Download Introduction to Sociology

Introduction to Sociology: Outline Planning
based on McNeill, Blundell and Griffiths (2002) Sociology, The Complete Companion Nelson Thornes
Key themes and concepts
Sociological Debate
Lesson Contents
Key concepts
What is sociology?
What do sociologists do (theory, research)
Two basic approaches to study of society (social structure / social
action).
Macro vs micro theory
Doing research / methods
Applied sociology / social policy
Value-freedom
Structure
Action
Values
Science
Policy
What is society?
Structure cf. interaction/phenomenology
Social construction
Culture
Subculture
Social order
Social institutions
What do all societies have in
common?
Norms, values, mores – cultural diversity etc.
Norms
Values
Mores
Roles
Statuses (ascribed/achieved)
Deviance
Sanction
page 1 of 3
How do we learn to be social?
Nature/nurture debate
Agencies of socialisation – focus on family, education, media
and religion (with links to rest of book/s).
Primary/secondary socialisation
Feral children
Transmission of culture
Socialisation
Internalisation
Conflict
Consensus
Social control
Sanctions
Are we slaves to society?
Functionalism and Marxism vs. phenomenology
“People make society/society makes people”
Value consensus vs. dominant ideologies
Ideology
Voluntarism
Determinism
Patriarchy
Control
How do you know who you are?
Identity
Social identity / personal identity
Goffman – interactionism and social roles
Labelling, self fulfilling prophecy
Identity
Stereotypes
The self
Subcultures
How equal are we?
Sources of inequality:
gender, race/ethnicity, age, class,
Differentiation
Stratification
Power
Status
Inequality
page 2 of 3
What is the difference between male
and female?
Sex and gender
Traditional views of gender and gender roles
Gender role socialisation
Masculinity/femininity
Where are we going?
Overview of changes and identities.
Reasons for some of those changes.
Introduction to post-modernist thought.
Lifestyles.
Consumption
Globalisation
Summative review of key terms and
issues
page 3 of 3
Social change