1. The Study of Human Relationships
Sociology
The Study of Human Relationships

2. Important Terms
Sociology- Social Science that studies human society and social behavior
Social Interaction- How people relate to one another and influence each other's behavior.
Sociological Perspective- Social Contexts in which people live. Rather than depend on common sense, you can look beyond commonly held beliefs for hidden meanings in society.

3. Sociological Imagination
The ability to see the connection between the larger world and your personal life.
Image of the larger World
Image of an individual

4. Other Social Sciences Anthropology Psychology Economics
The Comparative study of past and present cultures
The study of human behavior and thinking
Anthropology
Psychology
The study of people’s choices to satisfy their needs. Also, good and services.
The study of the organization and operation of governments
Economics
Political Science

5. Which social science would be most interested in studying these visuals?

6. Which social science would be most interested in studying these visuals?

7. Which social science would be most interested in studying these visuals?

8. Which social science would be most interested in studying these visuals?

9. How does your sociological perspective affect the way you view these photos?
Remember: the sociological perspective helps broaden your view of the social world. It tells you that there are many different perceptions to social reality.

10. Developed in the early 1800s
History of Sociology
Developed in the early 1800s
Study the following pictures. Why did Sociology Develop during these time periods?

11. Important Early Sociologists
Auguste Comte
French, Founder of Sociology
Coined the term “Sociology”
Tried to find solutions to the chaos of the French Revolution
Influenced the Scientific Method
( )
German, middle class family
Believed that all business owners controlled society
This imbalance of power would lead to conflict between owners and workers
Sociologists should fix society
Karl Marx ( )

12. Early Sociologists English
Believed that social change and unrest were natural
Supported Social Darwinism
“The fittest societies would survive over time”
Herbert Spencer
( )
Emile Durkheim ( )
French Philosopher
Studied observable aspects of society
Applied methods of science to study society

13. Early Sociologists Max Weber German, Middle Class
Studied groups in German society rather than society as a whole
Sociologists should uncover the feelings and thoughts of individuals
Verstehen- A sociologist places himself in the place of others and attempts to see things through their eyes.
( )

14. Sociological Perspectives
Theories- An explanation of relationships between elements in society.
Theoretical Perspectives- A general set of assumptions and ideas about social life.
Three Sociological Perspectives:
Functionalist, Conflict, and Interactionist

15. Functionalist Perspective (MACRO)
Used by: Comte, Spencer, and Durkheim
Society is a set of interrelated parts that work together to produce a stable society. (A harmonious whole)
Functions are positive consequences on Society
Manifest Functions- Intended Consequences (Cars provide fast transportation)
Latent Functions- Unintended Consequences (Cars provide people with social standing)
Not everything in society runs smoothly, and these elements are referred to as Dysfunctions.
Example:

16. Spencer’s Organism Analogy
A good way to understand functionalism is to explain society like an organism.
Brain-
Heart-
Blood-
Veins-
Red Blood Cells-
White Blood Cells-
What do each of these body parts represent in society?

17. Conflict Perspective (MACRO)
Used By: Karl Marx
Focus on forces in society that promote competition and change
Study how those with more power exercise control over those with less power
Competition over scarce resources is the basis for social conflict

18. Interactionist Perspective (MICRO)
Used By: Max Weber
Focus on how Individuals interact with one another in society.
Society is composed of symbols and shared perceptions that people use to establish meaning and develop views of the world.
What are some symbolic meanings that we all agree on?
What must we do to change people’s perception of reality?