1. Unit 1: What is Sociology? Essential Questions:
What do social groups do for you? Did you choose your social group because they were like you, or did you become like them?

2. Sociology
Definition

3. Groups shapes who we are
                                                                                                  

4. Big Idea:
Social Interaction,.

5. Most people assume that their
WHY BOTHER?
Most people don’t recognize how much they are shaped by the people around them
Most people assume that their
By understanding other groups they are able to see

6. Sociological Imagination
1. The ability to see the connection between our lives, those of our social group, and
2. The ability to use sociology to examine what has happened and to

7. Are you a completely unique individual or are you the product of the Town of New Providence, your parents, your school, or your friends?

9. The Background: Mr. Sociology
August Comte:
French philosopher
Goal to uncover “laws” that govern society … lead to social reform and a better place to live
Coined the term
Considered the “founder” of sociology

10. Karl “must be the money” Marx
Marx thought that Class Struggle between
Marx would be
Classified as a
Society is a war
Between

11. Are the rich “really” happy?

12. Sociological Question: Why do many people believe that the rich are not really happy?
Answer:

13. Herbert Spencer: “Survival of the Fittest” FUNCTIONALIST PERSPECTIVE:
SPENCER: The death of the
Spencer fell out of favor because
Of his perceived

14. Emile Durkheim Used Science to examine groups
Functionalist: institutions and practices in society
Dysfunction: when society breaks down because of the
What would be the function of:
Religion? (Durkheim’s favorite)
-Schools
-Organized Sports
-Prisons

15. Self-Test What is Sociology?
How does Sociological imagination help us better understand the world around us?
Why is August Comte the father of sociology?
What makes Karl Marx a conflict theorist?
Are Herbert Spenser’s theories wrong? Why or why not?
What function does Durkheim suggest an institution such as religion serve for our society?

16. 5 components of culture
Language
Norms
Values
Symbol
Physical Objects