Chapter One PERSPECTIVE, THEORY, AND ORIGINS

Transcription

1 Chapter One PERSPECTIVE, THEORY, AND ORIGINS

2 Sociology. Systematic study of human society Sociological perspective Sociology. Systematic study of human society Sociological perspective an approach to understanding human behavior by placing it within its broader social context. social groups influence human behavior and the larger society that organizes it. Society affects individual behavior, ideas, and choices.

3 What are factors that influence ideas and choices? Is there any true free will? re-the-10-most-redneck-cities-in-mi nnesota/s

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5 Why This?

6 And not this?

7 Power of Society our ideas, social class, choices, are affected by social categories. different category = different expectation EX-- marriage partners even feelings are impacted by societal position. Can personal decisions such as suicide be subject to societal influence?

8 Durkheim Suicide Studies Suicide study findings and analysis still hold true in current research studies. Differences between those who commit suicide and those who do not is a result of social integration.

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11 Mills and the Sociological Imagination Greater marginality is related to better ability to use the sociological perspective. Society, not people, is main cause of poverty and other social problems. Sociological imagination turns personal problems into public issues to mitigate change Crisis or rapid change encourages use of sociological perspective (Mills).

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13 Global Perspective The study of the larger world and society s place in it. Societies are increasingly interconnected through technology, economics, and immigration. Many social problems that we face in the United States are more serious elsewhere. Where we live shapes the lives we lead. Why is it important? Thinking globally is a good way to learn more about ourselves.

14 Global Perspective Middle-income countries High-income countries Low-income countries Broad categories of level of economic development

15 World Income Categories

16 Basic Timeline of Sciences First intellectual ideas focused on religious philosophy Religious leaders = only literate citizens Greeks developed secular schools to train intellectuals (2500BP) Philosophy focused - Forerunner to university study Greeks recorded history Religious beliefs often = absolute. Church and science in conflict During Renaissance, Humanism set of ideas and that looked to humanity for answers, flourished

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19 Natural and Social Sciences Examples of Natural Sciences Biology Astronomy Physics Geology Chemistry Zoology Oceanography Examples of Social Sciences Psychology History Cultural Geography Anthropology Political Science Economics Sociology

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21 Sociology Emerges In 18th and 19th century Europe Rise of factory-based, industrial economy Explosive growth of cities = social problems New ideas about democracy, political rights, and individualism Combination of other social sciences Auguste Comte ( ) French social thinker who coined the term sociology (1838) Relied on statistical analysis (positive sociology) Sociology as a discipline, viewed as radical and a threat to power structure Stages Theological Metaphysical Scientific

22 Theory Statement of how and why specific facts are related Theoretical approach Basic image of society that guides thinking and research Determines questions and study Goal of study

23 Structural-Functionalism Basic View: Society is a complex system, parts work together to promote solidarity and stability ( Macro) Parts work together like a machine or a human body Individuals are naturally cooperative and accept the social system as is. Too rapid change=broken social ties (dysfunction.a disorder in society) Key elements: Social structure Social function Manifest functions Latent functions Criticisms:

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25 Social-Conflict Approach Basic View : Sees society as arena of inequality that generates conflict and change (Macro Theory) Conflict is necessary for equality and change Factors such as race, sex, class, age, sexual orientation linked to social inequality. Dominant group vs. disadvantaged group Society structured in ways to benefit a few at the expense of the majority. gender conflict race conflict are

26 Race conflict Focuses on inequality and discrimination of minority races when compared to dominant race

27 Social Conflict Gender-conflict theory: Focus on inequality and conflict between women and men Feminism: Advocacy of social equality for women and men linked to gender-conflict theory

28 Symbolic-Interaction Approach Basic View: Focuses on social interactions in specific situations Micro approach Views society as the product of everyday interactions of individuals Key elements: Society is shared, dynamic constructed reality developed through interaction.

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31 Three Ways to Do Sociological Research All sociologists want to learn about the social world. Three ways to do sociological research Positivist sociology Interpretive sociology Critical sociology

32 Positivist Sociology Based upon scientific observations of behavior empirical challenges beliefs that are often based upon stereotypes and misinformation. examples:

33 Important Research concepts measurable variables - factors that value changes in research dependent independent valid reliable objective

34 Correlation and Causation correlation - a relationship is shown between the variables that change together. positive/negative/spurious causation- a change in one variable causes a change in the other. correlation is NOT causation.

35 Interpretive Sociology Interpretive sociology - the study of society that focuses on the meanings attached to social concepts based upon interpretations focuses on perceptions qualitative data natural observation of behavior interactions with people Max Weber

36 Critical Sociology Critical sociology the study of society with the focus on change. Karl Marx, W.E.B. DuBois, Jane Addams