Introduction to the Study of Sociology

Primary Question What is sociology and why is it important and beneficial?

What is the concept of free-will?

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

What is Sociology?

The Sociological Perspective Sociology The Sociological Imagination – C. Wright Mills

Is sociology simply common sense?

Common Sense Is subjective Ignores facts Is contradictory Varies across groups and cultures Is based on myths and misconceptions

Sociology and the Social Sciences What is Science? What is the difference between natural and social sciences? – What are some other social sciences and what do they study?

Sociological Perspective The sociological imagination helps us to understand how the social structure affects our lives The structure of society refers to the way that a society is organized – Institutions – Social Groups – Statuses – Roles

Social Institutions An established and enduring pattern of social relationships – The five traditional social institutions are Family Religion Politics Economics Education

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

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

What is a theory?

Theory A theory is a set of statements that explains why a particular phenomena happens – Theories can be viewed as tools or lenses through which individuals view society and, in this case, the family. – Theories differ

Benefits of the Sociological Perspective Gaining a broad understanding of society Promotes and understanding of the social world and our place in it. Helps us to understand how our lives are shaped by society, but also how individuals working together can change society – Disclaimer: Sociology addresses serious problems that face society, and often leads to disturbing discoveries about our society and ourselves.