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Sociology
The Study of Human Relationships
Important Terms
o Sociology- Social Science that studies human
society and social behavior
o Social Interaction- How people relate to one
another and influence each other's behavior.
o Sociological Perspective- Social Contexts in which
people live. Rather than depend on common
sense, you can look beyond commonly held beliefs
for hidden meanings in society.
Sociological Imagination
The ability to see the connection between
the larger world and your personal life.
Image of the larger World
Image of an individual
Other Social Sciences
The
Comparative
study of past
and present
cultures
Anthropology
Psychology
The study of
people’s choices
to satisfy their
needs. Also,
good and
services.
Economics
The study of
human
behavior
and thinking
The study of the
organization and
operation of
governments
Political Science
Which social science
would be most
interested in studying
these visuals?
Which social
science would be
most interested in
studying these
visuals?
Which social
science would be
most interested in
studying these
visuals?
Which social
science would be
most interested
in studying these
visuals?
How does your sociological
perspective affect the way you
view these photos?
Remember: the sociological perspective
helps broaden your view of the social
world. It tells you that there are many
different perceptions to social reality.
History of Sociology
Developed in the
early 1800s
Study the following pictures. Why did Sociology
Develop during these time periods?
Important Early Sociologists
Auguste Comte
• French, Founder of Sociology
•Coined the term “Sociology”
•Tried to find solutions to the chaos of the French
Revolution
(1798-1857)
•Influenced the Scientific Method
•German, middle class family
•Believed that all business owners controlled society
•This imbalance of power would lead to conflict
between owners and workers
•Sociologists should fix society
Karl Marx (1818-1883)
Early Sociologists
•English
•Believed that social change and unrest were
natural
Herbert Spencer
(1820-1903)
•Supported Social Darwinism
•“The fittest societies would survive over time”
Emile Durkheim (1858-1917)
•French Philosopher
•Studied observable aspects of society
•Applied methods of science to study society
Early Sociologists
Max Weber
•German, Middle Class
•Studied groups in German society rather than
society as a whole
•Sociologists should uncover the feelings and
thoughts of individuals
•Verstehen- A sociologist places himself in the
place of others and attempts to see things
through their eyes.
(1864-1920)
Sociological Perspectives
Theories- An explanation of relationships
between elements in society.
Theoretical Perspectives- A general set of
assumptions and ideas about social life.
Three Sociological Perspectives:
Functionalist, Conflict, and Interactionist
Functionalist Perspective (MACRO)
Used by: Comte, Spencer, and Durkheim
 Society is a set of interrelated parts that work together to
produce a stable society. (A harmonious whole)
 Functions are positive consequences on Society
Manifest Functions- Intended Consequences (Cars
provide fast transportation)
Latent Functions- Unintended Consequences (Cars
provide people with social standing)
 Not everything in society runs smoothly, and these
elements are referred to as Dysfunctions.
Example:
Spencer’s Organism Analogy
A good way to understand functionalism is to explain
society like an organism.
BrainHeartBloodVeinsRed Blood CellsWhite Blood Cells-
What do each of these body
parts represent in society?
Conflict Perspective (MACRO)
Used By: Karl Marx
Focus on forces in society that promote
competition and change
Study how those with more power exercise
control over those with less power
Competition over scarce resources is the
basis for social conflict
Interactionist Perspective (MICRO)
Used By: Max Weber
Focus on how Individuals interact with one
another in society.
Society is composed of symbols and shared
perceptions that people use to establish
meaning and develop views of the world.
 What are some symbolic meanings that we all agree on?
 What must we do to change people’s perception of reality?