1. INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

Question 1

1. What is Sociology?

Answer 1

• it is the scientific study of social behaviour in different contexts
• it looks at the relationship between society and human action

-it focuses on individuals, groups and societies

Question 2

2. How is a classroom an example of Sociological interest?

Answer 2

• there are people from different cultures
• different clothing and self expression is present
• people with different ideologies can discuss these with one another
• behaviour is respectful as it is a classroom context
• there is an unannounced but well know hierarchy in the classroom, this breeds respect

Question 3

3. Can you name 8 general examples of Sociological fields of interest?

Answer 3

• family relations
• crime
• eating habits
• fashion
• student life
• drinking coffee
• health and illness
• health care systems

Question 4

4. Provide a definition of Sociological Imagination?

Answer 4

• it is a way/method of thinking about the social world
• it approaches phenomena (such as personal practices) as something new that needs to be explored
• it does this by asking questions in order to see these social phenomena from many angles
• it does this to understand these phenomena in relation to the wider world

Question 5

5. In which way does Sociology study individuals?

Answer 5

• it studies individuals in a social context
• how individuals behave in a social environment
• the behaviour changes of individuals in accordance with different social environments

Question 6

6. Why does an Individual’s behaviour change according to their environment?

Answer 6

• different environments have their own context
• each context has its own rules on how individuals should behave
• individuals are made aware of these behavioural rules through observing other individuals or through their upbringing and societal pressures
• this is why they behave differently

Question 7

7. In which way does Sociology study Groups of people?

Answer 7

• it studies how groups behave
• how specific groups differ from others

Question 8

8. In which way does Sociology study Societies?

Answer 8

• societies are organised social institutions
• sociology studies how these societies are organised and why

Question 9

9. What are some examples of social institutions?

Answer 9

• family
• religion
• education
• work
• the state
• the health care system

Question 10

10. Provide a definition for Socialisation?

Answer 10

• the process of learning values and normalities in a society
• this process starts as soon as individuals are born