Basics of Sociology

Sociology• Auguste Comte coined the

term ‘sociology’ in 1839• Socious –companion and

logus –science

science of society and social interactions taking place

Characteristics• Sociology is…

neutral –how men behave

a study of human social life –human interactions

a science –factual basis

Significance• know one’s role in the group

• understand man’s weaknesses• promote world peace

Conditions in generalization:Don’t apply generalization

to all individual.Be factual.Be fair-minded and truthful.

Subdivisions•Communication and Public Opinion•Criminology•Demography•The Family•Industrial Sociology•Medical Sociology•Methodology as Social Research•Occupational Sociology•Political Sociology•Race and Ethnic Relations

• Rural Sociology• Social Disorganization• Social Psychology• Social Stratification• Sociology Theory• Sociology of Arts• Sociology of Complex Organizations• Sociology of Education• Sociology of Law • Sociology of Religion• Sociology of Small Groups

Social Science -group of related discipline that studies various aspects of human behaviour

Related Social Sciences •Anthropology –importance of race difference in culture and socialization

Physical AnthropologySocio-cultural Anthropology

•Social Psychology - how a group influence a person

•Economics - dependent upon government, public opinion, family life and migration

• Political Science –laws are connected with culture and social organization

• History -important for sociological interpretation

TheoriesTheory

set of logically interrelated parts.

Perspective(theoretical framework) over all approach/viewpoint on

some subject.

Three major theoretical perspectives

1. Functionalist society is stable, orderly system. >majority of the members in the

society share common values, beliefs and behavioral expectations.

2. Conflicts groups in society are engaged in a

continuous struggle for control of scarce resources.

ex: politics, negotiations, family, and financial problems.

3. Symbolic Interactionistfocuses on a day to day interaction and their behavior in groups.

ContributorsAuguste Comte (1798-1857)

-born on Southern France, from aristocrat & conservative family

career’s focus: developing and promoting his theory of positivism where in scientific method should be applied to the study f society.

Course de Philosophie Positive ( Law of three stage)

1. Theological stage(ended up until 1300) >all natural phenomena and social events

occur due to supernatural forces and gods/goddesses culminating

2. Metaphysical stage(1300-1800AD) >explanations in supernatural forces were

more systematic than the gods of the past.3. Positivist stage(1800 onwards)

>explanations were based on science and empirical experiments to expose the reality.

Emile Durkheim (1885-1917) >first French sociologist with a

doctors degree in sociology from University of Paris(1892)

Social phenomena >social fact with distinctive

social characteristics and determinant.

Suicide >influenced by social forces and

not the individual matter.

Max Weber (1864-1920)>German economist from

University of Heidelberg

“People give in their interactions with others.”

“Subjective methods and quantitative methods should be use in social actions.”

Karl Marx (1818-1883) >German economist and

philosopher

Capitalisman insatiable search from profit,

inequality, exploitation and oppression. Human society evolve to a more perfect state where in there’s equality and capitalist economic system will be overthrown

Development of Sociology

in the Philippines

Fr. Valentin Marinintroduced Sociology in the Philippines

in University of Sto. Tomas (1896)

Three Stages of Sociology:1. Social Philosophy2. Problem-oriented Discipline3. Scientific Approach

Social Philosophy taught until 1950’s little emphasis on scientific nature of sociology

Problem-oriented Discipline introduced by Serafin E. Macaraig

Scientific Approach government and private agencies become aware of the importance of social facts in decision-making process. Benicio T. Catapusan – collected data about Rural Philippines for the Government which paved away to the distribution of economic aid to different regions.

1952 - Filipino educators and visiting professors of UP, ADMU and Siliman University organized the Philippine Sociological Society.

Objectives of Philippine Social Science:- Increase knowledge about social behaviour- Gather data for possible solutions on social

problem- Train teachers and researchers- Develop cooperation and unity among social

scientists in the Philippines.

Phil. Sociological Society Council formed in 1968different disciplines of SS contribute to the development of Philippines and Filipinos.

First Social Science Congress held on Nov.17-19,1983

theme: “Towards Excellence in the Social Sciences of the Philippines”

Cynthia Bautista attributes link between researchers and policy makers.

Guerrero in 1990s there’s a collaboration of SS theories

and methodologies, and various sectors (NGOS, government, academics, people org., women’s group)

S.J. PSS President Fr. Renato Ocampo “the role of sociologists as developing its research capabilities at the service information, effective delivery systems and monitoring and evaluation of private and government agencies.”

Methods of

SociologicalResearch

Scientific MethodSystematically planned and

objective investigations of some questions /problems connected to a certain phenomena .

1. Field Research Study of social life in its natural

setting .

- Observing ( natural, contrive/fixed and participant observation ) and interviewing people where they live , work and play

Observation • Natural – observe from afar to avoid

changes in natural phenomenon .

• Contrived – setting up variables/situation to determine how people react to it .

• Participant – observer seek insights by taking part on whatever he’s studying

2. Secondary Analysis of Existing Data

Public records , raw data by other researches

• Content Analysis – there’s regular pattern / frequency .

3. Survey research

Subject respond to a series of statements / questions in the questionnaire/interview

Closed-ended format – there’s fixed response.Open-ended format – free expression of opinion.

Question –series of written questions

Interview –series of questions asked orally

4. ExperimentResearcher studies the impact of

certain variables on subject’s attitude/behavior.

Based on real – life situation but artificial.

• Experimental group – exposed to independent variables.

• Control group – dependent variables

Role of Sociologist

Activist -challenges position and argues that it’s impossible to be “

value-free” or support the status quo in temporary society.

Traditional /conservative view -make a firm and conscious

position of neutrality to avoid biases in data and results of investigations.

Role: provide legislators with objective data that’ll form the basis of their decisions and

actions

Career: Sociology is a qualification for civil service job , masteral and

doctoral degrees .

• Area of instructions , research and administration in colleges and universities.

• Consultants , research technicians and administrators in social welfare organizations and government agencies.