sociology unit 1

sociology

The scientific study of society, human behavior, and social interaction. It looks at how individuals affect groups and how groups affect individuals.

perspective

A way of looking at the world; in sociology, perspectives help explain why people behave the way they do in society

Sociological Perspectives

Functionalism

Conflict Perspective Symbolic

Interactionism

group behavior

How individuals act differently when part of a group; influenced by norms, culture, and social roles.

individual behavior

Personal actions and choices.

Positivism

Auguste Comte’s idea that sociology should be studied scientifically, using observation and data.

social statics

Aspects of society that stay stable (e.g., family, government).

social dynamics

Aspects of society that change (e.g., trends, technology).

Herbert Spencer

• Compared society to a living organism (functionalism: each part has a role).

  • Applied Social Darwinism — “survival of the fittest” in societies.

Karl Marx

• Focused on class conflict: bourgeoisie (owners) vs. proletariat (workers).

  • Saw conflict as the main driver of social change.

  • Basis of the conflict perspective.

Social Structure

Organized patterns of behavior and relationships.

Functional Integration

How parts of society work together.

power

the ability to control others

culture

Shared values, beliefs, and practices.

Social Action

Actions taken by individuals in response to others

Manifest Functions

Intended outcomes (ex: schools educate).

Latent Functions

Unintended outcomes (ex: schools create friendships).

dysfunction

Negative outcomes (ex: school stress).

values

Shared beliefs about what is good, bad, right, or wrong

Conflict Perspective

• Society is made up of groups competing for power and resources.

  • Inequality and conflict drive change.

Symbolic Interactionism

• Focuses on symbols (words, gestures, meanings).

  • People act based on the meaning things have to them.

  • Example: A wedding ring = symbol of commitment