Sociology Definition - The systematic study of human society and social interaction.

Chapter 1 Section 1 Word “Sociology” coined by August Comte (prominent sociologist) Group behavior is the focus Sociology-group behavior Psychology- individual behavior

Timeline 1830 science of sociology identified by Comte, in Positive Philosophy 1848 Karl Marx- Communist Manifesto Classless society 1892 first Sociology Dept at Univ. of Chicago 1897 -1904 – published writings by WEB DuBois, Durkheim, Weber

Something New Group Behavior Cannot be predicted by personal characteristics Something new is formed when groups form Illustration: Bronze (Emile Durkheim) Formed of lead, copper, and tin-combined: new substance Ex) mobs after championships- Other examples???

A society is a large social grouping that shares the same geographical territory and is subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectations.

Social Structure The patterned interaction of people in social relationships Example: schools vary, but students and teachers generally relate to each other in similarly patterned ways What are some other examples of patterned relationships?

Social Structure Social structure is an active and constantly changing social force It varies across space and time

Sociological Imagination The ability to see the relationship between individual experiences and the larger society. Private v. Public Issues

Sociological Imagination Questions common interpretations of human social behavior Ex-Why would a young man join a gang? Possible personal factors-to prove toughness, looking for a family, lack of father figure, peer pressure Sociologist would look at how society has taught men to be “masculine” Looks at the category of young men

Stereotypes

Sociological Imagination Challenges conventional social wisdom No assumptions and no stereotypes Start looking at groups with the eyes of a sociologist!

Acknowledgements “Simpsons” Powerpoint slides used from http://sociology.mrdonn.org/intro.html