1. The Social Sciences: Sociology

2. What is Sociology? Systematic study of groups and societies
How does our society affect our behavior?
Sociological Perspective:
Stresses the social contexts in which we live
What we do and how we think are the result of exposure to human groups

3. A little history…

4. Founders of Sociology Auguste Comte Positivism: Father of sociology
Knowledge = empirical observations
Father of sociology
Apply science to study development of societies

5. Founders of Sociology Herbert Spencer Social Darwinism:
Societies evolve from lower to higher forms
‘Survival of the fittest’

6. Founders of Sociology Karl Marx Class Conflict
Bourgeoisie vs proletariat

7. Founders of Sociology Emile Durkheim Social integration
Degree to which people are tied to their social group
Behavior cannot be understood in individual terms; we must also examine social forces that affect people

8. Founders of Sociology Max Weber Religion is the force of social change
Protestant ethic: Frugal living and investing to make money

9. Theoretical Perspectives
Theory:
Organizes empirical observations (explains)
Acts as a guide for future observations (predicts)
Three major theories in sociology
Symbolic interactionism
Functional analysis
Conflict theory

10. Symbolic Interactionism
Symbol: Something to which we attach meaning
Example: We define ourselves and our relationships according to symbols
Society is composed of symbols
Analyze how behaviors depend on the symbols we use to define ourselves and others

11. Symbolic Interactionism
How would symbolic interactionism explain high divorce rate in the U.S.?
Marriage used to be seen as a lifelong commitment
Divorce was viewed as immoral, a flagrant disregard for public opinion, and abandonment of adult responsibilities

12. Symbolic Interactionism
Emotional satisfaction
‘True love’ ideal
Meaning of children
Meaning of parenthood
Marital roles
Perception of alternatives
Meaning of divorce
Changes in the law

13. Functional Analysis
Society is a whole unit, made up of parts that work together (like a living organism)
Whenever we examine a part of a society, we need to look for ways it functions (helps) and dysfunctions (harms) in relation to the larger society

14. Functional Analysis
How would functional analysis explain high divorce rate in the U.S.?
Industrialization and urbanization undermined traditional functions of the family, leading to high divorce rate

15. Functional Analysis Basic functions of the family: Economic production
Socialization of children
Care of sick and elderly
Recreation
Reproduction

16. Conflict Theory
Society is composed of groups that engage in competition for scarce resources
Karl Marx’s observations of class struggle
Authority: Power that people consider legitimate

17. Conflict Theory
How would conflict theory explain high divorce rate in the U.S.?
Marriage reflects basic inequalities between men and women
Higher divorce rate is a sign that women are making headway in their struggle with men

18. Functions of Sociology aka What’s in it for me?
General enlightenment
Challenge of public perceptions

19. Functions of Sociology aka What’s in it for me?
General enlightenment
Challenge of public perceptions
Identify social problems and design solutions

20. Functions of Sociology aka What’s in it for me?
General enlightenment
Challenge of public perceptions
Identify social problems and designing solutions
Sociological imagination or sociological perspective