1. CH. 1
The Sociological Perspective

2. Seeing the Broader Social Context
Sociology: The scientific study of society and human behavior; structure.
How Groups Influence People
Maintains a group focus.
Emphasizes patterned social relationships between members.
How People are Influenced by Their Society
Uses social factors to explain human social behavior.
People Who Share a Culture
People Who Share a Territory

3. Jobs Income Education Gender Age Race/Ethnicity
Social Location - Corners in Life
Jobs
Income
Education
Gender
Age
Race/Ethnicity

4. C. Wright Mills - History and Biography The Sociological Imagination:
History - Location in Broad Stream of Events
Biography - Individual’s Specific Experiences

5. The Global Context and the Local
The Global Village
Instant Communication
Sociology Studies both the Global Network and Our Unique Experiences

6. Sociology and the Other Sciences
The Natural Sciences
Explain and Predict Events in Natural Environment
The Social Sciences
Examine Human Relationships

7. Sociology and the Other Sciences
Anthropology
Studies Culture
Economics
Studies the Production and Distribution of Goods and Services
Political Science
Studies How People Govern Themselves

8. Sociology and the Other Sciences
Psychology
The Study of Processes Within Individuals
Sociology
Similarities to Other Disciplines

9. The Goal of Science Explain Why Something Happens Make Generalizations
Look for Patterns
Predict What will Happen
Move Beyond Common Sense

10. Risks of Sociology Nooks and Crannies People Prefer Hidden
People Feel Threatened by Information

11. Origins of Sociology Tradition vs. Science The Industrial Revolution
Grew Out of Social Upheaval
Imperialism of the Time
Rise of the Scientific Method

12. Auguste Comte and Positivism
Applying the Scientific Method to Social World
Coined the Term “Sociology”
“Armchair Philosophy”

13. Herbert Spencer - Social Darwinism
Second Founder of Sociology
Lower and Higher Forms of Society
Coined Phrase “Survival of the Fittest”

14. Karl Marx and Class Conflict
Engine of Human History is Class Conflict
The Bourgeoisie vs. The Proletariat
Marxism Not the Same as Communism

15. Durkheim and Social Integration
Got Sociology Recognized as Separate Discipline
Studied How Social Forces Affect Behavior
Identified “Social Integration” - Degree to Which People are Tied to Social Group

16. Max Weber and the Protestant Ethic
Religion and the Origin of Capitalism
Religion is Central Force in Social Change
Protestant Ethic and Spirit of Capitalism

17. Sociology in North America
First Took Root in 1890 at University of Kansas
Spread Rapidly in Next 20 Years
Not at Harvard until 1930
American Journal of Sociology 1895

18. Sexism in Early Sociology
Attitudes of the Time
1800s Sex Roles Rigidly Defined
Few People Educated Beyond Basics
Harriet Martineau
Published Society in America Before Durkheim and Weber Were Born
Her Work was Ignored

19. Racism at the Time: W.E.B Du Bois
B.A. from Fisk University
First Harvard Ph.D. for African American
Published a Book Each Year from
Neglected by Sociologist Until Recently

20. Jane Addams: Sociologist and Social Reformer
Member of American Sociological Society from Start
Came from Background of Wealth and Privilege
Co-Founded Hull House
Co-Founded American Civil Liberties Union

21. Values in Sociological Research
Sociology Should be Value-Free
Sociology Should be Objective
Research Should Involve Replication
Goals and Uses of Sociology
Change or just explore?
Applied sociology

22. Theoretical Perspectives
Symbolic Interactionism - How People Use Symbols in Everyday Life
Applying Symbolic Interactionism - Changing the Meaning of Symbols Affects Expectations

23. Functional Analysis
Society is a Whole Unit Made Up of Interrelated Parts that Work Together
Functionalism, Structural Functionalism
Robert Merton:
Functions
Manifest
Latent
Dysfunctions

24. Conflict Theory Karl Marx and Conflict Theory Conflict Theory Today
Feminists and Conflict Theory
Applying Conflict Theory

25. Levels of Analysis Functionalists and Conflict Theorists - Macro Level
Symbolic Interactionists - Micro Level
Microsociology – interest in the interaction of people “within” social structures; investigates relationships within groups
Macrosociology – interest in the “intersection” of social structures; focuses on groups as a whole

26. Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology

27. Theoretical Criticisms
Theory
Criticisms
Functionalism
Tends to legitimize the status quo.
Neglects social change.
Assumes that society benefits everyone.
Conflict Theory
Overlooks forces of stability in society.
Assumes that only the ruling class benefits from the way society operates.
Assumes the working class does not know it is subordinate.
Symbolic Interaction
Sometimes fails to take the larger picture into account.
Does not consider the impact of social forces and/or social structures.

28. Trends Shaping the Future
Sociology Full Circle: Reform vs. Research
Diversity of Orientations
Applied/Public Sociology
Globalization