Origins of Sociology

What is sociology?What is sociology?

Sociology- the scientific study of society and human behavior. (from a group perspective)

Sociology- the scientific study of society and human behavior. (from a group perspective)

3

What Does Society Look Like?

What Does Society Look Like?

Society is a group of people who shape their lives in combined and patterned ways that distinguish their group from other groups

Ultimately society is made up of many different components, such as culture, race, family, education, social class, and people’s interactions.

People who share a culture and territory

Society is a group of people who shape their lives in combined and patterned ways that distinguish their group from other groups

Ultimately society is made up of many different components, such as culture, race, family, education, social class, and people’s interactions.

People who share a culture and territory

Society influences you!

Society influences you!

4

Baby Names: Kardashians?

Names that have gained the most popularity, 2004 – 2010

How did sociology begin? How did sociology begin?

Ancient peoples tried to figure out society; however, it was usually based on superstitions or myths.

They did not test their assumptions.

Science requires the development of theories that can be tested by systematic research.

Sociology emerged about the mid-1800’s when social observers began to use scientific methods to test their ideas.

Ancient peoples tried to figure out society; however, it was usually based on superstitions or myths.

They did not test their assumptions.

Science requires the development of theories that can be tested by systematic research.

Sociology emerged about the mid-1800’s when social observers began to use scientific methods to test their ideas.

Industrial Revolution Industrial Revolution Europe in the mid-1800’s was changing

from agriculture to factory production. Their ties to the land and to a culture that

provided them with answers were broken. The city greeted them with horrible

conditions. Life changed and traditions which had

provided the answers to questions about social life, no longer could be counted on.

People began to ask questions!

Europe in the mid-1800’s was changing from agriculture to factory production. Their ties to the land and to a culture that

provided them with answers were broken. The city greeted them with horrible

conditions. Life changed and traditions which had

provided the answers to questions about social life, no longer could be counted on.

People began to ask questions!

Scientific Method Scientific Method

The use of objective, systematic observations to test theories. As tradition was breaking down people

began questioning fundamental aspects of life.

• This resulted in the Birth of Sociology!

The use of objective, systematic observations to test theories. As tradition was breaking down people

began questioning fundamental aspects of life.

• This resulted in the Birth of Sociology!