1. The Sociological Perspective
Chapter 1 Section 1

2. The Lens You Use to See the World
Perspective: a particular point of view
Influences on perspective
Family
Religion
Income
Others?

3. What is Sociology? The scientific study of social structure
Focus on studying groups of people with common factors

4. What Makes Sociology Unique?
Combines all of the social sciences:
History, Economics, Anthropology, Psychology, Political Science

5. Seeing Patterns Focus on Social Structure
Patterned interaction of people in social relationships

6. Group vs. Individual Behavior
While individuals have their own personalities, when a part of a group, they take on the characteristics of the group
Individuals (parts) form together to create a group (whole)

7. Understanding Conformity
Regardless of size, all groups encourage conformity
Members tend to think, feel, and behave in similar ways
Behavior of the group cannot be predicted from the knowledge of one individual

8. Examples of Groups Americans- Similar culture and belief system
Bears fans- Dislike Green Bay, Ditka is great, the ‘85 Bears are the greatest team ever!

9. Sociological Imagination
The ability to see the link between society and self
Helps us to understand the effects of events on our daily lives
Allows us to challenge wisdom/ideas that are perceived to be true