1. Sociology
                                                                                                  

2. Sociology Definition: The study of human society and social behavior.
Big Idea: Social Interaction, or how you relate to other people, is a major factor in influencing your behavior.

3. WHY BOTHER?
By examining why people behave the way they do we can take action to understand and possibly influence those behaviors
By understanding why people behave the way they do we can take action and possibly influence OUR OWN BEHAVIORS. This is called SOCIOLOGICAL IMAGINATION.

4. Sociological Imagination
The ability to see the connection between our lives within the larger world.
Are you a completely unique individual or are you the product of the Town of New Providence, your parents, your school, or your friends?

6. The Background: Theorists
August Comte:
French philosopher argued that scientific method could be applied to social life
Goal to uncover “laws” that govern society … lead to social reform and a better place to live
Coined the term “sociology” – “study of society”
Often credited with being “founder” of sociology

7. Karl “must be the money” Marx
Conflict theorist: Class Struggle between rich and the poor
Society is a war
Between the haves and have- nots

8. Are the rich “really” happy?
OF COURSE THEY ARE SILLY PEASANT! THEY’RE RICH!!

9. The alternative is too sad to face
Sociological Question: Why do many people believe that the rich are not really happy?
Answer:
The alternative is too sad to face

10. Herbert Spencer: “Survival of the Fittest”
Society will get better if the weak die
Spencer fell out of favor because
Of his perceived cruelty and popularity with the Nazis

11. Self-Test What instinctual needs does being the member of group serve?
Why is August Comte the father of sociology?
What makes Karl Marx a conflict theorist?
Are Herbert Spenser’s theories wrong?

12. Emile Durkheim What would be the function of:
Treated sociology like a science – only concrete evidence proves a theory
Functionalist: elements in society function to maintain the social system
Dysfunction: negative consequence an element has for the stability of the social system.
What would be the function of:
Religion? (Durkheim’s favorite)
-Organized Sports
-Schools
-Prisons

13. 5 components of culture
Language
Norms
Values
Symbol
Physical Objects