1. Sociology
Definition - The systematic study of human society and social interaction.

2. Chapter 1 Section 1
Word “Sociology” coined by August Comte (prominent sociologist)
Group behavior is the focus
Sociology-group behavior
Psychology- individual behavior

3. Timeline
1830 science of sociology identified by Comte, in Positive Philosophy
1848 Karl Marx- Communist Manifesto
Classless society
1892 first Sociology Dept at Univ. of Chicago
– published writings by WEB DuBois, Durkheim, Weber

4. Something New Group Behavior
Cannot be predicted by personal characteristics
Something new is formed when groups form
Illustration: Bronze (Emile Durkheim)
Formed of lead, copper, and tin-combined: new substance
Ex) mobs after championships- Other examples???

5. A society is a large social grouping that shares the same geographical territory and is subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectations.

6. Social Structure
The patterned interaction of people in social relationships
Example: schools vary, but students and teachers generally relate to each other in similarly patterned ways
What are some other examples of patterned relationships?

7. Social Structure
Social structure is an active and constantly changing social force
It varies across space and time

8. Sociological Imagination
The ability to see the relationship between individual experiences and the larger society.
Private v. Public Issues

9. Sociological Imagination
Questions common interpretations of human social behavior
Ex-Why would a young man join a gang?
Possible personal factors-to prove toughness, looking for a family, lack of father figure, peer pressure
Sociologist would look at how society has taught men to be “masculine”
Looks at the category of young men

10. Stereotypes

11. Sociological Imagination
Challenges conventional social wisdom
No assumptions and no stereotypes
Start looking at groups with the eyes of a sociologist!

12. Acknowledgements
“Simpsons” Powerpoint slides used from