An Introduction

  Sociology is the study of human society and social behavior.  Sociologist are mainly interested in social interaction, how people relate to one another and influence each other’s behavior. Consequently, sociologists tend to focus on groups rather than on the individual. What is Sociology?

  A sociological perspective involves looking at social life in a systematic way, rather than depending on common sense explanations.  You can look beyond commonly held beliefs to the hidden meanings behind human actions. What is sociological perspective?

  A sociological imagination is the ability to see the connection between the larger world and your personal life. What is sociological imagination?

  Auguste Comte- He was the founder of sociology. He was concerned with social order and social change.  Herbert Spencer- He was inspired by Charles Darwin and his views of society became known as social Darwinism. This is the belief that societies evolve toward stability and only the fittest societies survive. Who are the most influential early sociologists?

  Karl Marx- He believed that the structure of society is influenced by how its economy is based.  Marx argued that society is divided into two groups, the bourgeoisie or capitalists, and the proletariat or workers. Bourgeoisie own the means of production and proletariat own nothing but provide labor.  Class conflict will only be resolved when proletariat unite to overthrow those in power.  Victorious workers form a classless society in which each contributes “according to his ability” and takes “according to his need.”

  Emile Durkheim- The basis of his ideas was that sociologists should only study features of society that are observable so they can be tested through scientific analysis.  Max Weber- He was interested in separate groups in society instead of society as a whole. This led him to focus more on the effects of society on the individual. He felt that sociologist should go beyond observation and attempt to uncover the thoughts and feeling of individuals.

  A theoretic perspective in sociology is a set of assumptions that outline specific ideas about society.  Functionalist Perspective- (Comte, Spencer, Durkheim) views society as a set of interrelated parts that work together to produce a stable social system.  Conflict Perspective- (Marx) focuses on those forces in society that promote competition and change.  Interactionist Perspective- (Weber) focuses on how individuals interact with one another in society. What are the Current Perspectives?