1. Social Structure And Social Interaction
Intro to Sociology
Social Structure
And
Social Interaction
HOOK VIDEO

2. What is Sociology? Systematic, scientific study of human society
Relies on scientific evidence—helps straighten out myths vs. realities
We learn more about ourselves by studying others  BUT learn more from social marginality – being excluded from main-stream society (“outsiders”); more aware of a societal group because you’re on the outside

3. Social Class: A system of ranking people into abstract categories of social positions

5. Scientific Method
Observations
Hypothesis
Testing
Theory

6. Social Forces
Sociology studies “from the outside” versus “from the inside” (Psych.) to explain social forces – forces that arise from society in which we are a part
we see it through behavior
Example: People in wide-open areas more likely to commit suicide. Why?

7. Sociological Imagination
The ability to see the relationship between events in our personal lives and events in society
What is gained by using it?
Understand effects of events
Awareness permits to learn and get a fuller understanding of events
Questions common interpretations of human social behavior.
Helps us to make our own decisions rather than conform

8. Sociological Imagination: Video Explanation

9. Social Integration
The degree to which people are tied to a social group – social integration
Therefore, inadequate levels of integration = high suicide rate (different in other cultures, though)
We are each other’s
sociological backbone!

10. History of Sociology
19th century, because of Industrial Revolution – brought new ways of living together
Then French Revolution – people questioning legitimacy of monarchies; wanted more freedoms
Grew because of social unrest of this time

11. AUGUSTE COMTE
Father of Sociology
Positivism: belief knowledge is from scientific observation
Social statics: study of social stability and order
Social dynamics study of social change
Video

12. Herbert Spencer Thought society can be compared to a living organism
Each part of animal has own function, but all parts are interdependent
Also says if society is left alone, it fixes its own problems

13. KARL MARX
Says main feature of sociology is class conflict – struggle between capitalists and proletariats
Did not believe in natural selection – urged people to change society, not let it evolve
Video

14. Emile Durkheim Applied scientific method to Sociology
Really studied suicide and the “social facts”
Mechanical solidarity: social dependency based on widespread consensus of values and beliefsconformity and dependence on tradition/family
Organic solidarity: social dependency based on high degree of specialization in roles
Video: from 3:35

15. MAX WEBER
Thought one must go beyond observations & find out how people feel about their own behavior (put yourself in their shoes)  Verstehen
Video

16. The Role of Theoretical Perspectives
Perception is the way the brain interprets an image or event.
Have you ever shared a different perception of an event from a friend?

17. Youthful Face vs. Old Face

18. Face vs. Vase

19. Fundamentals Perspective is a particular point of view.
We all see what is happening around us through our own perspectives
Sociology has its own perspective – Sociological Perspective (a view that looks at behavior of groups not individuals)
Functionalist perspective – focuses on social order; each part of society performs as the whole, interdependently
If something happens to this social order, a social consensus must be made for this new change

20. Functions of Behavior Manifest – intended & obvious behaviors
Latent – unintended & unrecognized behaviors

21. The Good and the Bad
Society does change, but only for a reason  conflicts
When status quo is criticized, everyone starts to focus on differences & emphasizes their group is better than others – conflict perspective
Society is always changing because of this competition  POWER explains the change
Symbolic interactionism: interactions among people based on mutually understood symbols (an item with an agreed-upon meaning attached to it)

22. Conflicts in Society

23. Symbols are EVERYWHERE

25. ROLE STRAIN AND ROLE CONFLICT
Role Strain: stress or strain of an individual when incompatible behavior, expectations, or obligations are associated with a single social role.
Ex: Being a student and an employee
Role Conflict: a situation in which a person is expected to play two incompatible roles
Ex: A boss who is forced to fire an employee, who is also a friend

26. Example: SPORTS!!! HARMFUL BENEFICIAL
Conducive to success in other areas of life
Develops skill, ability, self-discipline, mental alertness, physical fitness
Enhances health & happiness
Contributes to social order & stability through unification
Sports act as an opiate, numbing the masses sense of dissatisfaction w/capitalist society
Reinforces social, gender, & racial inequalities
Big business – elitist system
“Man’s world” – glorifies masculinity

27. Wrap-Up
Sociology can help enrich our lives  intellectual exercise, general guide, pursue careers, & just obtain a better understanding of the world through our own interpretations
The world around us affects our lives more than what the world does to us.