Unit 1: The Sociological Point of View: Intro, Perspective, Research Methods

Socialization

Process of learning how to become a member of society

Examples of Socialization

Saying “thank you” after receiving a compliment

Key Early Sociologists

Durkheim, Comte, Marx, Weber, Spencer

Emile Durkheim

Functionalist perspective: believed that society was made up of parts that were meant to work and function together, like a living organism. Beloved sociologists should only study the parts of society that are directly observable and measurable, focusing on social facts that can be quantified.

Auguste Comte

Considered the father of sociology, he proposed the idea of positivism, emphasizing that social phenomena should be studied scientifically to improve society.

Karl Marx

A philosopher and economist who critiqued capitalism, advocating for class struggle and the idea that history is driven by economic forces and social conflict (Conflict Perspective)

Max Weber

A sociologist known for his concept of verstehen, which emphasizes understanding the subjective meaning individuals attach to their actions.

Herbert Spencer

Inspired by the biological work of Charles Darwin, Spencer took a biological stance toward society. Claiming that social change was societies natural way towards perfection, and that no external forces should step in to aid in internal conflict: as it would challenge the natural order (Social Darwinism)

Verstehen

The empathetic understanding of the meanings others attach to their actions. In essence, the sociologist puts themself in the place of others and attempts to see situations through their eyes

Sociology

The scientific study of the patterns and processes of social interactions as identified by social phenomena. Focuses on group studies and how members of those groups are socialized.

Functionalist perspective/paradigm

Society is seen as a system of interconnect parts that work together to maintain stability and order, society, as an idea, is meant to function

Conflict perspective/paradigm

Society is characterized by various inequalities and conflicts that arise due to differences in power, resources, and social status

Symbolic Interactionist perspective/paradigm

A theoretical framework in sociology that desribes how societies are created and maintained through the repeated actions of individuals and the meaning that they attach to said actions

Types of Primary Data

Surveys (interviews or questionares), observations, case studies

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Data

Qualitative is connected to more free responses, subject to more interpretations, and can be deeper in substance. Quantitative is more objective, more numerical, more straightforward, and more on the surface

Other social sciences

Political science, history, economics, geography, and psychology