CHAPTER 1

Introduction to Sociology

Section 1 Objectives

Write these down so you know what is expected of you!

Define sociology. Describe two uses of the

sociological perspective. Distinguish sociology from

other social sciences.

Define the following words:

Perspective Sociology Sociological Perspective Social Structure Sociological Imagination

False. Even though they make up the group and the behavior, behaviors change due to group mentality.

T/F Sociologists will look at a man or a woman.

Patterns

What is the #1 thing that sociologists look for?

What did Emile Durkheim bring to sociology?

Idea of social perspective

Bronze principle Explain this in a

brief statement.

In what ways to people conform & Why?

Eating habits, dress, religious beliefs

Individuals value the group ways

Group is more that the sum of its parts

What are the benefits of social imagination?

Not being trapped as a prisoner of group think (mob mentality)

Challenging “controversial social wisdom” – also known as ASSUME

Section 1: The Sociological Perspective

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Main Idea: Sociology studies human social behavior. It assumes a group, rather than an individual, perspective. Sociologists look for the patterns in social relationships. Individuals can benefit by using their sociological imaginations to look at events in their personal lives.

Section 2 Objectives

Write these down so you know what is expected of you!

Outline the contributions of the major pioneers of sociology.

Summarize the development of sociology in the United States.

Who, Why & When did sociology start?

Who: Auguste Comte & Harriet Martineau

Why: Social upheaval from Industrial & French Revolutions. Created to bring back a sense of community and restore order

Give 3 Facts about Auguste Comte

1. Father (Founder) of Sociology

2. Created Positivism using scientific observation in the study of social behavior

3. Distinguished between Social Statistics & Social dynamics

* You should do that as well

Facts The man, the myth, the legend!

Give 3 facts about H. Martineau

1. Translated Comte’s book Positive Philosophy

2. Made original contributions in research methods & political economic policy

3. Pioneer in feminist theory in Society in America

Her Picture – What a looker!

Fact You should not have to know her

What was Herbert Spencer’s contribution to sociology?

He forwarded the idea of Social Darwinism “Survival of the

fittest society” Poor should be

poor and rich should be rich

Magnificent Beard! This will be the new look in the winter.

What 3 things did Karl Marx believe?

Social scientists should change the world

2 class system made up of Bourgeoisie (capitalists) and Proletariat (rich)

Class conflict would lead to a classless society welcome the idea of Communism

No he was not homeless, just cold a lot

Besides the “Bronze Theory” what 2 contributions did Durkheim give to sociology? Idea that

preindustrial society had mechanical solidarity and postindustrial had organic solidarity. (might want to define those)

Use of statistics in sociology in research

He kinda looks like Col. Sanders. Anyone else thinking about chicken?

Why is M. Weber considered to have the “single most important influence on the development of sociology?”

Created “Verstehen” understanding social behaviors of others by putting yourself mentally in their place

Identified Rationalism as key for move from pre to post industrialism

What should we know about Jane Addams? Created Hull House

shelter for helping less fortunate

Won Nobel Prize in 1931 – only sociologist to do so

Was discriminated against because she was female and not a teacher. Considered more of a social worker than sociologist

Give 2 facts about W. E B. DuBois.

Attacked “Negro problem” assumption that blacks were inferior

Analyzed social structure of black community

Yosemite Sam without his Hat.

Section 2: The Origins of Sociology

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Main Idea: Sociology is a young science. It started with the writings of European scholars like Auguste Comte, Harriet Martineau, Herbert Spencer, Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber. Jane Addams and W.E.B. Du Bois helped to focus America’s attention on social issues. After World War II, America took the lead in developing the field of sociology.

Section 3 Objectives

Write these down so you know what is expected of you!

Identify the three major theoretical perspectives in sociology today.

What is theoretical perspective?A set of assumptions accepted as true. What is wrong with this statement.

List at least 5 things that would fall into this category.

Approach to sociology that emphasizes the contributions made by each part of society.

What is functionalism?

What 2 ideas does functionalism have on social change?It sees the parts of society as an integrated whole

Assumes that societies tend to return to a state of stability after some upheaval occurs.

List and describe the 3 functions.Manifest Function intended & recognized consequences of an aspect of society.

List and describe the 3 functions.Latent

Function Unintended & unrecognized consequences of an aspect of society

List and describe the 3 functions.Dysfunction negative consequence of an aspect of society

Functionalism & Values?

Consensus of Values accounts for high degree of cooperation found in any society

What is the conflict theory perspective?

Sociological approach emphasizing the role of conflict, competition, and constraint within society.

What is the main view of the role of conflict and constraint?

Who ever has “power” of what ever is considered valuable in a society. Power – the ability

to control the behavior of others

Females better jobs, education, more benefits, etc.

What gender has benefited more from conflict? How?

Cooley & MeadHow was it created?

Who created symbolic interactionism?

Define

Anything that stands for something else and has an agreed-upon meaning attached to it

Approach that focuses on the interactions among people based on mutually understood symbols

Symbol Symbolic interactionism

What are the 3 assumptions of symbolic interactionism? 1. We learn the meaning of a symbol

by the way others react to it. 2. Once we have learned the

meaning of symbols, we base our behavior on them.

3. We use the meanings of symbols to imagine how others will respond to our behavior.

What is dramaturgy?

Approach that depicts human interaction as theatrical performances

Section 3: Theoretical Perspectives

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Main Idea: Sociology includes three major theoretical perspectives. Functionalism views society as an integrated whole. Conflict theory looks at class, race, and gender struggles. Symbolic interactionism examines how group members use shared symbols as they interact.