intro to soci 8/21
Attendance, timing, and introduction
The instructor emphasizes being present; this session is aimed at helping you succeed on the Part II inequality paper. The part two assignment is a university paper required for all students in the course. It will be graded later, with a due date of November 1. You can start early and work during office hours, which are held in Sycamore Hall right before class from 8 to 10 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Office hours and availability: if you want to get the paper out of the way, come to office hours; the instructor is available and willing to help. The class is encouraged to work ahead and ask questions.
The instructor notes that roles are not required for the next three weeks due to an audit by the state of Texas; attendance is still required at least once. Paulette will assist with collecting index cards to verify attendance.
The session also serves to introduce what sociology is and why it matters in society.
What is sociology? Key definitions and purposes
The instructor presents multiple definitions to show that sociology is not easily pinned down:
The study of human society.
The study of human interactions.
The study of social institutions.
The study of human behavior in groups.
The study of the functions of human society.
The study of social change.
The study of social life.
A concise synthesis used in the course: sociology is the study of social life, social change, and social causes and consequences of human behavior, especially group behavior. It investigates the structure of groups, organizations, and institutions and how people interact in different social contexts.
Everyday example: the classroom is a social context; students have been socialized to behave in classrooms (paying attention, taking notes). The instructor highlights that students are actively socialized for college settings.
Core claim: you are society; your actions contribute to the world you and others live in. Students have power as part of a broader social body, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.
Functional view and practical purpose of sociology
Sociology helps us understand how patterns emerge in society and how to potentially change them by recognizing causal connections.
Comparative analysis and empathy: learning about other cultures and societies can broaden perspective, reduce harmful patterns, and generate empathy. Comparing cultures reveals that there are many ways to organize society.
Interdisciplinarity: sociology intersects with political science, psychology, anthropology, economics, and history; disciplines borrow from one another and sometimes blur traditional boundaries.
The instructor emphasizes the idea that sociology provides tools for understanding differences across cultures and locations, enabling greater empathy and more informed civic engagement.
Sociology vs other disciplines: major comparisons
Anthropology (cultural anthropology is most similar to sociology):
Traditional division: sociology studied Western society and culture; anthropology studied other societies.
Methods: sociologists use statistical methods and ethnography; anthropologists focus more on ethnography.
Shared overlap: both can study similar phenomena (e.g., gambling in Las Vegas) but differ in emphasis and typical methods.
Psychology:
Similar topics (stereotypes, education differences, responses to authority).
Key difference: psychology focuses on individuals; sociology focuses on groups, institutions, and larger social structures (supra-individuals).
The distinction is sometimes framed using Weber’s concept of Verstehen (understanding): interpretive sociology emphasizes understanding social meaning by talking to people.
Biology:
Sociology considers macro and micro outside forces; biology focuses on intra-individual factors (genetics, biochemistry).
Sociobiology is acknowledged as overlapping where evolutionary theory helps explain some social patterns (e.g., gender relations).
Economics:
Both use quantitative methods, but economics often assumes rational utility maximizers (cost-benefit calculations to maximize personal gain).
Sociology also uses rational choice theory but emphasizes a broader set of motivations (altruism, norms, social context) and sometimes irrational behavior.
Political Science:
Political science focuses on power distribution and how politics shapes society; sociology studies power, but its scope is wider (any social setting with people, including pets, sports, religion, education, etc.).
Both disciplines employ a variety of methods.
Key concepts: micro vs macro, methods, and epistemology
Macrosociology: large-scale social forces and structures (e.g., law, economy, education, policy) that shape life outcomes. Often relies on statistical analysis and aggregate-level data.
Microsociology: small-scale, face-to-face interactions and meanings within everyday contexts (e.g., family meals, classroom behavior). Emphasizes interpretation through interviews and participant observation.
The macro-micro divide reflects a spectrum from large-scale institutions to individual identity and daily interactions.
Methods and epistemology:
Quantitative vs qualitative:
Quantitative: focuses on numbers, patterns, and statistical relationships (e.g., years of education vs. income).
Qualitative: focuses on meaning, process, and interpretation (e.g., how a person converts from one religion to another).
Positivist vs interpretivist:
Positivist/normal science: testable hypotheses, data collection, analysis, and theory refinement.
Interpretivist/Verstehen (Weber): seek understanding through the perspectives of participants; emphasize meaning behind actions.
The two divides (pos/interpretivist; micro/macro) interact to shape sociological research approaches and interpretations.
Division within sociology and research approaches
Theorists vs empiricists:
Theorists propose explanations about how the world works.
Empiricists test theories by collecting and analyzing data.
In practice, there are more empiricists than theorists; empirical work often tests or refines theories.
Theories commonly studied include conflict theory, functionalism, symbolic interactionism, race/gender/intersectionality theories, and more.
The discipline also distinguishes between large-scale (macro) theories and small-scale (micro) theories, with overlaps across both.
The course will cover classic and contemporary theorists, especially since social inequality became a focal point from the 1960s onward.
The Part II inequality paper: data, theories, and directions
Data source and scope:
The assignment uses data embedded in the syllabus and Canvas from the Kaiser Family Foundation State Health data (KFF).
Four figures are provided; refer to them as Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, and Figure 4 (not as tables).
Data focus: race/ethnicity or sex (male vs female). The dataset uses two sex categories for this assignment; this is a data labeling choice, not a political statement.
The aim is to identify numerical patterns and explain them by applying sociological theories from Dalton Conley’s You May Ask Yourself (eighth edition).
Source requirements:
Use only Dalton Conley, You May Ask Yourself (eighth edition) as the theoretical source for the paper.
If access to the book is difficult, the instructor will allow you to take pictures of your notes/books in office hours; no other sources are allowed.
The course material dictates using Dalton Conley as the sole theoretical source for the analysis; no external sources are required.
Data interpretation and figures:
Discuss patterns observed in at least two figures (of the four) and relate them to social inequality.
The data topics center on health care access/insurance patterns and related outcomes; examples might include differences in insurance availability or utilization across gender or racial groups in Texas.
You should explicitly name Figure 1, Figure 2, etc., when describing patterns.
Paper structure and requirements:
The paper should be two to five pages long, double-spaced, using 12-point Times New Roman font with 1-inch margins; the final PDF must be submitted.
The paper must include an introduction, an analysis of the data, a theory-based interpretation, and a conclusion.
Paragraphs 3–6 should present theory-based analysis for at least two theories; each theory requires a dedicated discussion that includes: what the theory is about, who developed it, and how it applies to the data.
Paragraph 1 (Introduction): state the issue, introduce the data source and the theory source, and present a clear thesis (the central argument of the paper). It is acceptable to use the first person (“I”) in sociology papers for this assignment.
Paragraph 2 (Data patterns): summarize patterns observed in the data (at least two figures) and suggest possible social connections or mechanisms driving those patterns.
Paragraphs 3–6 (Theoretical analysis): provide two separate theory sections (one theory per section or paragraph, with at least two paragraphs total for two theories). Each theory section should include a brief review of the theory and then apply it to the data.
Paragraph 7 (Conclusion/Implications): discuss the broader social implications drawn from the data and theory integration; emphasize inequality implications for society and policy.
Throughout the paper, connect patterns to inequality and discuss social implications or policy relevance.
Writing and citations:
The paper may use MLA or APA formatting, with MLA being the instructor’s preferred choice for readability; Purdue OWL is recommended as a resource for formatting examples.
Do not use AI-generated text; use your own writing and cite appropriately when quoting or paraphrasing from Dalton Conley’s book.
Citations should be included in-text and in the references list; use MLA formatting for in-text citations and Works Cited; Purdue OWL will help with correct formatting.
Outlining and specifics:
The introduction should name the data source (KFF) and the theoretical source (Dalton Conley, You May Ask Yourself, 8th ed.).
In paragraph 2, discuss patterns across at least two figures and begin to articulate social connections.
Paragraphs 3 and 4 (or more) should present two theories (at least two) with one paragraph per theory for theory description and a paragraph applying each theory to the data.
The concluding paragraph should synthesize the theory-data integration and discuss societal implications.
Formatting and submission specifics:
The paper must be submitted as a PDF.
The file will be evaluated both for content and adherence to formatting guidelines.
The instructor will specify the submission location in Canvas; two uploads are required (one for UNT and one for the course) but both share the same due date; there are no separate due dates for the two submissions.
Accommodations: accessible versions can be provided for vision impairments; an ADA-compliant version is available in Canvas.
Academic integrity and tools:
AI-generated content yields zero points and may be reported for academic integrity violations.
Grammarly is allowed as a writing aid; it does not replace content or citations.
Outline and sample structure (as per the instructor’s guidance)
Paragraph 1: Introduction
State the issue and the concept of the analysis: inequality in society as depicted by the Kaiser Family Foundation data (race/ethnicity or gender) from Figure(s) X in the syllabus/Canvas.
Introduce Dalton Conley (You May Ask Yourself, 8th ed.) as the theoretical framework sources to be used.
Present a clear thesis: e.g.,
For this analysis, I will use Dalton Conley’s theories to explain the observed patterns in Figure X and discuss how they illustrate unequal health care access in Texas, with reference to gender/race group differences.
Claim the intent to apply at least two theories to the data and to integrate theory with empirical patterns.
Paragraph 2: Data patterns
Describe patterns observed in at least two figures (Figure 1–Figure 4).
Identify whether patterns are more pronounced by race/ethnicity or by sex; discuss possible social mechanisms or contexts contributing to those patterns (e.g., access to insurance, utilization of health services).
Paragraphs 3–4: Theoretical analysis (two theories)
For Theory 1: Provide a brief review (what the theory says, origin, key concepts) and then apply to the data: connect specific patterns to the theory’s claims about inequality or social structure.
For Theory 2: Do the same as above with a second theory (e.g., conflict theory, functionalism, intersectionality, etc.).
Paragraph 5–6 or 7: Additional theory and synthesis (optional, depending on length)
If using more than two theories, add short sections describing additional theoretical lenses and how they align with or challenge observed data.
Synthesize across theories to offer a coherent explanation of the data and its implications for inequality in health care access.
Final paragraph: Conclusion and social implications
Summarize the major findings, emphasize implications for Texas health care policy or broader social inequality, and reflect on what the data suggest about societal change or stability.
Revisit the concept of inequality and propose directions for future study or policy considerations.
Throughout: maintain a clear linkage between data patterns and sociological theory; use direct references to Figures and to Conley’s theories; cite appropriately.
Classroom logistics and additional notes
The instructor will not run role for three weeks due to state audit; attendance must still occur at least once.
If you miss class, you can still approach the instructor for guidance and later make-up opportunities; office hours are available and encouraged.
There are multiple subfields and applied areas in sociology (e.g., sociology of education, aging, religion, medicine, sports, pets), illustrating the breadth of the discipline and potential future courses.
Students are encouraged to connect course content to real-world contexts and to think critically about how social forces shape individuals and groups.
Quick recap of key concepts and terms to prepare for the exam
Key definitions of sociology and its focus on social life, social change, and social causes.
The macro vs micro perspective: large social forces vs. individual interactions and identity formation.
The major theoretical lenses to be used in the paper:
Conflict theory
Functionalism
Symbolic interactionism
Intersectionality (and related race/gender/inequality theories)
Core methodological divides:
Quantitative vs. qualitative data
Positivist vs. interpretivist approaches (Verstehen)
Theorists vs empiricists; the role of hypotheses and data in theory testing
Data and research ethics: use sources only from Conley for the paper; avoid AI; maintain academic integrity; use MLA or APA formatting; Purdue OWL as a formatting resource.
Practical aspects of the assignment: two to five pages, PDF, times-new-roman, double-spaced, 1-inch margins; two-proof (two uploads) for UNT submission; cite properly; include two theories with clear explanations; connect patterns to inequality; discuss social implications.
References and resources mentioned
Dalton Conley, You May Ask Yourself: An Introduction to Thinking Like a Sociologist (8th edition) – main theoretical text for the assignment.
Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) State Health data – data source for Figures 1–4 in the syllabus/Canvas.
Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) – resource for MLA/APA formatting and citation styles.
Office hours and accommodations information are provided by the instructor in class and on Canvas.