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“THE SYSTEMATIC STUDY OF HUMAN SOCIETY” Systematic Scientific discipline that focuses attention on patterns of behavior Human society Group behavior is primary focus; how groups influence individuals and vice versa At the “ heart of sociology ” … - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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“THE SYSTEMATIC STUDY OF HUMAN SOCIETY”
Systematic
Scientific discipline that focuses attention on patterns of behavior
Human society Group behavior is primary focus; how groups
influence individuals and vice versa
At the “heart of sociology”… The sociological perspective which offers a
unique view of society
The Benefits of Sociology“Using the sociological perspective makes us
wiser, moreactive, and more powerful citizens and
professionals.”
We can assess the truth of common sense We can see the opportunities and constraints
in our everyday lives We can be active participants in our society We are able to live in a diverse world
The Scientific Method
Sociology and Science
Science is “...a body of systematically arranged knowledge that shows the operation of general laws.”
As a science, sociology employs the scientific method
Formulate hypotheses
Choose research design
Gather Data
Analyze Data
Review of literature
The Sociological Perspective
The Development of Sociology Sociology emerged as a separate discipline in
the nineteenth century This was a time of great social upheaval due
largely to the French and Industrial Revolutions
Several early sociologists shaped the direction of the discipline
Sociological Theories A theory is a statement of how and why
facts are related. “John moves to NY from Kansas, has gone on five dates, but none of the women like
him. Why?”
Sociological Theories Structural-Functional Approach -
approach looking at how large parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.
“John is having a hard time because he is not going on dates with women who are most
similar to him. Dating and marriage works for society because it allows to people with
common interests to work towards common goals. He is from Kansas…the girls are from NY.
It is not a good fit.”
Sociological Theories Social-Conflict Approach – society is
a place for conflict, groups of people are in conflict, and society is constantly changing.
“John is having a hard time because he is trying to date upper class women from NY. Upper class women look down on
middle and lower class men.”
Sociological Theories Gender-Conflict Approach - looking
at conflict and inequality between men and women
“On dates, John is too patriarchal. As a man, he is insensitive to women. He is
degrading to women, and does not treat them with the respect they deserve.”
Sociological Theories Race-Conflict Approach - looking at
the conflict between racial and ethnic groups
“John reveals on his date that he is ½ Native American and talks about his
heritage and background. The European American women he dates discriminate
against him.”
Sociological Theories Symbolic-Interaction Approach –
society is the product of everyday actions of individuals
“During dates, John is just not smooth. He does not possess the verbal skills to
flatter and impress women.”
Ways to Use Sociology After you have decided upon a
theoretical approach, you must decide what is your purpose for using this sociological theory. In other words, what research orientation do you want to take?
There are three general orientations…
Research Orientation Positivist Sociology – This is the most
common research orientation. We gain knowledge by gathering data systematically. With this way of doing sociology, the researcher is a neutral observer.
“To understand John’s tough luck, a positivist sociologist would give surveys to John and all his dates, look at census data for the ratio of men and women…
etc.”
Research Orientation Interpretive Sociology – this
orientation focuses on the meanings people place in their actions. For this approach, the researcher is a participant.
“To understand John’s plight, the interpretive sociologist may go on a
double date with John to understand the interactions between John and his dates. Or, he or she may just enjoy the dating scene in NYC and find out what people
want and think.”
Research Orientation Critical Sociology – focuses on the
need for social change. In this way, the sociologist is an activist.
“The sociologist may discuss with John his blunders at disrespecting women. Or, the
sociologist may want to start some culturally awareness classes so that
women will not be prejudiced towards John.”
Research Methods Once you have decided on a theory, and the
way you want to approach the situation, then you have to go about finally conducting your research. How do you do this?
Experiment – Used to investigate cause and effect Survey – subjects respond to a series of
statements or questions on a questionnaire or interview
Participant Observation – Sociologists involve themselves in the day to day activities of people
Existing Sources – Sometimes sociologists use information (data) that has been gathered by others
Back to the Sociological Perspective! We could be tempted to just say that “women
don’t dig John.” But sociologists would look at this situation
from many different angles to understand why he is having such a hard time.
Personal Reaction… Think of a situation or phenomena from
your life that can be understood using a sociological perspective. 1. describe that situation. 2. describe how a sociologist might conduct a
study of your situation through one specific theoretical approach and one specific research orientation.
3. describe a second theoretical approach and research orientation.
4. compare and contrast the two potential studies. Which would you use? Which study you think may provide the most understanding and why?
Auguste Comte (1798-1857)
Responsible for coining the term “sociology”
Set out to develop the “science of man” that would be based on empirical observation
Focused on two aspects of society:• Social Statics—forces which produce
order and stability• Social Dynamics—forces which
contribute to social change
Harriet Martineau (1802-1876)
Authored one of the earliest analyses of culture and life in the United States entitled Theory and Practice of Society in America
Translated Comte’s Positive Philosophy into English
Harriet Martineau
Herbert Spencer (1820-1903)
Authored the first sociology text, Principles of Sociology
Most well known for proposing a doctrine called “Social Darwinism”• Suggested that people who could not
compete were poorly adapted to the environment and inferior
• This is an idea commonly called survival of the fittest
Karl Marx (1818-1883)
Marx is the father of conflict theory Saw human history in a continual
state of conflict between two major classes:• Bourgeoisie—owners of the means of
production (capitalists)• Proletariat—the workers
Predicted that revolution would occur producing first a socialist state, followed by a communist society
Emile Durkheim (1858-1917)
Durkheim moved sociology fully into the realm of an empirical science
Most well known empirical study is called Suicide, where he looks at the social causes of suicide
Generally regarded as the founder of functionalist theory
Emile Durkheim
Max Weber (1864-1920)
Much of Weber’s work was a critique or clarification of Marx
His most famous work, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism directly challenged Marx’s ideas on the role of religion in society
Weber was also interested in bureaucracies and the process of rationalization in society
The Development of Sociology in the United States
American sociology had its beginnings at the University of Chicago in the early 20th century
The early emphasis was on empirical study of communities and neighborhoods
Later, East Coast schools such as Columbia and Harvard Universities began sociology departments, producing scholars such as W.E.B. Dubois, Talcott Parsons, and Robert Merton