Chapter 1, Section 1 p.4-7 Sociology

Examining Social Life Our view of the world is shaped by values, beliefs, life-styles, and experiences of those around us …and of historic events We do not all view things exactly alike, but we share many perceptions and characteristics Diversity and similarity is of primary interest to sociologists.

What is Sociology? The scientific study of society and human interaction Interested in human/social interaction: How we relate to one another and influence each others behavior Focus on the group rather than the individual by examining social phenomenon – an observable fact or event

What is a Social Force? Forces in society that Influence/Pressure/Pushes people … … to Behave/Interact/Think in certain ways

Why Study Sociology? Helps us understand why people do what they do Helps us to identify the social forces that influence our behaviors Pushes us to ask questions about a behavior’s/activities consequences Helps us to understand who we are

What is a “Perspective”? A “mental” viewpoint (philosophy) from which we look at and examine something

The Sociological Perspective Teaches us to look at social life in a scientific way Sociologists look at everyday events in different ways …in order to see beyond the commonly held beliefs …to find the hidden messages behind human actions What SOCIAL FORCES led to the ACTIONS and/or CONSEQUENCES for the individual Example: Why are people poor? What leads people to become drug addicts?

The Sociological Imagination Is the ability to see the connection between the larger world and personal lives (C. Wright Mills) Provides insight into how our social environment shapes us …and how we, in turn, shape our social environment Helps us view our own lives within a larger social/historical context (BIG PICTURE VIEW)

Why are patterns important? Patterns give insight into the behavior’s and the processes of society Groups encourage conformity (members think, feel, and behave in similar ways = patterns)

The Social Sciences A group of related disciplines that study society and human relationships These disciplines overlap, but each one has a distinct/special point of view

The Social Sciences The Social Sciences are: Sociology...is the study of society and human interaction Anthropology …is the study of past and present cultures (most similar in terms of subject matter) Psychology …is the study of behavior and mental processes

The Social Sciences The Social Sciences are: Economics...is the study of production, distribution and consumption of goods and services Political Science …is the study of the organization and operation of governments History …is the study of past events of human societies

Why didn’t anybody stop them? Everyone else drunk too? Learned behaviors and attitudes?

Sociological Imagination - Activity Scenario A group of teenagers attend a party where alcohol is being served. After consuming large quantities of alcohol, four of these teens decide to leave and drive to another party.

Sociological Imagination - Activity Scenario A group of teenagers attend a party where alcohol is being served. After consuming large quantities of alcohol, four of these teens decide to leave and drive to another party. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ Exercise your sociological imagination by describing: * [Social Force(s)] Reasons the teens may have done this * Potential social consequences of this action for *The four teens * Other drivers *The teens parents* Society as a whole

Homework: Using Sociological Imagination Think of a negative or positive “real-life event” that you have been involved in. 1. Describe the situation in a paragraph. 1. Exercising your sociological imagination, DESCRIBE: A. Social Force(s) [Reason(s)] that may have attributed to your event B. Social consequences of this event on: Yourself Your family Your friends/peers/coworkers/etc… Society in general (if applicable)