An Introduction to Sociology What is Sociology Questions

An Introduction to Sociology

What is Sociology? �Questions sociologists ask… How do people develop a sense of culture? How does the economy affect birth rate? Why does poverty exist? Why do racial, political, and gender differences exist?

What is Sociology? �Questions sociologists ask… Why do people get married? Why do men, on average, earn higher incomes than women? How does the economy affect graduation rate? Why does crime exist in higher numbers in some cities and not others?

The Goal of Sociology? �Investigate human social behavior from a group rather than an individual perspective. �Understand PATTERNS of group behavior �How? �Development of sociological perspective � The ability to identify & understand societal trends

Sociology Perspective Please complete the “Social Media Use Survey. ”

Why has there been such a steady increase in social media use?

Sociology Perspective �In your notebook, complete the following statement: Homelessness is a result of ________.

Remember: �The sociological perspective does not focus on individual (internal) causes of behavior. Rather, it focuses on societal (external) causes. �Reevaluate your response above. Did you finish the statement with an individual response or a societal response?

Lack of housing Overpopulation Lack of jobs Homelessness Drug epidemic Cost of living Natural disaster Poor education system

Sociology Perspective �In your notebook, complete the following statement: Obesity is a result of ________.

Cost of healthy food Working instead of exercising Obesity Food advertising Poor health education Large portion sizes

Sociology Perspective �In your notebook, complete the following statement: Teenage pregnancy is a result of ________.

Media High costs of contraception Teenage Drinking Culture Teenage Pregnancy Family influence Poor sex education system Lack of parental influence

Sociological Perspective Practice �Form a group of 3 -4 people. �I will assign you a problem in American society to investigate. �Come up with at least 5 societal causes of your assigned problem. �Create a visual to present to the class.

SOCIOLOGICA L PERSPECTIVES

A perspective is… • A way of looking at things Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology… • Are a way of looking at how society works

3 Sociological Perspectives • Functionalism • Conflict Perspective • Symbolic Interactionism

Functionalism �Perspective that emphasizes the contribution made by each aspect of society. Family Government Religion Education Economy. . . .

Functions in Society Manifest Function • Intended & recognized aspect of society. Latent (hidden) Function • Unintended & unrecognized aspect of society. Dysfunction • Negative consequence of an aspect of society. SCHOOL

Conflict Perspective �Emphasizes conflict, competition, change, and constraint within a society. Society is based on power: • Social living is a contest • The powerful control the weak

Symbolic Interactionism �Evaluates the interaction among people based on mutually understood symbols. Gestures: Handshake Words: “What’s-Up? ” Physical Objects: Wedding Ring

Applying the Theoretical Perspectives Response to the Scenario • Answer the questions in the summary of the WWYD video clip. • Respond honestly! Reaction to the Video Clip • How did most people react? • Describe any exceptions to the dominate pattern of behavior. • Were you surprised by any of the behaviors/reactions to the situation? Why or why not? Explanation of Behavior • Most of the time you will be allowed to pick which perspective to utilize in order to explain behavior. • Focus on EXTERNAL factors rather than INTERAL factors that cause a certain pattern of social behavior.

Applying the Theoretical Perspectives Response to the Scenario • If I saw a mom walking around with a lease on her kid, I wouldn’t say anything to her. It’s none of my business. I think it would be hard to see a kid tied to a pole, but I still wouldn’t say anything. The police can deal with it. Reaction to the Video Clip • Most people stared and looked bothered by it but just walked away. The big exception was the lady to freaked out and said what a bad mom she was for pulling her kids around on a leash like a dog. Explanation of Behavior: Functionalism • The U. S. functions as an individualist culture/nation. Each person has a sense of unique identity and works primarily for the betterment of themselves. Most people are loosely connected to others. This aspect of culture is evident in the scenario. • Most people look, but don’t say anything. This could be a result of how we are supposed to function individually…most have the sense it’s “none of my business” even though they internally have an issue with kids on a leash. Externally there is no pattern of behavior to “say something” or help the kids. There was a lot of hesitation to take action.