What is Sociology?

Sociology Basics

Study of how people interact and how society works as a whole

Sociological Imagination

This is a way of thinking created by C. Wright Mills. It helps you see how your own life is connected to the bigger world

Personal Troubles

Problems that happen to just one person (like you losing your job).

Public Issues

Problems that affect a lot of people because of how society is set up (like a high unemployment rate in your city)

Structure

The "rules" and patterns of society that shape how we act, like schools or laws.

Agency

Your own ability to think and make choices for yourself, regardless of the rules

Structural Functionalism

This theory looks at society like a human body. Just like your heart and lungs must work together to keep you alive, parts of society (like family and government) must work together to keep society stable

Social Solidarity

The "glue" that keeps people feeling connected because they believe in the same things

Norms

Unwritten rules. Example: Standing still and facing the door in an elevator so everyone feels safe

Anomie

A feeling of being lost or confused because social rules have broken down or changed too fast

The Three Functions

Manifest Function, Latent Function and Dysfunction

Manifest Function

The obvious, intended reason it exists. Example: You go to college to get a degree

Latent Function

A hidden or extra benefit Example: You go to college and happen to meet your best friend

Dysfunction

When something causes problems. Example: College tuition is becoming so expensive that students go into debt

Symbolic Interactionism

This theory focuses on how individuals interact one-on-one. It argues that we "create" society every day through our actions

Symbols

Things that have a specific meaning, like a wedding ring

Shared Meaning

Micro

One-on-one talking