1. Section 1 Examining Social Life
Chapter 1
Section 1
Examining Social Life

2. Social Sciences
Disciplines that examine human social behavior or institutions and the functions of society in a scientific manner
Anthropology: study of past and present cultures
Psychology: study of behavior and mental processes
Economics: analyzing choices people make to satisfy their needs and wants
Political Science: examination of the principles, organization, and operation of government
History: study of people and events of the past
And Sociology (of course)!!!

3. Sociology
The social science that studies human society and social behavior
Focus on social interaction- how people relate to one another and influence each other’s behavior
Sociologists tend to focus on the group over the individual
Examination of social phenomena- observable facts or events that involve in human society

4. Sociological Perspective
Involves looking at social life in a scientific, systematic way rather than depending on common sense
Involves looking beyond commonly held beliefs/explanations to examine hidden meanings behind human actions
Behavior is influenced by social factors
Behavior is learned from others
There are different perspectives of social reality

5. Sociological Imagination
The ability to see the connection between the larger world and your personal life
“The capacity to range from the most impersonal and remote topics to the most intimate features of the human self…”

6. Homework
Pg. 7 #1-5 on a piece of looseleaf