What is Sociology? Flashcards
Covers basic content from Slides #2: What is Sociology?
“Sociology”
The systematic study of human behaviour in social context. The study very powerful social forces. Examines units as small as the individual and as large as multinational corporations.
Why is sociology considered systematic, and not scientific?
Science suggests we can view the world objectively, although we may never be able to view the world without any bias. Since we are social beings, we will always have a filter over our perspectives.
What are the sociological promises?
1) To help us think critically, that is, use careful observation to arrive at conclusions about our social world rather than base our understanding upon authority, casual observation, illogical reasoning, etc.
2) Explain why we act the way we do.
3) Reveals the possibilities of human action. Use our knowledge to predict human behaviour.
4) Shows us the correct route to induce positive social change. Use our knowledge to influence society and guide it in a positive way.
(C.E.P.I., C.E. π)
What are the levels of sociological inquiry?
1) Micro level: Examine individual behaviours.
2) Macro level: Occurs at a national level. Studying social institutions at nation, or state level.
3) Global level: International level.
What are the levels of sociological structures?
1) Micro-structures, intimate social relations developed with face-to-face interactions. i.e., families, friend groups, co-workers.
2) Macro-structures, social relations that lie outside and above our intimate relations and acquaintances. i.e., class structures, and power systems such as the patriarchy, and systematic racism.
3) Global Structures, social relations that lie outside and above national relations. These allow all parts of the world to become interconnected culturally, economically, and politically. Include international organizations, patterns of worldwide travel and communication, and the economic relations between countries.
Why are patterns of social relations relevant?
They affect your innermost thoughts and feelings, influence your actions, and thus help shape who you are.
What revolutions (in chronological order) lead Sociological Theory to come into existence?
Scientific, Democratic, Industrial.
“Scientific Revolution”
Provided the first pillar of sociological imagination: The Scientific Method!
“Democratic Revolution”
Provided the second pillar: people have the ability to control and change society.
“Industrial Revolution”
Provided the third pillar of sociological imagination: A host of pressing social issues that needed a solution.
What are the five Sociological Perspectives?
Functionalism, Conflict Theory, Symbolic Interaction, Feminist Theories, Post-Modern.
“Functionalism”
The first sociological approach. An order theory. Examines the factors that hold society together. Believes that society is not possible without “norms”. 1) Stresses that human behaviour is governed by relatively stable patterns of social relations, or social structures (“norms”). 2) Demonstrates the ways social structures may maintain or undermine the stability of the society (lack of social bonding results in “anomie”; a feeling of normlessness or without purpose). 3) Emphasize that social structures are based mainly on shared values and preferences. 4) Suggests the reestablishing equilibrium can best solve most social problems (“Anomie” may lead to social problems including suicide).
Why is a perfect society not possible?
Once we reach perfection, authority will demand more out of society until ‘deviance’ is created.
“Conflict Theory”
Examines the forces that pull society apart. Marx suggested that we can roughly separate any given society at any given time into two groups: the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. The rich and the poor fight for wealth, constantly creating conflict and showing how society pulls itself apart. Marx believed that humans were naturally good but, capitalism was toxic and corrupting.
Max Weber
Also looked at forces pulling society apart, like Marx. Although, he agreed with Marx, he believed that his work was incomplete. Although, he agreed that capitalism influenced social behaviour, Weber believed there were many more factors that contributed such as political, and religious.
