SOC Week 1- Terms and Concepts

Sociological imagination

The recognition by an individual of the social factors within a society influencing their life choices/decisions.

Sociology

The scientific study of human social relationships among people and their societies

Macro-sociology

Large scale study of society that analyzes global trends or patterns within a society

Micro-sociology

A small scale view of society analyzing interaction between individuals/groups

Society

A group of people within a given territory sharing a culture

Category

A large group/classification of people who share common traits and characteristics (ex: social class, racial/ethnic groups, males and females, age groups, etc).

Social instituions

Human arrangements made to fulfill the needs of people living in a society

Globalization

Examines how societies around the world are interrelated/connected economically, socially, politically, and culturally.

When and where did sociology emerge?

Sociology emerged in the mid 1800s (19th century) in the European countries of England, France, and Germany.

What events caused the creation of sociology?

The Industrial Revolution, political upheaval/revolution, imperialism, urbanization, etc.

Who is considered “the father of Sociology” and why?

The French social thinker Auguste Comte is credited with coining the term. He developed the idea of positivism and believed sociology should be used for societal reform.

Positivism

Usage of the natural sciences as a model to analyze and develop society

Who was Herbert Spencer and what were his beliefs?

Herbert Spencer was an English sociologist who disagreed with Comte’s perspective of societal reform, and instead advocated for “social darwinism” within society. Spencer believed that in order for society to advance, only the most capable could survive (poor deserved to poor; rich should not assist poor).

Who was Karl Marx? What did he introduce to sociology?

Karl Marx was a German economist who argued that societal change would occur only through revolution. He believed that abolishing social class would usher in an equal society.

Marx introduced the idea of “class conflict” -the struggle between exploited workers selling their labor for wages, and the ruling capitalist class, who owned the means of production. He also introduced “conflcit theory”

Who was Emile Durkheim? What did he contribute to the field of sociology?

Emile Durkheim was a French sociologist recognized for establishing sociology as an academic discipline. He conducted research on suicide trends within European countries and the social factors that caused them.

Durkheim’s findings introduced the idea of social integration- the degree in which an individual is connected to their society- and concluded that those with low social integration were more prone to self destructive behaviors

Who was Max Weber? What beliefs did he hold?

Max Weber was a German sociologist who introduced the idea of “Verstehen” (understanding an individual through immersive experience; empathy).

Weber also practiced rationalism- the idea that modern society is built off knowledge and reason rather than superstition and tradition

Social location

corners people occupy based on their place in a society (includes group memberships and identities)

Intersectional analysis

analysis of how social locations produce identities, life orientations and relationships. emphasis on marginalization, dominance, and power