SSV Theme 1 slides

Page 1

  • Theme 1: NELSON MANDELA UNIVERSITY

  • Title: Change the World

Page 2: Mini Lecture - What is Sociology

  • Academic Disciplines:

    • Natural Sciences: Physics, Biology, Chemistry

    • Social Sciences: Psychology, Economics, Sociology, Anthropology

  • Note: This is not an exhaustive list of disciplines.

Page 3: Definition of Sociology

  • Sociology: The scientific study of society.

    • Root words:

      • Socius (companion)

      • Ology (study of)

  • Key Questions in Sociology:

    • What is society?

    • Where is society?

    • How is it studied scientifically?

Page 4: Understanding Sociology

  • Sociology focuses on human social interaction and the forces shaping it.

  • Studies:

    • Patterns and forms of social action

    • Social processes and structures in society

  • Key Notes:

    • Focuses on the whole of society, not individuals.

    • Employs systematic logic and scientific critique.

Page 5: Focus of Sociology

  • Concerns:

    • Society

    • Human activity and behavior

    • Influence of society on individual behavior

  • Importance: Understanding societal influences and norms.

Page 6: Common Sense Assumptions

  • Common Perceptions:

    • Those who work hardest will earn more.

    • A degree guarantees a good job and salary.

  • Questions to Consider:

    • Do you agree with these statements? Why or why not?

Page 7: Sociology vs. Common Sense

  • Sociology is not just focused on the obvious.

    • Common Sense:

      • Can often be misleading.

    • Sociology goes deeper:

      • Examines assumptions

      • Explores beyond surface understanding

      • Encourages critical analysis of social behaviors.

Page 8: Reasons to Study Sociology

  • Practical Benefits:

    • Career development and societal improvement.

  • Framework for Organization:

    • Understand human activity organization.

  • Tools for Change:

    • Offers methods to remake society.

  • Career Opportunities:

    • Nursing, Environmental Sciences, etc.

  • Personal Growth:

    • Develop critical thinking about society and appreciate differences.

Page 9: Exploring Society

  • Society Defined:

    • Can refer to different types (e.g., rural/urban, industrial).

  • Georg Simmel's Perspective:

    • Element of sociability is essential to society.

    • "Socius" meaning companionship emphasizes social connectivity.

Page 10: Characteristics of Society

  • Definitions:

    • A social grouping sharing geographic territory and culture (Kendall, 2007).

    • An organization of individuals bound together (Giddings, 1902).

    • A complex of organized associations and institutions (George and Margaret Cole, 1950s).

Page 11: Elements of Society

  • Key Characteristics:

    • Territory: A specific geographical/political area.

    • Abstract: Distinct from physical entities.

    • System: Provides distinction or stratification.

    • Common Culture: Shared values and practices among members.

    • Permanence: Society continues regardless of individual survival.

    • Composition: Society consists of people; social relationships are essential.

Page 12: Where is Society?

  • Society's Essence:

    • Society is reflected in human actions and thoughts.

    • Durkheim's perspective: Society encompasses social norms and pressures, potentially restrictive.

Page 13: Scientific Study of Society

  • Focus on Social Forces:

    • Examines how they shape and organize human relationships and activities.

  • Social Forces Defined:

    • Anything human-created that influences behavior and relationships (e.g., technology, social norms).

Page 14: Social Facts

  • Definition:

    • Products of human activity with coercive power affecting individuals (Durkheim).

  • Sociological Intent:

    • Establish sociology's credibility alongside natural sciences.

    • Social facts constrain behavior, much like physical facts (e.g., gravity).

Page 15: Characteristics of Social Facts

  • Key Traits:

    • General: Affect society widely.

    • External: Exist outside individual consciousness.

    • Coercive: Influence behavior, often subconsciously.

  • Examples:

    • Greetings (e.g., handshakes), worship practices, familial responsibilities.

Page 16: The Sociological Imagination

  • C. Wright Mills: Noted for the link between individuals and society.

  • Concept Explanation:

    • Sociological imagination enables comprehension of how social forces impact personal experiences and biographies.

Page 17: Personal Troubles vs. Public Issues

  • Definition:

    • Troubles: Individual issues linked to personal shortcomings.

    • Issues: Societal problems explained by broader social forces (Ferrante, 2014).

Page 18: Applying Sociological Imagination

  • Scenario: Graduate reunion where one classmate, Joy, is unemployed.

  • Analysis:

    • Consider different perspectives on Joy's situation using sociological imagination.

Page 19: Differentiating Personal Troubles and Public Issues

  • Personal Troubles

    • Viewed as personal failure (e.g., Joy's inability to afford dinner).

  • Public Issues

    • Societal factors like high unemployment require systemic solutions rather than individual blame.

Page 20: Discussion Prompt

  • National Student Funding Aid Scheme (NSFAS): Support for low-income students.

  • Issue: Despite availability, some students do not apply and struggle financially.

  • Sociological Approach: Consider systematic factors influencing access to education in discussions and solutions.

Page 21: References

  • Pages in Stewart and Zaaiman

    • What is Sociology: xv

    • The Sociological Imagination: xvii – xviii

    • Sociology as a Social Science: xxix

    • Careers in Sociology: xxiv

Page 22

  • Theme Conclusion: Change the World

  • Visit: mandela.ac.za