Download Chapter 1 The Sociological Point of View

Chapter 1 The Sociological Point of
View
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To better understand
human society,
sociologists study how
humans interact with
each other.
What is Sociology?
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Sociology
– The social science that studies human society
and social behavior.
 Social sciences = the disciplines that study human
social behavior in a scientific manner.
– What are sociologists interested in?
 Social interaction
– How people relate to one another and influence each
other’s behavior.
How do you measure social
interaction?

Sociologists study
social phenomenon
– Observable facts or
events that involve
human society.
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The Holocaust
WWI
WWII
French Revolution
The Sociological Perspective

Why study sociology?
– Help you gain a new perspective on you and
the world that surrounds you.
– Teaches you to use the sociological
perspective
 Use a scientific systematic way to understand
social issues instead of depending on “common
sense” explanations
Why is the sociological perspective
good?

It helps you see that all people are social beings
influenced by their surroundings.
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It can help you find an acceptable balance
between your desires and the demands of
society.
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It can help you view your own life within a larger
social and historical context.
– Called sociological imagination
Social Sciences and Sociology

Anthropology
– Comparative study of
past and present
cultures
 Very much like
sociology in that they
compare group
behavior
Social Sciences and Sociology

Psychology
– Social science that
deals with the
behavior and thinking
of organisms
– Differs from sociology
because it focuses on
the individual, not a
society
Social Sciences and Sociology

Social Psychology
– The study of how the
social environment
affects an individual’s
behavior and
personality.
 Very similar to
sociology, but on an
individual level.
Social Sciences and Sociology

Economics
– Study of the choices people make in an effort
to satisfy their needs and wants.
 Examine goods, services, and finances
 Also study effects of government financial policies
on public
– Taxes
– Financial Aid
– Welfare
 Sociologists are very interested in these too. Why?
Social Sciences and Sociology

Political Science
– Examination of the
organization and
operation of
governments.
– Share common
interests with
sociologists in
 Voting patterns
 Political parties
Social Sciences and Sociology

History
– Study of past events
– Sociologists also study past events to see
where societies are moving towards.
 French Revolution
 American Revolution