1. Chapter 1 The Sociological Point of View
To better understand human society, sociologists study how humans interact with each other.

2. What is Sociology? Sociology
The social science that studies human society and social behavior.
Social sciences = the disciplines that study human social behavior in a scientific manner.
What are sociologists interested in?
Social interaction
How people relate to one another and influence each other’s behavior.

3. How do you measure social interaction?
Sociologists study social phenomenon
Observable facts or events that involve human society.
The Holocaust
WWI
WWII
French Revolution

4. The Sociological Perspective
Why study sociology?
Help you gain a new perspective on you and the world that surrounds you.
Teaches you to use the sociological perspective
Use a scientific systematic way to understand social issues instead of depending on “common sense” explanations

5. Why is the sociological perspective good?
It helps you see that all people are social beings influenced by their surroundings.
It can help you find an acceptable balance between your desires and the demands of society.
It can help you view your own life within a larger social and historical context.
Called sociological imagination

6. Social Sciences and Sociology
Anthropology
Comparative study of past and present cultures
Very much like sociology in that they compare group behavior

7. Social Sciences and Sociology
Psychology
Social science that deals with the behavior and thinking of organisms
Differs from sociology because it focuses on the individual, not a society

8. Social Sciences and Sociology
Social Psychology
The study of how the social environment affects an individual’s behavior and personality.
Very similar to sociology, but on an individual level.

9. Social Sciences and Sociology
Economics
Study of the choices people make in an effort to satisfy their needs and wants.
Examine goods, services, and finances
Also study effects of government financial policies on public
Taxes
Financial Aid
Welfare
Sociologists are very interested in these too. Why?

10. Social Sciences and Sociology
Political Science
Examination of the organization and operation of governments.
Share common interests with sociologists in
Voting patterns
Political parties

11. Social Sciences and Sociology
History
Study of past events
Sociologists also study past events to see where societies are moving towards.
French Revolution
American Revolution