What is Sociology? Chapter 1

Section Preview Sociology studies human social behavior It assumes a group, rather than an individual, perspective Sociology looks for the patterns in social relationships

Sociology is a Science?! Social sciences – Branch of learning that deals with human society Sociology Anthropology Psychology Economics Political science History

The Nature of Sociology Perspective – Our own points of view – Road map to half court in the gym Sociology – The scientific study of society and human social behavior Sociological perspective – Examining the SOCIAL (outside) factors of human behavior rather than individual factors – Focus on patterns of behavior by shared group members (group behavior vs. individual behavior) – Complete the sentence: “Homelessness is the result of…” – Examples…

Individual behavior vs. Social factors A young man joins a gang to prove his toughness – Young men join gangs because society teaches them to be masculine A woman divorces her husband to pursue her own career – Women divorce because of the social trend of sexual equality A teen commits suicide to escape depression – Teens commit suicide because of peer group expectations, competition over material possessions, and physical appearance

The Importance of Patterns Social structure – The patterned interaction of people in social relationships – Example High school students in a classroom behave differently, but there are patterned relationships in all classrooms – Talkative students vs. quiet students – Lecture, notes, test taking

Why Do People Conform? Groups range in size (family to entire society) All groups are encouraged to conform Members of a group feel, think, and behave in similar ways because conformity is a VALUE of any society – Wearing Uggs with a skirt because you’re “cool” “It’s like sticking your foot in a sheep” – Start smoking/drinking in order to gain acceptance

How Do You Conform? Using the following as examples, make a list of 10 specific ways in which you conform – School – Sports – Jobs – Hobbies – Clothes – Music – Language