Download Introduction to Sociology

Introduction to Sociology
Chapter 1
The Benefits of Sociology
“Using the sociological perspective makes us wiser, more
active, and more powerful citizens and professionals.”
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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
Careers in Sociology
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Market research
Advertising
Government official
Criminal justice
Pre-law
Becoming a sociology professor 
Some key terms…
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Social structure – relative stable pattern of social
behavior
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Social function – the consequences of a social pattern for
the operation of society as a whole
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Social dysfunction – any social pattern that may disrupt
the operation of society
Some key terms…
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Manifest function – the recognized and intended
consequences of any social pattern
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Latent function – unrecognized and unintended
consequences of any social pattern
Some key terms…
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Macro-level orientation – broad focus on social
structures that shape society as a whole
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Micro-level orientation – a close-up focus on social
interaction in specific situation
The Sociological Perspective
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Seeing the general in the particular – We are individuals, but
we also belong to certain categories. People who belong
to the same category share similar experiences.
The Sociological Perspective
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Seeing the strange in the familiar – We learn to see how
society affects us in ways we would never have imagined.
The Sociological Perspective
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Seeing society in our everyday choices – Our personal
decisions are shaped by society.
The Sociological Perspective
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Seeing society in marginality and crisis - When we are
marginalized (an outsider) or when society changes
quickly (crisis) we are more likely to see how society
affects us.
Sociological Theories
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 Do Sociology
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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?
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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!
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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.
Response Paper Assignment
Think of a situation or phenomena from your life that can
be understood using a sociological perspective. First
describe that situation. Second, describe how a
sociologist might conduct a study of your situation
through one specific theoretical approach and one
specific research orientation. Third, describe a second
theoretical approach and research orientation. Fourth,
compare and contrast the two potential studies. Which
would you use? Which study you think may provide the
most understanding and why?
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