The Sociological Perspective Where do you fit into the broader context of society?

What is Sociology? 1 : the science of society, social institutions, and social relationships; specifically : the systematic study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of organized groups of human beings 2 : the scientific analysis of a social institution as a functioning whole and as it relates to the rest of society

What is the Sociological Perspective?  So, just what is a sociological perspective? an attempt to understand and explain the way that individuals and groups interact within a society.  How exactly does one approach this goal? C. Wright Mills, writes that "neither the life of an individual nor the history of a society can be understood without understanding both."  Why? Well, as Karl Marx observes humans "make their own history, but they do not make it just as they please; they do not make it under circumstances chosen by themselves, but under circumstances directly encountered, given and transmitted from the past."

What can you tell me about this man?

What role does he play in society?

How is he treated by society?

Why?

What can you tell me about this man?

What role does he play in society?

How is he treated by society?

Why?

What about this family?

How was he treated by society?

The Sociological Perspective  Stresses the social context in which we live.  How do groups influence people?  How are people influenced by their society?  What role does a person’s social location play in their day to day actions?  How do your social groups shape your ideas and desires?

What about you?