SOCIOLOGY 1001A
SOCO 1001A
Chapter 1
Sociological Imagination – C. Wright Mills : Understanding the relationship between social factors and people’s lives. Understanding the true origin of problems that we face.
What is the sociological perspective?
1.A way of looking at the world
2.Relies on the scientific method – research
3.Encourages people to question why society is set up the way it is
4.Emphasizes social diversity
What are the benefits of using the sociological perspective?
Helps us assess the truth of “commonsense”
Helps us assess opportunities and constraints in our own lives and the lives of others
Empowers us to effectively participate in society
Helps us live in a diverse world
Ecological Fallacy: Sociologists talk about patterns in collectives or groups. Because an individual is a member of a particular group, that person does not necessarily exhibit all traits that characterize the group as a whole
Socialization: Life-long process through which we learn our culture, develop a sense of self, and become functioning members of a society
Social Conflict : Dominant group determines what constitutes mainstream culture
Disadvantaged/oppressed groups buy into dominant culture. Ex. Individualism
Social Learning Theory : Contrasts with psychoanalytic theories by focusing on observable behaviors
Social Institutions : A predictable, established way to provide for one or more of society’s basic needs. Ex: Education, health care, political, economic, family
4 Social Changes :
The Industrial Revolution
The Growth of Cities
Political Change
Rapid Expansion of Colonialism
2 different ways of explaining social relationships:
Theological – Using religion to explain social structure and group differences
Science – Scientific laws can explain human behavior and social structure
Interdependence: Everything is related, so a change in one aspect of society necessarily changes everything else in that society
Manifest Functions : Intended function of some
Chapter 1
Sociological Imagination – C. Wright Mills : Understanding the relationship between social factors and people’s lives. Understanding the true origin of problems that we face.
What is the sociological perspective?
1.A way of looking at the world
2.Relies on the scientific method – research
3.Encourages people to question why society is set up the way it is
4.Emphasizes social diversity
What are the benefits of using the sociological perspective?
Helps us assess the truth of “commonsense”
Helps us assess opportunities and constraints in our own lives and the lives of others
Empowers us to effectively participate in society
Helps us live in a diverse world
Ecological Fallacy: Sociologists talk about patterns in collectives or groups. Because an individual is a member of a particular group, that person does not necessarily exhibit all traits that characterize the group as a whole
Socialization: Life-long process through which we learn our culture, develop a sense of self, and become functioning members of a society
Social Conflict : Dominant group determines what constitutes mainstream culture
Disadvantaged/oppressed groups buy into dominant culture. Ex. Individualism
Social Learning Theory : Contrasts with psychoanalytic theories by focusing on observable behaviors
Social Institutions : A predictable, established way to provide for one or more of society’s basic needs. Ex: Education, health care, political, economic, family
4 Social Changes :
The Industrial Revolution
The Growth of Cities
Political Change
Rapid Expansion of Colonialism
2 different ways of explaining social relationships:
Theological – Using religion to explain social structure and group differences
Science – Scientific laws can explain human behavior and social structure
Interdependence: Everything is related, so a change in one aspect of society necessarily changes everything else in that society
Manifest Functions : Intended function of some