Sociology The study of people in groupsThe study of people in groups Groups in the process of self- formationGroups in the process of self- formation through the actions of individualsthrough the actions of individuals through the actions and forces of the groups themselvesthrough the actions and forces of the groups themselves

The Study of People in Groups The “Scientific” study ofThe “Scientific” study of –groups and –group formation Groups, as collections of people in the process of self-definitionGroups, as collections of people in the process of self-definition

Scientific Study of Groups Involves Methods of StudyInvolves Methods of Study Involves Theories of StudyInvolves Theories of Study

METHODS of STUDY Observation (obtrusive and unobtrusive) Observation (obtrusive and unobtrusive) SurveysSurveys ExperimentsExperiments Historical ComparisonHistorical Comparison Cross-Cultural ComparisonCross-Cultural Comparison Archival ResearchArchival Research

Suspending Judgement A key attitude in the study of society is the research approach called cultural relativismA key attitude in the study of society is the research approach called cultural relativism This is in contrast to the common approach, which views other cultures and societies from the point of view of one’s own values and beliefs-- otherwise known as ethnocentrismThis is in contrast to the common approach, which views other cultures and societies from the point of view of one’s own values and beliefs-- otherwise known as ethnocentrism

Theories of Study Functionalism (and variations)Functionalism (and variations) –structuralism Social Conflict TheorySocial Conflict Theory Symbolic InteractionismSymbolic Interactionism Gender Theory (Feminist Theory)Gender Theory (Feminist Theory)

Functionalism Social groups and society are viewed like “living organisms”Social groups and society are viewed like “living organisms” groups and group processes are studied as parts of a functioning wholegroups and group processes are studied as parts of a functioning whole aspects and behaviors of society may have obvious (manifest) functions or “hidden” (latent) functionsaspects and behaviors of society may have obvious (manifest) functions or “hidden” (latent) functions

Functionalism: Durkheim Emile Durkheim: French SociologistEmile Durkheim: French Sociologist ( )( ) Considered one of the “fathers of modern sociology”Considered one of the “fathers of modern sociology”

Social Conflict Theory Society is created from the ongoing conflict between key groupsSociety is created from the ongoing conflict between key groups According to some theorists, these groups are the main economic “classes” of societyAccording to some theorists, these groups are the main economic “classes” of society these are made up of those who own the main wealth of society, and those who own little but their ability to laborthese are made up of those who own the main wealth of society, and those who own little but their ability to labor

Social Conflict Theory:Marx The main theorist representing this approach is Karl Marx ( )The main theorist representing this approach is Karl Marx ( ) He saw society as being built out of the conflicting interests of the “owner class” and the “working class”He saw society as being built out of the conflicting interests of the “owner class” and the “working class” In his view, the ensuing struggle between classes would lead to a classless societyIn his view, the ensuing struggle between classes would lead to a classless society

Symbolic Interactionism “Symbols” are the basis of social life“Symbols” are the basis of social life Individuals and societies develop through people’s interaction through symbolsIndividuals and societies develop through people’s interaction through symbols Individuals develop a sense of themselves as they learn to use symbolsIndividuals develop a sense of themselves as they learn to use symbols Individuals develop a sense of themselves as they learn to see themselves the way they believe others see themIndividuals develop a sense of themselves as they learn to see themselves the way they believe others see them

Symbolic Interactionists Charles Horton Cooley ( )Charles Horton Cooley ( ) George Herbert Mead ( )George Herbert Mead ( ) Erving GoffmanErving Goffman –“The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life”

Culture and Society Material and Non-Material CultureMaterial and Non-Material Culture Culture as “Webs of Meaning”Culture as “Webs of Meaning”...As “Blueprint of/for society”...As “Blueprint of/for society” Made up, as well, of norms, values, mores and folkwaysMade up, as well, of norms, values, mores and folkways The culture of a society is passed on from one generation to the nextThe culture of a society is passed on from one generation to the next

Culture and Society The culture of any group is passed on from one generation to the next through ongoing, lifelong processes of socializationThe culture of any group is passed on from one generation to the next through ongoing, lifelong processes of socialization A related concept is enculturationA related concept is enculturation Social members may even be resocialized in their lifetime if they do not “conform” to the values, mores, norms etc. of their groupSocial members may even be resocialized in their lifetime if they do not “conform” to the values, mores, norms etc. of their group

Socialization Socialization (enculturation) is a life-long process, that begins at birthSocialization (enculturation) is a life-long process, that begins at birth We are first socialized by those who are closest to us in our early months and yearsWe are first socialized by those who are closest to us in our early months and years This first development is called primary socializationThis first development is called primary socialization Later we are socialized through our wider society, and this is called secondary socializationLater we are socialized through our wider society, and this is called secondary socialization

Groups Sociology is the study of groups of people in process of self-definition as groupsSociology is the study of groups of people in process of self-definition as groups A group is a collection of people (but not all collections of people are groups!)A group is a collection of people (but not all collections of people are groups!) Sociology studies, among other things, how individuals impact and shape groupsSociology studies, among other things, how individuals impact and shape groups Sociology studies, as well, how groups impact and shape individualsSociology studies, as well, how groups impact and shape individuals

Groups: Common Terms aggregateaggregate categorycategory voluntary and involuntary groupsvoluntary and involuntary groups reference groupsreference groups peer groupspeer groups primary and secondary groupsprimary and secondary groups

Groups: More Terms statusstatus –achieved –ascribed rolesroles in-groupin-group out-groupout-group

Formal Organizations Formal organizations are usually large- scale groups that have a planned focus and a clearly defined structureFormal organizations are usually large- scale groups that have a planned focus and a clearly defined structure Such organizations are often referred to as bureaucraciesSuch organizations are often referred to as bureaucracies Max Weber studied bureaucracies as ideal organizations of complex, modern societyMax Weber studied bureaucracies as ideal organizations of complex, modern society

Bureaucracies According to Weber, bureaucracies represented the ideal organization of large-scale, modern societyAccording to Weber, bureaucracies represented the ideal organization of large-scale, modern society....with such characteristics as the complex division of labor....with such characteristics as the complex division of labor...with a hierarchical structure of authority...with a hierarchical structure of authority...and a complex system of clear and predictable rules...and a complex system of clear and predictable rules

Social Inequality A persistent character of groups throughout the world is that of stratificationA persistent character of groups throughout the world is that of stratification Stratification is the unequal division of societiesStratification is the unequal division of societies This division can be based on a variety of factors including:This division can be based on a variety of factors including:

Stratification: Class...Class... Race...Race... Gender...Gender... Power...Power... Prestige...Prestige...

Class: Marx According to Marx (and other social conflict theorists) class is the division of societies into several main groups, including:According to Marx (and other social conflict theorists) class is the division of societies into several main groups, including:...those who own the productive wealth of society...those who own the productive wealth of society...those who own only their labor (the workers)...those who own only their labor (the workers)

Class: Marx In this theory, this was the fundamental difference between the classes of industrial societyIn this theory, this was the fundamental difference between the classes of industrial society...and this division would eventually disappear as workers struggled for the power of the owner class...and this division would eventually disappear as workers struggled for the power of the owner class

Class: Weber According to Weber, the stratification of society was based on a broader range of factors, includingAccording to Weber, the stratification of society was based on a broader range of factors, including....wealth....wealth....power....power....prestige....prestige And one could have any one of these to be in a “higher” class..... (examples?)And one could have any one of these to be in a “higher” class..... (examples?)

Poverty Among the Stratified Poverty is a persistent feature of stratification throughout the worldPoverty is a persistent feature of stratification throughout the world While many would argue about its very definitionWhile many would argue about its very definition And many would argue about its real cause(s)And many would argue about its real cause(s)

Relative and Absolute Poverty Much of poverty in the world is what could be termed “relative poverty”....Much of poverty in the world is what could be termed “relative poverty”.... While much of the world lives in “absolute poverty...While much of the world lives in “absolute poverty......the latter being a state in which one’s very survival is threatened by the lack of resources (eg. food, clothing, medical care etc.)...the latter being a state in which one’s very survival is threatened by the lack of resources (eg. food, clothing, medical care etc.)

Causes of Poverty Why does poverty persist in the world?Why does poverty persist in the world? Functionalist view....Functionalist view.... Social-conflict theory...Social-conflict theory... Social-interactionist theory...Social-interactionist theory... Gender/Feminist theory...Gender/Feminist theory...

Other Divisions: Race and Ethnicity Race and ethnicity are also dividing factors in our society (and our wider world)Race and ethnicity are also dividing factors in our society (and our wider world) Race is the social definition of people based one biological characteristicsRace is the social definition of people based one biological characteristics Ethnicity is the social definition of people based on cultural ties (like language, dress, customs, beliefs, etc.)Ethnicity is the social definition of people based on cultural ties (like language, dress, customs, beliefs, etc.)

Race: Key Terms PrejudicePrejudice DiscriminationDiscrimination RacismRacism Social definition of RaceSocial definition of Race Institutional RacismInstitutional Racism Minority StatusMinority Status

Race: More Key Terms Genocide (“ethnic cleansing”)Genocide (“ethnic cleansing”) ExpulsionExpulsion Segregation (apartheid)Segregation (apartheid) AssimilationAssimilation AmalgamationAmalgamation Cultural pluralismCultural pluralism

Other Divisions: Gender Sex: biological characteristicsSex: biological characteristics –xy/xx, hormones, primary and secondary sex characteristics Gender: the social definition of groups based on biological characteristics....Gender: the social definition of groups based on biological characteristics.... (sound familiar? see the variation of this theme under “race”)(sound familiar? see the variation of this theme under “race”)

Gender: Nature vs. Nurture How much of what we are as “masculine” and “feminine” isHow much of what we are as “masculine” and “feminine” is.....learned through socialization learned through socialization or “built-in” to us through our genes, hormones and brain-structure?.....or “built-in” to us through our genes, hormones and brain-structure?

Gender: biological destiny? How much of the stratification of our society along gendered lines is “natural”- -based on our biological make-up....How much of the stratification of our society along gendered lines is “natural”- -based on our biological make-up and how much is the result of social definition of opportunities etc. based on biological makeup....?....and how much is the result of social definition of opportunities etc. based on biological makeup....?

Gender: biological destiny? the “glass ceiling”...the “glass ceiling”... female job-ghettosfemale job-ghettos the “feminization of poverty”the “feminization of poverty” Are these “natural divisions” of the world?Are these “natural divisions” of the world?

Social Institutions Society is in process of self-definition...Society is in process of self-definition... As social practices of groups become familiar, accepted and expected they become what sociology calls institutionsAs social practices of groups become familiar, accepted and expected they become what sociology calls institutions This refers to organized practices and relationships of society, rather than to physical places...This refers to organized practices and relationships of society, rather than to physical places...

Social Institutions Include......family...family...religion...religion...economics and politics...economics and politics...education...education

Family: The way we never were... The sociological study of family:The sociological study of family: historical comparison...historical comparison... –Kodachrome...”the good-old days”... cross-cultural comparison...cross-cultural comparison... –“family values” around the world... family today: the “ideal” vs. “the real”family today: the “ideal” vs. “the real”

Religion= Primitive Science? The “enlightened view” of “religion”...The “enlightened view” of “religion”... –“science” replacing “religion” –the emergence of “rational” explanation of the world Classifying the world’s cultures : from “savagery” to “civilization”?Classifying the world’s cultures : from “savagery” to “civilization”? Sociologists get involved.....Sociologists get involved..... –Durkheim et. al

Religion vs. Science? Is there necessarily any conflict between religion and science?Is there necessarily any conflict between religion and science? examples of conflict in history....examples of conflict in history.... –the earth is the center of the universe –there is no such thing as a vacuum –“God” created “man” on the 7th day... not through “evolution”....

Religion vs. Science? Why did such scientific assertions challenge religion?Why did such scientific assertions challenge religion? Do they necessarily undermine, or contradict religious beliefs and tradtitions?Do they necessarily undermine, or contradict religious beliefs and tradtitions? Today, does the sociological study of religion necessarily mean the rejection of religion?Today, does the sociological study of religion necessarily mean the rejection of religion?

Sociology and Religion: Which theory would say... “Religion dulls people to the reality of class conflict...”“Religion dulls people to the reality of class conflict...” “Religion should be studied for the things it does for the cohesion of society...”“Religion should be studied for the things it does for the cohesion of society...” “Religion should also be studied for its gendered character in history and contemporary society...”“Religion should also be studied for its gendered character in history and contemporary society...”

Deviance and Social Control Remember... “Sociology is the study of.....”Remember... “Sociology is the study of.....” Groups in “self-definition” set boundaries...Groups in “self-definition” set boundaries... –who belongs –who does not This is done by the way people talk, dress, behave etc.This is done by the way people talk, dress, behave etc.

Deviance and Social Control “Deviance” is relative to values of the wider society.... How is this so?“Deviance” is relative to values of the wider society.... How is this so? –or.... if a “deviant” fell in the woods, and nobody was around to hear this.... “Deviant” behavior and beliefs often find their way, eventually, into “mainstream” society:“Deviant” behavior and beliefs often find their way, eventually, into “mainstream” society: –or... underwear as outerwear....

Deviance and Social Control “Deviant behavior” today may also have been accepted social practice in the past...“Deviant behavior” today may also have been accepted social practice in the past... spare the rod and avoid the DCYFspare the rod and avoid the DCYF no smoking! you smoking! you opium under the Pastor’s porch...opium under the Pastor’s porch...

Which theory would See “deviance” as the definition of the powerful in a society?...See “deviance” as the definition of the powerful in a society?...See “deviance” as learned through processes of seeing oneself in relation to others and their expectations?...See “deviance” as learned through processes of seeing oneself in relation to others and their expectations?...See “deviance” as having some “positive” functions in society, as well as being a sign of the malfunction or dysfunction of society?...See “deviance” as having some “positive” functions in society, as well as being a sign of the malfunction or dysfunction of society?

A Rap on Deviance The “latent” and “manifest” functions of “parental advisory”stickersThe “latent” and “manifest” functions of “parental advisory”stickers But isn’t Rap just “missing a C”?But isn’t Rap just “missing a C”? Rap... In context of history....Rap... In context of history.... A conflict of power in history and contemporary society?A conflict of power in history and contemporary society?

U.S. Income Distribution