WHAT YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO1: DEFINE SOCIOLOGY2: DESCRIBE TWO USES OF THE SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE3:DISTINGUISH SOCIOLOGY FROM OTHER SOCIAL SCIENCES4: IDENTIFY THE PIONEERS OF SOCIOLOGY AND THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS5:UNDERSTAND THE THREE MAJOR THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES OF SOCIOLOGY

Chapter 1An Invitation to Sociology

First Day Wrap-up

Syllabus signatures?Abandon Ship DiscussionResources:

www.reitzmartin.weebly.com Google Classroom

Section 1: An Invitation to Sociology

What is Sociology? 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

imagination

Perspective is a particular point of view. We all see what is happening around us through our

own perspectives—our own point of view. Sociology has its own perspective– the sociological

perspective (a view that looks at behavior of groups not individuals) Psychologists may study the individual, but sociologists

always study groups.

Sociological Perspective – Personal Problems, Public Issues Teens, Gangs, Transgenders, Athletes, CEO’s, Poor, etc.

The Importance of Patterns

In society you will inevitably find patterned relationships.

Social Structure (patterned interaction of people in social relationships) Example: Schools Emile Durkheim – define something by the sum of its

parts: Bronze..What is it made of? Hurricane Katrina Ferguson, MO, Baltimore, MD

Why do people conform?

Members of a group think, feel and behave in similar ways.

Conformity occurs because members value the group’s ways.

Some conform when personal preferences are not that of the group Teens and Drugs/Sex

Acquiring the Social Imagination

The sociological perspective enables us to develop a sociological imagination.

C. Wright Mills -> sociological imagination (the ability to see the link between society and self)

What is gained by using our sociological imagination?

We can begin to understand the effects of events, and put ourselves in a better position to make our own decisions rather than merely conform.

We can questions common interpretations of human social behavior, and challenge social wisdom—ideas that people assume are true.

Ain’t that America! Or Ain’t that America?

John Mellencamp – Pink HousesExtra Credit Assignment– See Google Classroom

Chapter 1 Section 2: The Origins of SociologySee Google Classroom for Assignment

Chapter 1 Section 3: Theoretical Perspectives

Sociology includes three major theoretical perspectives.

Functionalism (views society as an integrated whole)

Conflict theory (looks at class, race, gender struggles)

Symbolic interaction (examines how group members use shared symbols as they interact.

The Role of Theoretical Perspectives

Perspective – how the brain interprets an image or event; also the way you interpret the meaning of an image or event.

Influenced by beliefs or values you hold, draws attention to some things and blinds you to others.

When perspective highlights certain parts of something, it necessarily places other parts in the background.

What is Theoretical Perspective?

Theoretical perspective is a set of assumptions about an area of study. They are viewed as true by its supporters and it helps them organize their research. Competing theories usually exist at the same time.\

In sociology the three most widely accepted perspectives are functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism.

Functionalism

Functionalism – approach that emphasizes the contributions (functions) made by each part of society.

Social institutions (family, economy, education system, political system) are critical for society to function properly Example: Family, Economy,

Religion – all “parts” of a society. Family contributes by providing reproduction/care, structure.

How does functionalism explain change? A change in one part

leads, to a change in the other parts. Industrialization’s effect on families in the US.

Functionalism assumes that societies tend to return to a state of stability if altered.

Functionalism Continued

Do all functions have a positive effect? Most aspects exist to

promote a society’s survival and well-being. –if they didn’t they would not disappear

Robert Merton (1996) Manifest functions factors that lead to an expected outcome. Latent functions are factors that lead to an unintended and unforeseen outcome. Schools – teach math skills /

friendship development Negative consequences of a

function is a dysfunction

How does functionalism view values? General consensus on

values w/in a society. Most Americans agree on

the desirability of democracy, equality, etc.

Accounts for high degree of cooperation found in any society.

Functionalism suggests that a society’s values and norms provide the foundation for the rules and laws that it creates.

Functionalism Continued

Critics of functionalism sometimes claim that this paradigm does not take into account the influence of wealth and power on the formation of society.

Functionalists are accused of supporting the status quo, even when it may be harmful to do so.

Functionalists may argue that society works for the greatest number of people.

Change will arise when problems become “big enough”.

However, critics would argue that this belief results in many minorities being ignored.

Functionalist perspective often fails to recognize how inequalities in social class, race, and gender perpetuate imbalance in our society.

Conflict Perspective

Conflict Perspective – emphasizes conflict, competition, change, and constraint within a society. (This is the opposite of functionalism). Focuses on issues like race, gender, social class, criminal justice,

intonations relations, etc. Two main concerns for conflict theorist are economic wealth and

power. Groups and societies compete to preserve/promote their own

special values/interestsCentral question for conflict theorist – “Who gets what?”

If you believe that discrimination, ageism, sexism, racism, and classism occur in society because some people have the power to promote their desires over others’; then you think like a conflict theorist.

Conflict Perspective Continued

How does the conflict perspective explain social change? Many conflicting groups

exists, as balance of power shifts between groups, change occurs.

Women’s movement – what changes have occurred as women have grown increasingly equal to men in power/influence?

Which perspective is better? Neither – both highlight

certain areas of social life. Each have

advantages/disadvantaces Critics of conflict theory

often accuse it of being too radical. This paradigm often becomes

synonymous with the idea that powerful people oppress the weak.

A simple reading of conflict theory can also seem to make the notion of conflict seem like a bad thing. Doesn’t competition breed

excellence?

Symbolic Interactionism

Symbolic Interactionism is an approach that focuses on the interactions among people based on mutually understood symbols. In other words, how communication influences the way people’s interactions with each other create the social world in which we live. Symbolic Interactionists believe that the root of

society comes from its symbols. They suggest that the symbols we use are arbitrary,

meaning that they vary from culture to culture.

Symbolic Interactionism Continued

What is the significance of symbols in symbolic interactionism?

Symbol – something choses to represent something else. (symbols are observable, but may represent something not observable. Red light/ Green light Disputes arise when we do not share the same definitions.

Symbolic interactionism is the most micro of sociological approaches, as it often studies the activities of individuals and then draws connections to larger society from these. Studies of relationships, race, deviance, and even social

movements can all use a symbolic interactionist approach.

Symbolic Interactionism Continued

What are the basic assumptions of symbolic interaction?

(Herbert Blumer) We learn the meaning of a symbol from the way we

see others react to it. Once we learn the meanings of symbols, we base our

behavior on them. We use the meanings of symbols to imagine how

others will respond to our behavior. We have “internal conversations” that enable us to

visualize how others will respond to us before we act – everyone around us is doing the same thing.