SociologyAn Introduction

Enduring Questions

Why do cultures differ?

How does society influence individual actions?

Essential Question for Unit 1

Why do cultures differ?

Sociology Defined

Sociology is the social science that studies human society and social behavior.

What do sociologists study?

a) Sociologists are mainly interested in social interaction – how people relate to one another and influence each other’s behavior.

b) Sociologists study phenomena: an observable fact or event

The Sociological Perspective

Observing and thinking about social life in a systematic, scientific way

By adopting a sociological perspective, we are able to look beyond commonly held beliefs to the hidden meanings behind human actions.

The Sociological Perspective

Helps us see that we are social beings

Allows us to see that our behavior is the result of social factors

Behavior is learned from others

The Sociological Perspective

Helps us find an acceptable balance between our personal desires and the demands of our social environment

Examples?

The Sociological Perspective

Dilemma: If we always do what we want to do, we are likely to conflict with others a great deal of the time. On the other hand, if we always do what others demand of us, we will not grow very much as individuals.

The Sociological Imagination

The connection between the larger world and our personal lives

C. Wright Mills, The Sociological Imagination

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfcr66-xR-M

Critical Thinking Assignment

Read chapter 1 (p. 3-17)

In a two paragraph response, describe a situation that illustrates a conflict between the desire of an individual and the demands of the larger social environment. How would a sociological imagination have helped the individual in this situation?

The situation you choose may be an example from the news, popular culture, or your own life.