The Sociological Imagination Flashcards
Covers the key topics of Slide #1: The Sociological Imagination.
“Sociological Imagination”
Book written by C. Wright Mills in 1959, who also coined the term. The sociological imagination is understanding that social factors affect our lives deeply, and it is the ability to identify the connection between personal troubles and social structures. Examples of this would include the affects of racism and sexism on women of colour, and how it changes their world view compared to that of a white male.
What were Durkheim’s findings about suicide?
Mental disorders and suicide were NOT correlated. Durkheim discovered that it was not certain individuals that were more likely to commit suicide, but in fact, it was particular groups. These groups included: males > female, protestants > Catholics, single individuals > married, divorced or widowed. The common theme of these groups was a lack of social solidarity. *His findings do not tell us why an individual would commit suicide, but the likelihood considering the degree that individual is anchored in society.
Durkheim’s four types of suicide were a result of what?
Unexpected patterns of data on suicide in Europe, collected from various government data and hospital records.
“Social Solidarity”
Refers to the degree to which members share beliefs and values and the intensity and frequency of their interactions.
What are the four ideal types of suicide?
Altruistic, Egotistic, Fatalistic, Anomic.
“Altruistic Suicide”
This is the result of high integration. An individual may be so strongly integrated into a specific group to the point where they act in interest of the group rather than individual interest. Suicide for “a better cause”.
What is Durkheim’s Theory of Suicide?
As the level of social solidarity increases, the suicide rate declines. Then, beyond a certain point, it starts to rise. Suicide varies with the degree of integration of the social groups of which the individual forms a part.
“Egoistic Suicide”
Result of a low integrated individual. The stereotypical suicide of a loner with no social ties, or little social ties, to keep them grounded.
“Fatalistic Suicide”
High regulation caused suicide. A lack of freedom given to an individual by society, or a social structure will cause that individual to “seek freedom”.
“Anomic Suicide”
Result of low regulation. Individuals need a sense of guidance from society. Humans often have a difficult time when the shared morals of society are left relatively undefined, or when in a society without widely shared moral codes. Humans need guidance to improve life.
Who/when was the term “Sociology” coined?
Auguste Comte, 1838.
Auguste Comte
The first well-known sociologist. Known as the ‘Father of Sociology’.
