Sociology Chapter 1 Flashcards
What is sociology?
The systematic study of human society
what is society?
People who live in a defined territory and share a culture
what is the sociological perspective?
The special point of view of society that sees the general patterns of society in the lives of particular people.
Periods of crisis
Periods of rapid change or crisis, making everyone feel a little off balance.
Global perspective
The study of the larger world and our societies place in it
High income countries
Countries with the highest overall standard of living
Middle income countries
Nations with a standard of living about average for the world as a whole
Low income countries
Nations with a low standard of living, in which most people are poor
What three kinds of change spurred the development of sociology?
-A new industrial economy
-The growth of cities
-Political change
How did a new industrial economy spur the development of sociology?
Instead of people labouring at home with their own farms, people came together as labor forces in factories
How did the growth of new cities spur the development of sociology?
As cities grew larger, they began to face more social problems like crime, pollution, and homelessness
How did Political Change spur the development of sociology?
Peoples focus on their moral duty to God shifted to self interest
What are Comte’s 3 stages of sociology?
-Theological stage
-Metaphysical stage
-scientific stage
What is positivism?
A scientific approach to knowledge based on “positive” facts rather than more speculation
How does using sociology pay off? 4 ways
1 The sociological perspective helps us assess the truth of common sense: Encourages us to ask wether common beliefs are really true
2The sociological perspective helps us to see opportunities and constraints in our lives: Helps us to know more about the word so we can pursue our goals more efficiently
3.The sociological perspective empowers us to be active participants in our society: We may support society as it is or set out with others to change it
4.The sociological perspective helps us live in a diverse world: Prompts us to think critically about relative strengths and weaknesses in all ways of life, including our own
