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.