Introduction to the Study of Sociology and Anthropology Key Terms

Discussion Objective Define key terms in study of multicultural behavior.

Culture is defined as the meanings and ways of life that characterize a society including beliefs, values, norms, sanctions, and symbols. Culture

1-4 Developing a Sociological Consciousness Sociology: scientific study of social interaction, social organization, and the relationship between individuals and society –- Rigorous and systematic –- Powerful scientific tool

What is Anthropology? The study of humans, past and present The study of humans, past and present – Sociocultural Anthropology -examines patterns and practices across cultures, with a special interest in how people live in particular places and how they organize, govern, and create meaning with attention given to race, sexuality, class, gender, and nationality – -A central concern of anthropologists is the application of knowledge to the solution of human problems -Other areas within anthropology include biological/physical; archeology; and linguistic

` Why are these disciplines sometimes criticized as “soft sciences”? What do you see as the main similarities? Differences?

Methods of Study Qualitative vs. Quantitative – Subjectivity vs. Objectivity What do you see as the problems with both? – Does correlation equal causation? – What do we use to study culture? What makes studying culture difficult? Ethnocentrism vs. Cultural relativism

Agency vs. Structure – What determines an individuals behavior? Agency-making individual choices based on free-will Structure-cultural and structural influences operate in the decision making process – How society is organized – Society is patterned

The Sociological Perspective The Sociological Imagination – C. Wright Mills

Levels of Analysis Macro Analyses - Looks at the "big picture" of society and suggests how society is affected at the institutional level. Micro Analyses - Concerned with the social psychological dynamics of individuals interacting in small groups.

Sociological Perspective/Imagination The sociological imagination helps us to understand how the social structure affects our lives and the lives of others Private troubles  Public/Cultural issues

Unveiling New Levels of Cultural Reality-The Sociological Imagination –How is each one of these private troubles related to public /Cultural issues? –-Year 11 year old niece has low self esteem issues and may have an eating disorder -Your Islamic friend is harassed by security at the airport –-Your Uncle files bankruptcy due to extreme medical bills after a major car accident -Your cousin joins a gang at the age of 12 -You know someone who is shot in an act of gun violence

Dominant and Minority Groups Minority group: subordinate group whose members have significantly less control or power than members of dominant or majority group – What groups constitute a minority group? A dominant group?