Chapter 1 The Sociological Point of View

Chapter 1 The Sociological Point of View sociology surrounds us sociology surrounds us sociology- the study of human society and social behavior sociology- the study of human society and social behavior main interest is social interaction- how people relate to one another & influence each other’s behaviors main interest is social interaction- how people relate to one another & influence each other’s behaviors focus on group (over the individual) focus on group (over the individual)

The Social Sciences social sciences- disciplines that study human social behavior or institutions and functions of human society social sciences- disciplines that study human social behavior or institutions and functions of human society sociologists examine social phenomena- observable facts or events that involve human society sociologists examine social phenomena- observable facts or events that involve human society

The Sociological Perspective Why Study Sociology? gain a new perspective of self & world gain a new perspective of self & world look beyond common beliefs to see hidden meanings behind human actions; look at social life in a systematic way look beyond common beliefs to see hidden meanings behind human actions; look at social life in a systematic way a sociological perspective helps you see all people are social beings and to view the world through others’ eyes a sociological perspective helps you see all people are social beings and to view the world through others’ eyes find balance between your desires & demands of your environment find balance between your desires & demands of your environment helps you view your life in context helps you view your life in context

Sociological Imagination sociological imagination- coined by C. Wright Mills- the ability to see the connections between the larger world and your personal life sociological imagination- coined by C. Wright Mills- the ability to see the connections between the larger world and your personal life