sociological perspective Flashcards
Influence of Society on Individual Behavior:
Society shapes individual actions and choices, akin to how seasons influence activities and clothing choices.
Social location, where individuals are placed in society, influences behavior
Role of Society in Human Development:
Society is essential for human survival at birth and for social experiences necessary for nurturing individuals into participating members.
Cases like Anna, Isabelle, and Genie highlight the importance of social interaction for normal development.
Seeing the General in the Particular:
Sociological perspective involves identifying general patterns in the behavior of individuals influenced by society.
Societies define stages of life (childhood, adolescence, etc.) and assign roles and expectations accordingly.
Social class can also influence perceptions and experiences within a society.
Gender and Social Construction:
Gender roles and expectations vary across societies, influencing work and family responsibilities.
Societal variations exist within gender outlooks and can intersect with social class differences.
Society’s Influence on Individual Choices:
Society significantly influences personal choices, such as the number of children women have or even decisions like suicide.
Emile Durkheim’s study of suicide demonstrates the impact of social forces on seemingly individual decisions.
Sociological Imagination:
C. Wright Mills introduced the concept, which involves understanding personal experiences in the context of larger social forces.
Cultivating sociological imagination helps in understanding the broader societal influences on individual lives.
Benefits of Sociological Perspective:
Helps in questioning common assumptions and assessing their validity.
Enables assessment of opportunities and constraints in life.
Empowers individuals to actively participate in society by understanding social dynamics.
Encourages recognition of human diversity and challenges stereotypes by evaluating different ways of life critically.