ANT 121 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

WHAT IS SOCIOLOGY? The scientific and systematic study of society, social interaction and human behaviour.

WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF SOCIOLOGY? The world that humans have created, which we actively recreate, and which we can change… The social consequences of our activities, behaviours and attitudes. The external & structural factors that influence people. Patterns of power & hierarchy in society. Social issues such as homelessness, racism, poverty, domestic violence, gender discrimination, environmental degradation, health inequities & globalization.

COURSE AIMS & OBJECTIVES To distinguish between sociology and other social sciences. To introduce students to a unique way of looking at the world. To familiarise students with the main theories & research methods. To develop skills to think critically about how social forces affect our everyday lives. To understand those from different cultural, ethnic & social backgrounds. To comprehend the socialisation process & the activities of the various agents and institutions. To explain the challenges faced by South Africa in a rapidly globalising world.

THE SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE C. Wright Mills (1959) coined the term, ‘the sociological imagination’ or the sociological lens or perspective. Understands the importance of historical & cultural influences upon our lives. Provides an in-depth examination of social organization & behaviour. Develops a framework for analyzing the social world in broader context transcending individual views, personal experience & “common sense”.

SOCIOLOGY VERSUS COMMON SENSE The following TRUE / FALSE statements show how sociological findings (based on empirical observation & theorization) contradict ‘common sense’ assumptions: It makes sense to choose a major in the same field as one's intended career, because most graduates are employed in the general field of their university major. (FALSE) Although women used to earn far less than men, their salaries have since caught up with those of men. (FALSE) Suicide rates often increase during economically prosperous periods. (TRUE)

SKILLS ACQUIRED BY SOCIOLOGY GRADUATES Communication (both oral & written), critical thinking, ethical capacities, sensitivity to human diversity, analytical & problem-solving ability. Able to deal effectively with & apply expertise to a wide range of contemporary social problems & issues, including urbanization, homelessness, violence, crime, over-population, AIDS, environmental degradation and globalisation. Ability to inform, develop and formulate social policy and evaluate its impact. Graduates can specialize to further increase career prospects. If you are interested in health issues, medical sociology is recommended at post- graduate level.

CAREER PROSPECTS FOR SOCIOLOGY GRADUATES Only a few lecture at universities and conduct research. Work in government departments, research institutes, trade unions, and the business world. Can also be employed as journalists or consultants & advisors in prisons, hospitals & NPOs.

INFLUENTIAL & WELL KNOWN PEOPLE WHO STUDIED SOCIOLOGY Rev. Martin Luther KingRev. Jesse Jackson Michelle ObamaRuth First Ivy Matsepe-CasaburriFrene Ginwala Wilmot James Jimmy Nevis Ronald ReaganZachie Achmat Blade NzimandeKwame Nkrumah

THE GIFT OF SOCIOLOGY IS… Knowledge about the unequal world you live in, so that you can change it…

FINAL WORD… Many social thinkers & philosophers, such as Karl Marx and W.E.B. du Bois, have emphasized that, it is not enough to simply know about, understand and interpret the world, we need to change it. Knowing is not enough, we must apply…