Unit 1: What is Sociology? Essential Questions: What do social groups do for you? Did you choose your social group because they were like you, or did you become like them?
Sociology Definition
Groups shapes who we are
Big Idea: Social Interaction,.
Most people assume that their WHY BOTHER? Most people don’t recognize how much they are shaped by the people around them Most people assume that their By understanding other groups they are able to see
Sociological Imagination 1. The ability to see the connection between our lives, those of our social group, and 2. The ability to use sociology to examine what has happened and to
Are you a completely unique individual or are you the product of the Town of New Providence, your parents, your school, or your friends?
The Background: Mr. Sociology August Comte: French philosopher Goal to uncover “laws” that govern society … lead to social reform and a better place to live Coined the term Considered the “founder” of sociology
Karl “must be the money” Marx Marx thought that Class Struggle between Marx would be Classified as a Society is a war Between
Are the rich “really” happy?
Sociological Question: Why do many people believe that the rich are not really happy? Answer:
Herbert Spencer: “Survival of the Fittest” FUNCTIONALIST PERSPECTIVE: SPENCER: The death of the Spencer fell out of favor because Of his perceived
Emile Durkheim Used Science to examine groups Functionalist: institutions and practices in society Dysfunction: when society breaks down because of the What would be the function of: Religion? (Durkheim’s favorite) -Schools -Organized Sports -Prisons
Self-Test What is Sociology? How does Sociological imagination help us better understand the world around us? Why is August Comte the father of sociology? What makes Karl Marx a conflict theorist? Are Herbert Spenser’s theories wrong? Why or why not? What function does Durkheim suggest an institution such as religion serve for our society?
5 components of culture Language Norms Values Symbol Physical Objects