Applied Sociology Course Outline PDF

UNIVERSITY OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES, ACCRA) (UPSA), LEGON FACULTY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC RELATIONS APPLIED SOCIOLOGY (PBPR 203)...

UNIVERSITY OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES, ACCRA) (UPSA), LEGON FACULTY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC RELATIONS APPLIED SOCIOLOGY (PBPR 203) COURSE OUTLINE Lecturer: Dr. Rufai Haruna Kilu Email: [email protected] Dr Ummu Markwei [email protected] This is an introductory course to the basic concept and understanding of sociology as a social science. Students will be introduced to three perspectives in sociology as well as the basic methods of generating social science knowledge. COURSE OUTCOME* At the end of the course, students will: Learn how to develop a sociological imagination Gain skills that will allow them to connect every-day experiences and circumstances to historical conditions Gain an appreciation for sociology’s diverse conceptual and methodological lenses, and sociology’s unique place in the social sciences and humanities. Develop the ability to see relational connections, by identifying how local activities often have global repercussions, and vice versa 1 COURSE CONTENT Date Topic Reading Week One G. K. Nukunya (2003). Tradition and Change in Ghana: An introduction to sociology. Ghana University Press, Accra James M. Henslin (2002). Essentials of Sociology – a down to earth approach. Allyn Brief note on sociology: and Bacon, Boston Massachusetts. - The meaning of sociology - The scope of sociology - Sociology and other Social Science - Applied sociology - Sociological imaginations Week Two The Early Thinkers: Auguste Comte Karl Marx Emile Durkheim Ritzer, J. (2000). Modern Sociological Theory. McGraw- Hill Higher Education. 2  Max Weber - Weeks The Major Theoretical Perspectives: Three & Four Functionalism Conflict theory Social construction of reality Ritzier, J. (2000). Modern Sociological Theory. McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Week Five The land, people of Ghana and their Spatial Distribution Abotchie (2000).Structure of Traditional Ghanaian Society. First edition. Week Six Conducting Sociological Research The scientific method Research Designs Ethics of Research Week Seven Mid – semester Exams Week Culture and Society James M. Henslin (2002). Essentials of Eight What is culture? Its significance Sociology – a down to earth approach. Allyn Cultural universals and Bacon, Boston Massachusetts. Elements of Culture Importance of culture Living in society The character of society The Necessity for society Week James M. Henslin (2002). Essentials of Nine Sociology – a down to earth approach. Allyn and Bacon, Boston Massachusetts. Socialization What is human nature? the role of socialization Sociological Approaches to the Self Agents of socialization Week Ten, Social Structure and Social James M. Henslin (2002). Essentials of Eleven & Interaction Sociology – a down to earth approach. Allyn Twelve and Bacon, Boston Massachusetts. - The nature of social structure - Statuses, roles, social groups and social institutions - Elements of Social Structure Social structure and modern society 3 - Understanding groups James M. Henslin (2002). Essentials of - Types of groups Sociology – a down to earth approach. Allyn and Bacon, Boston Massachusetts. - Group dynamics 4 1 Week Twelve The Mass Media James M. Henslin (2002). Essentials of The Sociological Perspectives of the Sociology – a down to earth approach. Allyn Mass Media and Bacon, Boston Massachusetts. The Media’s Global Reach EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT Two main assessments shall be conducted. There shall be a mid-semester examination, which shall be administered within the middle of the semester. There shall also be an end of semester examination, which shall be conducted at the end of the semester. ALLOCATION OF MARKS The mid semester examination shall account for 40% of the total marks while the end of semester examination shall account for 60%. The specific mark allocation for the mid semester assessment is as follows: Class Attendance 5 marks Interim Assessment 20 marks Assignment 15 marks Note: to earn the 5 marks allocated for attendance, a student must have attended ten (10) out of twelve weeks. 5 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY  MEANINING OF SOCIOLOGY? ❑ Sociology is the scientific study of society. ❑ Sociology is often defined as the scientific & systematic study of human behavior and social interaction (Nukunya 2003). ❑ It is also described as the study of human behavior, helping students to learn and understand how human beings are woven as social beings into the fabric of their society. MEANING OF SOCIOLOGY CONTD.  THE ORIGIN OF SOCIOLOGY ❑The word sociology was coined by August Compte (1798 - 1857), a Frenchman, who in 1838 combined two words to form sociology. ❑He used the Latin word ‘socius’ meaning companion, associate or ally and the Greek word ‘logos’ meaning doctrine, discourse or theory to form it.  Scope of Sociology Social institutions & Culture Social deviance & Social control Social stratification & mobility Research methods & theories Conflict & social change And founders of the discipline  THE SOCIOLOGICAL IMMAGINATIONS C. Wright Mills (1959) defined sociological imagination as "the awareness of the relationship between personal experience and the wider society. Sociological imagination is the ability to “think yourself away from the familiar routines of everyday life. ie ‘thinking outside the box’ Sociological imagination involves individuals developing deep understanding of how their personal situations are linked to the forces of history & the society we live in.  Differences between SOCIOLOGY and APPLIED SOCIOLOGY Sociology Applied sociology The primary focus of the sociologist is to In applied sociology the primary focus of the acquire knowledge through theory and sociologist is to use the knowledge that he has research. to practice by solving real life social problems. Sociology attempts to comprehend the varied In applied sociology, sociological research is social patterns, behaviours and problems that carried out to understand and find solutions to people face in society. problems. Sociology is a field of study that focuses on the In most projects, applied sociologists are hired human society, its structure and various social on policy as well as implementation levels. institutions.  Sociology Vs other Social Sciences Sociology : deals with all aspects of social life Economics : deals with production and & develop its own methodologies, theoretical distribution of goods and services perspectives & orientations Sociology Psychology : scientific study of the individual Sociology Political science: scientific study of the state, systems of governance, political activities and behavior. Sociology Social anthropology: deals with the origins, physical and cultural development, biological characteristics, and social customs and beliefs of humankind.  Applied Sociology Applied sociology is the utilization of sociological theory, methods, and skills to collect and analyze data and to communicate the findings to understand and resolve pragmatic problems of clients.  Sociology & Public Relations Sociology Public Relations The scientific study of society, groups and Public relations (PR) is the practice of behavior. managing the spread of information between an individual or an organization (such as a business, government agency, or a nonprofit organization) and the public Main features of sociology: Main features of Public Relations: 1. Social control & norms 1. Securing Cooperation of Public 2. Social relationships 2. Successful relation with Public 3. Groups and individuals 3. Satisfying different Groups 4. Social interactions 4. Engaging in Dialogue 5. Socializations 5. Ongoing & Specialized Activity Understanding sociology in the context of Africa contd.  Understanding sociology in the context of Africa contd. Developments in terms of: 1. The land, the people and their spatial distribution. 2. The traditional world view 3. Marriage & Family institutions 4. Traditional religious beliefs & economy 5. Traditional politics & chieftaincy 6. Traditional modes of socialization  Understanding sociology in the context of Africa contd. It traces the development of various Departments of Sociology in African universities, specifically: the Department of Sociology at the University of Ghana. and the Department of Sociology at the University of Cape Coast. as well as the Departments/Programmes of Sociology in other universities in the continent. Understanding sociology in the context of Africa contd. Outlines the nature of intellectual disagreements among African scholars. As well as the collaborative efforts of sociologists in the African continent, evident in both the establishment of the Ghana Sociological Association as well as the Ghana Journal of Sociology and later the Legon Journal of Sociology. We conclude with an assessment of the future of Sociology in the continent of Africa.  Exercise What is your understanding of sociology and its application in society?  Assignment Give an Illustration of the discipline sociology in the context of Africa. THE EARLY THINKERS OF SOCIOLOGY  Auguste Comte French philosopher (1798–1857) greatly advanced the field of social science, and influenced many 19th-century social intellectuals. Comte grew up in the wake of the French Revolution. He rejected religion and royalty, focusing instead on the study of society. He broke the subject into two categories: 1. the forces holding society together ("social statics") 2. the forces driving social change ("social dynamics") During his time, European society experienced violent conflict Auguste and feelings of alienation. Comte contd. Confidence in established beliefs and institutions was shattered. Comte spent much of his life developing a philosophy for a new social order amidst all the chaos and uncertainties. Comte’s father, Louis, and his mother, Rosalie (Boyer), were both monarchists and devout Roman Catholics. While in University of Montpellier, Comte abandoned these attitudes in favor of republicanism inspired by the French Revolution  Auguste Comte Contd. In 1814, he entered École Polytechnique and proved to be a brilliant mathematician and scientist. He left school prematurely and started teaching mathematics and journalism while studying economics, history and philosophy & in 1826, he began presenting series of lectures to group of distinguished French intellectuals. Despite periodic hospitalization, he produced his major work, the six-volume Course of Positive Philosophy. In this work, Comte argued that, like the physical world, society operated under its own set of laws. He died of stomach cancer in 1857 in Paris  Auguste Comte Contd. Positivism & the three stages: 1. theological 2. Metaphysical 3. thepositivism  Karl Marx 1818 – 1883 ❑ Karl Marx was a Prussian-born philosopher, economist, political theorist, sociologist, journalist and revolutionary socialist. Born in Trier to a middle-class family, Marx later studied political economy and Hegelian philosophy.  Karl Marx Ccntd ❑ Marx's theories about society, economics and politics—collectively understood as Marxism—hold that human societies develop through class struggle. ❑ In capitalism, this manifests itself in the conflict between the ruling classes (known as the bourgeoisie) that control the means of production and working classes (known as the proletariat) that enable these means by selling their labour power in return for wages. ❑ Employing a critical approach known as historical materialism, Marx predicted that, like previous socioeconomic systems, capitalism produced internal tensions which would lead to its self-destruction and replacement by a new system: socialism  Karl Marx For Marx, class antagonisms under capitalism, owing in part to its instability and crisis-prone nature, would eventuate the working class' development of class consciousness, leading to their conquest of political power and eventually the establishment of a classless, communist society constituted by a free association of producers. Marx actively fought for its implementation, arguing that the working class should carry out organised revolutionary action to topple capitalism and bring about socio-economic emancipation  Emile Durkheim 1858 - 1917 Durkheim was deeply preoccupied with the acceptance of sociology as a legitimate science. He refined the positivism originally set forth by Auguste Comte, promoting what could be considered as a form of epistemological realism, as well as the use of the hypothetico-deductive model in social science. For him, sociology was the science of institutions, if this term is understood in its broader meaning as "beliefs and modes of behaviour instituted by the collectivity and its aim being to discover structural social facts. In his view, social science should be purely holistic; that is, sociology should study phenomena attributed to society at large, rather than being limited to the specific actions of individuals.  Emile Durkheim Major works: - Suicide - Organic & mechanical solidarity  Emile Durkheim He remained a dominant force in French intellectual life until his death in 1917, presenting numerous lectures and published works on a variety of topics, including the sociology of knowledge, morality, social stratification, religion, law, education, and deviance. Durkheimian terms such as "collective consciousness" have since entered the popular lexicon.  Max Weber 1864 - 1920 Max Weber was a German sociologist, philosopher, jurist & political economist. His ideas profoundly influenced social theory and social research. Weber’s contribution to sociology: - Power & authority - Bureaucratic model (rational-legal model)  Max Weber contd. - The three aspects of bureaucratic administration: A rigid division of labor is established which clearly identifies the regular tasks and duties of the particular bureaucratic system. There are firmly established chains of command, and the duties and capacity to coerce others to comply is described by regulation. Regular and continuous execution of the assigned duties is undertaken by hiring people with particular qualifications which are certified  Max Weber contd. Main principles/characteristics: Specialized roles. Recruitment based on merit Uniform principles of placement, promotion, and transfer. Careerism with systematic salary structure. Hierarchy, responsibility and accountability. Subjection of official conduct to strict rules of discipline and control. Supremacy of abstract rules. Impersonal authority Political neutrality. THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES - FUNCTIONALISM  The functionalist perspective, also called functionalism, is one of the FUNCTIONALISM major theoretical perspectives in sociology. It has its origins in the works of Emile Durkheim, who was especially interested in how social order is possible or how society remains relatively stable. As such, it is a theory that focuses on the macro-level of social structure, rather than the micro- level of everyday life. FUNCTIONALISM CONTD. FUNCTIONALISM CONTD.  The major distinctive contribution of FUNCTIONALISM CONTD functionalism has been its view of social order as a consensual agreement, reflecting shared values and norms that bind a community together. From this perspectives, the reason people obey rules, follow codes of Social Order behavior, and abide by the laws is that, they accept the fundamental values of their society and see its authority structures as legitimate expressions of this consensus.  FUNCTIONALISM CONTD. – TALCOTT PARSSONS The Functional Imperatives of a Social System  FUNCTIONALISM CRITICIZED Functionalism over As a result, realty and emphasized on: theory were out of - stability synchrony. - equilibrium Society was - integration characterized with convulsive protest - adaptation movements, dissension, disorder, conflict & change CONFLICT THEORY Ralf Dahrendof  Dahrendorf is of the view CONFLICT THEORY that society has two faces: Ralff Darendorf conflict & consensus, which are prerequisite for each other. Eg the alliance between US & Japan after the World War 11. That at any point in time, every society is subject to change.  Differential distribution of authority is the main cause of conflict. various positions in society have different amounts of authority Because authority is legitimate, sanctions can be brought to bear against those who do not comply.  Authority is not constant, because authority reside on positions and not people. And people who hold positions of authority in one setting may end up not holding position in another setting. That society is composed of a number of units called imperatively coordinated associations.  Within every association, those in the dominant positions seek to maintain the status quo while those in subordinate positions seek change. Ie conflict of interest.  CONFLICT THEORY The theory focusses on disagreements, hostilities, and struggles over power & resources in society. It also focusses on who benefits from a particular social arrangements. And how the powerful maintain their power – differential distribution of authority  CONFLICT THEORY FROM this perspectives, sociologists examine: – Sources of tension among people and groups with different amounts of power – Techniques of conflict control – Ways in which the powerful maintain and enlarge their influences  Conflict theory CONTD. Social systems are temporary and often fragile combinations of competing forces. Conflict can be minimized in periods of economic prosperity eg 1950s. Conflict can also be heightened in periods of economic downturns eg. 1930s and early 1950s. Social order at any particular moment is an outcome of struggle among people/groups of unequal powers.  CRITICISM OF THE CONFLICT THEORY It Ignores Order, Stability And Equilibrium It Is Being Ideologically Radical Comparing To Functionalism, Conflict Theory Is Underdeveloped. Dahrendorf’s Emphasis On Systems, Positions and Roles Linked Him Directly With Functionalism The land of Ghana, people and their spatial distribution By the end of the lecture, you would have achieved the following: i. To gain insight into the vegetational features and the climate conditions of Ghana ii. To acquaint with the debate on the possible origin of of the people of Ghana and their spatial distribution The regional map of Ghana  The Land of Ghana Ghana An independent republican state Formally known as the Gold Coast Population estimated to be about 30 million people Divided into 4 geographical zones Southern Ghana/ 37,819 sq. km Ashanti & Brong Ahafo/ 39,542 sq. km Northern & Upper Region/ 49,266 sq. Km Volta Region/ 20, 994 sq. km  Burkina Faso to the North Cote D’Ivoire to the West Togo to the East Gulf of Guinea to the South  The Land of Ghana Contd. Vegetation Vegetation 1. Southern Ghana 2. Northern & Upper regions Consist mainly of undulated consist of vast open grasslands, grassland which supports more drained by both black and white luxurious vegetation, Volta's characterized with short grasses and scattered short trees found in the Accra plains.  Climatic conditions of Ghana Ghana has a tropical climate Two rain seasons around May & characterized most of the year with September moderate temperatures, constant breezes and clear sunshine. The warmest month being February or March while coolest month is August. Annual temperatures range from 26.1 degrees centigrade at places near the coast to 28.9 in the extreme north.  The Ghanaian People: Their Possible Origins The migrationist school Reasons - the manner of wearing the traditional cloth Led by Danquah & Meyerowitz are of the view - the Akan practice of matrilineage that the Akan, Ga and Eve groups must have come from - Mode of outdooring ie 8th day after child as far as the river Tigris & birth Euphrates in Asia Mesopotamia (Turkey, Iran & Iraq).  The Ghanaian People: Their Possible Origins contd. 1. serology proved similarities in blood The anti-migrationist school Reasons samples across the region ie the sikel They believed that, the original home of cell traits. black west Africans including Ghanaians was within the African continent. 2. study of linguistics ie etymology of certain words and similarities eg to They claimed the Chad-Benue region was drink the original cradle of black west Africans 3. Cranial structure – archeological evidence CONDUCTING SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH  The method includes: The sociological method Selecting a researchable problem Reviewing the literature Formulating a hypothesis Casting research questions Creating an operational definition choosing a research design Collecting the data Analyzing the data And stating conclusions. The sociological method contd.  1. Select a topic guided by sociological perspective and curiosity. The sociological Frequently guided by the source of method contd funding for the research. 2. Define the problem in considerable detail, specifying exactly what you want to learn. 3. Review the literature to use what is already known about the topic. As a guide, and to generate ideas as to what questions to ask. 4. Formulate your hypothesis, describing how you expect your variables to be related. Your variables need to be operationalized. 5. Choose a research method. 6. Collect your data. 7. Analyze your data. 8. Disseminate by publishing or speaking at professional meetings, your findings.  Quantitative (Deductive) Research Designs – You start with a theory, and then collect data to test the theory Qualitative (Inductive) – You collect data and then develop (induce) a theory that explains the data you collected A mix design approach(both quantitative & qualitative) Research Designs Contd. Tools of Sociological Research 1. survey research 2. observation 3. experiments 4. content analysis 5. historical research  categories of research Descriptive – E.g. Who is homeless, how many are there? Exploratory – E.g. What is it like to be homeless? Explanatory – What causes homelessness? Evaluative – Did the new state initiative to curb homelessness working?  Sources of data Primary data is original data gathered specifically for a project. Secondary data is data gathered from an earlier study or purpose.  1. Maintain objectivity and Research Ethics integrity in research 2. Protect subjects from personal harm 3. Preserve confidentiality 4. Seek informed consent 5. Acknowledge research collaboration and assistance 6. Disclose all sources of financial support SOCIETY & CULTURE  What is Society? A group of people who live together in an organized way, making decisions about how to do things and sharing the work that needs to be done.  Characteristics of Society Likeness: Likeness of members in a social group is the primary basis of their mutuality. May be common lineage & tribal affinity. Likeness means mutuality, and that means Society. The Reciprocal Awareness: Likeness is generative of reciprocity. All social action is based on reciprocal response. This alone, makes possible, the we-feeling. Differences: Sense of likeness is not always sufficient. It doesn’t promote social organisation & diversity or variation. The social structure of humanity is based on the family which rests upon the biological differences between the sexes, ie men and women. The economic structure of society is based upon division of labour in which the professions and economic activities of people are different or dissimilar. The culture of society prospers with the differences in thoughts, ideals, viewpoints, etc. No two individuals are alike in their nature. Interdependence: Society implies interdependence. It is another essential element to constitute society. It is not possible for human being to satisfy his desire in isolation. Characteristics of Society Cont’d Cooperation: Cooperation is also another essential element to constitute society, without cooperation, no society can exist. In the words of P. Gisbert, “Cooperation is the most elementary process of social life without which society is impossible.” Conflict: Conflict is an ever present phenomenon present in every human society. Not only cooperation but also conflict in necessary for the formation of society. They must coexist in a healthy society. Conflict is a process of struggle through which all things have come into existence.  The Necessities for Society 1. The first and basic functional pre-requisites of human society are food, clothing, shelter, security and defence against the dangers of outer environment. 2. Co-ordination of human actions is another functional pre- requisite of human society. 3. Division of labour is another functional pre-requisite of human society. 4. Procreation is another important functional pre-requisite of society. 5. Socialization is another important functional pre-requisite of society. 6. Social control is another functional pre-requisite of society. 7. Meaning fullness of a goal in social life is another functional pre-requisite of society.  What is Culture? Culture is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people, encompassing language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts.  Significance of Culture Creates Identification: The culture and the values followed by particular people & community display its own unique identity. Bonds People Culture is merely a bond or tie that keeps people belonging to a particular region or community together. Establishes Principles Culture is often viewed as an integrated system that controls the society. As such, people coming from a particular culture exhibit distinguished standards and behaviors. Stand Apart In Foreign Countries People who have seeped their cultural values and traditions in their lives display them in foreign lands as well.  Cultural Universals Cultural universal as discussed by Emile Durkheim and others, refers to elements, patterns, traits or institutions that are common to all human cultures worldwide. Elements of a culture that exist in every society such include: food, religion, language, music, dance etc. The cultural universals exist because all cultures have basic needs and they all develop common features to ensure their needs are met.  Elements of Culture Culture combines many elements to create a unique way of living for different people. In this lesson, we identify four of the elements that exist in every culture, they include: symbols, language, values, and norms. We also differentiate between folkways and mores. Values are a culture’s standard for discerning what is good and just in society. Values are deeply embedded and critical for transmitting and teaching a culture’s beliefs. Beliefs are the tenets or convictions that people hold to be true. Individuals in a society have specific beliefs, but they also share collective values. To illustrate the difference, Americans commonly believe in the American Dream—that anyone who works hard enough will be successful and wealthy. Underlying this belief is the American value that wealth is good and important. Norms define how to behave in accordance with what a society has defined as good, right, and important, and most members of the society adhere to them.  Elements of Culture Cont’d Mores (mor-ays) are norms that embody the moral views and principles of a group. Violating them can have serious consequences. The strongest mores are legally protected with laws or other formal norms. In Ghana, for instance, murder is considered immoral, and it’s punishable by law (a formal norm). Folkways are norms without any moral underpinnings. Rather, folkways direct appropriate behavior in the day-to-day practices and expressions of a culture. They indicate whether to shake hands or kiss on the cheek when greeting another person. They specify whether to wear a tie and blazer or a T-shirt and sandals to an event. In Ghana, women can smile and say hello to men on the street. In Egypt, that’s not acceptable. Symbols such as gestures, signs, objects, signals, and words—help people understand that world. They provide clues to understanding experiences by conveying recognizable meanings that are shared by societies. SOCIALIZATION  What is human nature? Human nature refers to the distinguishing characteristics—including ways of thinking, feeling, and acting which humans tend to have naturally. The "nature versus nurture" debate is a well- known modern discussion about human nature in the social sciences. Kasper Hauser & The wolf child in India How socialization is important cont’d How socialization is important cont’d How socialization is important cont’d Types of socialization cont’d Types of socialization cont’d  Sociological approaches to the self Definition of the self: From a classical sociological perspective, the self is a relatively stable set of perceptions of who we are in relation to ourselves, others, and to social systems. The self is socially constructed in the sense that it is shaped through interaction with other people. The looking-glass self is a social psychological concept, created by Charles Horton Cooley in 1902, stating that a person's self grows out of society's interpersonal interactions and the perceptions of others. Cooley´s concept of the looking glass self, states that a person's self grows out of a person´s social interactions with others. The view of ourselves comes from the contemplation of personal qualities and impressions of how others perceive Socialization institutions cont’d SOCIAL STUCTURE & SOCIAL INTERACTIONS