Modules 1 & 2 Notes!

Sociology

The scientific study of social behavior and human groups.

Sociological Imagination

An awareness of the relationship between an individual and the wider society, both today and in the past.

Common Sense

Our experiences and conversations derived from what we read and see in media.

Theory

A set of statements that seeks to explain problems, actions, or behavior.

Anomie

The loss of direction felt in a society when social control of individual behavior has become ineffective.

Verstehen

German for 'understanding' or 'insight,' emphasizing the understanding of subjective meanings behind people's actions.

Ideal Type

A conceptual model or construct for evaluating specific cases, not an actual representation.

Class Conflict

The division of society into exploiters (owners) and exploited (workers), central to Marx's analysis.

Double Consciousness

The division of an individual’s identity into multiple social realities, particularly describing the Black experience in America.

Auguste Comte

Coined the term sociology and believed systematic investigation of behavior was needed to improve society.

Émile Durkheim

A key figure in sociology known for his studies on social integration and collective behavior.

Max Weber

Introduced concepts like 'Verstehen' and 'Ideal Type' and emphasized a value-free sociology.

Karl Marx

Criticized the capitalist system, advocating for the proletariat's uprising against class exploitation.

W.E.B. DuBois

Pioneered sociological research on race, emphasizing the need for political rights for Black Americans.

Jane Addams

Co-founded Hull House, combining intellectual inquiry, social service, and activism for an egalitarian society.

Charles Horton Cooley

Focused on smaller social units as the key influencers of societal beliefs and values.

Mid-20th Century Shift

A movement in sociology towards theoretical methods and scientific research, with some discontent leading to renewed focus on social reform.