Key Concepts in Sociology

Definition: Sociology is the study of society, social behavior, and social institutions. It examines how individuals interact within groups and the effects of social structures on behavior.
Founding Figures:
- Auguste Comte: Coined the term 'sociology'; emphasized positivism and the need for a systematic approach to studying society.
- Karl Marx: Focused on class struggle, materialism, and the impact of capitalism on social structures.
- Emile Durkheim: Established sociology as a formal discipline; studied social facts, collective consciousness, and research methods.
- Max Weber: Emphasized understanding social actions through interpretive methods; introduced concepts like Verstehen (understanding) and authority types.

Functionalism: Views society as a system of interconnected parts working together to maintain stability. Emphasizes roles and functions of various social institutions.
Conflict Theory: Focuses on the power dynamics and conflict between different social groups, often highlighting issues of inequality, exploitation, and social change.
Symbolic Interactionism: Examines the subjective meanings and symbols that people create and use in their interactions. Emphasizes micro-level social processes.

Quantitative Methods: Use statistical analysis to understand social phenomena. Includes surveys, experiments, and secondary data analysis.
Qualitative Methods: Focus on understanding social phenomena through in-depth methods like interviews, ethnography, and participant observation.
Mixed Methods: Combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a more comprehensive understanding of social issues.

Socialization: The process by which individuals learn and internalize the values, norms, and behaviors appropriate for their society.
Social Structure: The organized patterns of relationships and institutions that shape society. Includes roles, statuses, and institutions such as family, education, and the economy.
Culture: The shared beliefs, behaviors, and material objects that define a group. Includes norms, values, language, and symbols.
Deviance: Behavior that violates social norms; influenced by societal reactions and perceptions of normalcy.
Social Stratification: The hierarchical arrangement of individuals in society based on wealth, power, and prestige.
Race and Ethnic Relations: The study of how race and ethnicity affect individuals’ experiences, opportunities, and interactions.
Gender and Sexuality: Examination of how gender and sexual orientation shape identities, power dynamics, and social roles.
Globalization: The process of increased interconnectedness among countries, cultures, and economies, affecting local societies and identities.

Policy Development: Sociological research informs public policy and social programs by addressing social issues like poverty, education, and health care.
Community Development: Sociologists contribute to understanding and improving community dynamics and social cohesion.
Social Change: Sociological insights drive social movements and change efforts by highlighting inequalities and advocating for marginalized groups.

Sociology studies society, social behavior, and institutions, examining individual interactions within groups and the impact of social structures.
Auguste Comte coined "sociology," advocating a systematic, positivist approach.
Karl Marx focused on class struggle, materialism, and capitalism's influence.
Emile Durkheim established sociology as a discipline, studying social facts and collective consciousness.
Max Weber emphasized interpretive methods (Verstehen) to understand social actions and authority types.

Functionalism views society as interconnected parts maintaining stability, emphasizing social institutions' roles and functions.
Conflict theory focuses on power dynamics and conflict between groups, highlighting inequality, exploitation, and social change.
Symbolic interactionism examines subjective meanings and symbols in interactions, emphasizing micro-level processes.

Quantitative methods use statistical analysis (surveys, experiments, secondary data) to understand social phenomena.
Qualitative methods focus on in-depth understanding (interviews, ethnography, participant observation).
Mixed methods combine quantitative and qualitative approaches for comprehensive understanding.

Socialization: The process of internalizing societal values, norms, and behaviors.
Social structure: Organized patterns of relationships and institutions (roles, statuses, family, education, economy).
Culture: Shared beliefs, behaviors, and material objects defining a group (norms, values, language, symbols).
Deviance: Behavior violating social norms, influenced by societal reactions and perceptions.
Social stratification: Hierarchical arrangement based on wealth, power, and prestige.
Race and ethnic relations: Study of how race and ethnicity affect experiences, opportunities, and interactions.
Gender and sexuality: Examination of how gender and sexual orientation shape identities, power dynamics, and social roles.
Globalization: Increased interconnectedness among countries, cultures, and economies, impacting local societies.

Policy development: Sociological research informs public policy on issues like poverty, education, and healthcare.
Community development: Sociologists contribute to understanding and improving community dynamics and cohesion.
Social change: Sociological insights drive social movements and change efforts addressing inequalities and advocating for marginalized groups.