Sociology is the study of human social life, groups and societies. It is a dazzling and compelling enterprise, having as its subject matter our own behaviour as social beings. The scope of sociology is extremely wide...” (Giddens, 1997: 2)“Sociology is the study of human social life, groups and societies. It is a dazzling and compelling enterprise, having as its subject matter our own behaviour as social beings. The scope of sociology is extremely wide...” (Giddens, 1997: 2) –Three key themes: The social and the personalThe social and the personal The local and the globalThe local and the global Differences and divisionsDifferences and divisions

The social and the personal –Mills’s contrast between personal troubles and public issues Link between personal life and public settingLink between personal life and public setting –Key points: The strong and varied influence of social situations and meanings on our sense of personal belongingThe strong and varied influence of social situations and meanings on our sense of personal belonging The culturally variable ways in which ‘self and society’ are imagined in different groups or societiesThe culturally variable ways in which ‘self and society’ are imagined in different groups or societies

The local and the global Sociologists are interested in connections between local and global worldsSociologists are interested in connections between local and global worlds Globalisation:Globalisation: –Highlights the way the social world is changing over time We live in an increasingly interconnected worldWe live in an increasingly interconnected world For example, rationalisation and McDonaldisationFor example, rationalisation and McDonaldisation

Differences and divisions Sociologists are interested in:Sociologists are interested in: –Social groups, their place in the social structure, their interrelationships and their particular experiences and self- images –How social differences frequently become social divisions Gender, class, ethnicity, age, ability, sexuality etc.Gender, class, ethnicity, age, ability, sexuality etc.

Sociological inquiry Sociologists use a variety of research methods to explore the social worldSociologists use a variety of research methods to explore the social world –Documentary analysis –Ethnography –Participant observation –Surveys –In-depth interviews

Sociological inquiry Sociologists use theories to attempt to explain why things happen as they doSociologists use theories to attempt to explain why things happen as they do –All research is done within a framework of theoretical interpretation –Theorising is about abstraction It involves developing concepts and arguments which answer ‘why’ questionsIt involves developing concepts and arguments which answer ‘why’ questions

Summary Sociology is the study of human social life, groups and societiesSociology is the study of human social life, groups and societies Three key themes:Three key themes: –The social and the personal –The local and the global –Differences and divisions Sociology involves a combination of research and theorisingSociology involves a combination of research and theorising