“THE SYSTEMATIC STUDY OF HUMAN SOCIETY”

Systematic

Scientific discipline that focuses attention on patterns of behavior

Human society Group behavior is primary focus; how groups

influence individuals and vice versa

At the “heart of sociology”… The sociological perspective which offers a

unique view of society

The Benefits of Sociology“Using the sociological perspective makes us

wiser, moreactive, and more powerful citizens and

professionals.”

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

The Scientific Method

Sociology and Science

Science is “...a body of systematically arranged knowledge that shows the operation of general laws.”

As a science, sociology employs the scientific method

Formulate hypotheses

Choose research design

Gather Data

Analyze Data

Review of literature

The Sociological Perspective

The Development of Sociology Sociology emerged as a separate discipline in

the nineteenth century This was a time of great social upheaval due

largely to the French and Industrial Revolutions

Several early sociologists shaped the direction of the discipline

Sociological Theories 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 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 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 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 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 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 Use Sociology 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 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 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 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 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?

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! 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.

Personal Reaction… Think of a situation or phenomena from

your life that can be understood using a sociological perspective. 1. describe that situation. 2. describe how a sociologist might conduct a

study of your situation through one specific theoretical approach and one specific research orientation.

3. describe a second theoretical approach and research orientation.

4. compare and contrast the two potential studies. Which would you use? Which study you think may provide the most understanding and why?

Auguste Comte (1798-1857)

Responsible for coining the term “sociology”

Set out to develop the “science of man” that would be based on empirical observation

Focused on two aspects of society:• Social Statics—forces which produce

order and stability• Social Dynamics—forces which

contribute to social change

Harriet Martineau (1802-1876)

Authored one of the earliest analyses of culture and life in the United States entitled Theory and Practice of Society in America

Translated Comte’s Positive Philosophy into English

Harriet Martineau

Herbert Spencer (1820-1903)

Authored the first sociology text, Principles of Sociology

Most well known for proposing a doctrine called “Social Darwinism”• Suggested that people who could not

compete were poorly adapted to the environment and inferior

• This is an idea commonly called survival of the fittest

Karl Marx (1818-1883)

Marx is the father of conflict theory Saw human history in a continual

state of conflict between two major classes:• Bourgeoisie—owners of the means of

production (capitalists)• Proletariat—the workers

Predicted that revolution would occur producing first a socialist state, followed by a communist society

Emile Durkheim (1858-1917)

Durkheim moved sociology fully into the realm of an empirical science

Most well known empirical study is called Suicide, where he looks at the social causes of suicide

Generally regarded as the founder of functionalist theory

Emile Durkheim

Max Weber (1864-1920)

Much of Weber’s work was a critique or clarification of Marx

His most famous work, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism directly challenged Marx’s ideas on the role of religion in society

Weber was also interested in bureaucracies and the process of rationalization in society

The Development of Sociology in the United States

American sociology had its beginnings at the University of Chicago in the early 20th century

The early emphasis was on empirical study of communities and neighborhoods

Later, East Coast schools such as Columbia and Harvard Universities began sociology departments, producing scholars such as W.E.B. Dubois, Talcott Parsons, and Robert Merton