Introduction to Sociology

Definition of Sociology

• Sociology is the scientific study of human social behavior, relationships, and institutions.
• It involves the analysis of social structures, institutions, and relationships within societies.

Founders of Sociology

• Auguste Comte (1798-1857): Coined the term "sociology" and is considered the father of sociology.
• Karl Marx (1818-1883): Focus on the role of economics and class struggle in shaping society.
• Emile Durkheim (1858-1917): Emphasized the importance of social solidarity and the role of institutions.
• Max Weber (1864-1920): Focused on the role of culture, bureaucracy, and social action.

Sociological Theories

• Conflict Theory: Focus on the struggle between different social groups for resources and power.
• Functionalism: Emphasizes the importance of social institutions in maintaining social order.
• Symbolic Interactionism: Examines how individuals interact with each other through symbols and language.
• Structuralism: Analyzes the underlying structures and patterns in society.

Research Methods

• Surveys: Self-report questionnaires to collect data from a large sample of people.
• Experiments: Controlled studies to test hypotheses and examine cause-and-effect relationships.
• Content Analysis: Analysis of media, texts, and other cultural artifacts to understand social trends.
• Ethnography: In-depth observation and participation in a social setting to understand cultural practices.

Key Concepts

• Social Structure: The underlying patterns and relationships within a society.
• Social Institution: Organizations that shape and are shaped by society, such as family, education, and government.
• Culture: The shared beliefs, values, and practices of a society.
• Socialization: The process by which individuals learn social norms and values.

Areas of Study

• Family and Marriage: Examines the structure and function of families and marriage.
• Education: Analyzes the role of education in socializing individuals and reproducing social inequality.
• Deviance and Crime: Examines the causes and consequences of deviant behavior.
• Globalization and Development: Studies the impact of global economic and cultural processes on societies.

Definition of Sociology

• Sociology is the scientific study of human social behavior, relationships, and institutions.
• It involves the analysis of social structures, institutions, and relationships within societies.

Founders of Sociology

• Auguste Comte (1798-1857) coined the term "sociology" and is considered the father of sociology.
• Karl Marx (1818-1883) focused on the role of economics and class struggle in shaping society.
• Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) emphasized the importance of social solidarity and the role of institutions.
• Max Weber (1864-1920) focused on the role of culture, bureaucracy, and social action.

Sociological Theories

• Conflict Theory: Focus on the struggle between different social groups for resources and power.
• Functionalism: Emphasizes the importance of social institutions in maintaining social order.
• Symbolic Interactionism: Examines how individuals interact with each other through symbols and language.
• Structuralism: Analyzes the underlying structures and patterns in society.

Research Methods

• Surveys: Self-report questionnaires to collect data from a large sample of people.
• Experiments: Controlled studies to test hypotheses and examine cause-and-effect relationships.
• Content Analysis: Analysis of media, texts, and other cultural artifacts to understand social trends.
• Ethnography: In-depth observation and participation in a social setting to understand cultural practices.

Key Concepts

• Social Structure: The underlying patterns and relationships within a society.
• Social Institution: Organizations that shape and are shaped by society, such as family, education, and government.
• Culture: The shared beliefs, values, and practices of a society.
• Socialization: The process by which individuals learn social norms and values.

Areas of Study

• Family and Marriage: Examines the structure and function of families and marriage.
• Education: Analyzes the role of education in socializing individuals and reproducing social inequality.
• Deviance and Crime: Examines the causes and consequences of deviant behavior.
• Globalization and Development: Studies the impact of global economic and cultural processes on societies.