1. Intro to Sociology

2. Schools of Thought

3. Macro vs. Micro
Macrosociology – analyzes social systems on a large scale
Eg. What role does religion play in society?
Microsociology – study of small groups within a society
Eg. What role does religion play in the life of an individual

4. Structural Functionalism
Society is made up of social institutions that have a particular function
Structures work together to create a society
Emile Durkheim – Functional Differentiation – society diversifies to deal with a complex environment, but still connected to one another
Society defines itself based on social interactions
Talcott Parsons – People have strong desire to interact and cooperate with others based on common goals

5. Conflict Theory
Focuses on how structures maintain equilibrium – studies competition between groups for power
Karl Marx – witnessed how factory owners exploited their workers – little pay + poor living conditions
Prolateriat vs. Bourgeoisie
Accounts for inequalities in economy and can track social change based on economical research

6. Feminist Sociology
Observe gender inequalities – how men have controlled the lives of women (pay, jobs, power)
Dorothy Smith – Canadian sociologist – sociology does not represent all members – only the patriarchy in society

7. Symbolic Interactionism
Studies human interaction at micro level – we accept roles in order to fit into society
We learn and act according to how we interpret a social system and social experiences – give meaning to social interactions
Charles Cooley/George Mead
Looking-Glass Self – explains how individuals see themselves through they eyes of others.
Self is mirrored and reflected in interactions with others eg. Creating an online profile to reflect how we would like to be seen by others

8. Social Influence Effects of others on a persons thoughts/actions
Family, Gender, Culture, Media
How do we learn about Gender Roles? What happens when we don’t conform?

9. Socialization
The continuing process where an individual learns the appropriate behavioural patterns, skill, and values in his/her social world
How do you learn where to sit at lunch? Where did you learn the “social rules” of school? Workplace? Social gathering?

10. Socialization
Process of learning what is acceptable or not – norms, values
Have you ever done something because your friends encouraged you to?

11. Categories of Socialization
Primary Socialization – process of learning basic skills needed to survive – who teaches you these?
Secondary Socialization – process of learning to behave appropriately in group situations
Anticipatory Socialization – process of learning how to plan the way to behave in new situations – Types of clothing, demeanor
Resocialization – negative behaviour is transformed into acceptable behaviour

12. Agents of Socialization
People/Institutions that shape a person’s social development
Primary Socializing Agent – the family

13. Agents of Socialization
Secondary Agents – school, peers, workplace, media, religion
Which agents of socialization have affected you the most?
If fewer people are practicing religion, why do we still study its influence on socialization?