Week 1 sociology notes

What is sociology?

The scientific study of society and social relationships.

Key components of sociology

Individuals, relations and groups, and social structures.

Auguste Comte

Introduced sociology in 1838 and believed in studying society scientifically.

Theological stage

The earliest stage of sociology, guided by religion.

Metaphysical stage

A transitional phase where society starts moving away from religious explanations.

Scientific stage

A phase characterized by positivism and reliance on empirical data.

Micro-sociology

Focuses on small groups and individual interactions.

Macro-sociology

Looks at large-scale social structures and trends.

Sociological imagination

The ability to see societal patterns influencing individuals and groups.

Public sociology

Engages with the broader public on social issues.

C. Wright Mills

Coined the term sociological imagination, emphasizing the link between personal troubles and public issues.

Structural Functionalism

A key sociological perspective that views society as a complex system with parts working together.

Conflict Theory

Focuses on the struggles between different social classes or groups.

Symbolic Interactionism

A perspective that examines society through the meaning individuals give to social interactions.

George Ritzer

Sociologist who studies connections between individuals, organizations, cultures.

Zygmunt Bauman

Believed sociology is about understanding how humans communicate and interact.

Sociology's relationship with anthropology

Sociology studies human cultures in relation to their societies.

Role of sociology in social change

Helps identify social problems and propose solutions.

Public issues vs. personal troubles

Public issues are societal patterns affecting large groups, while personal troubles are individual experiences.