Introduction to Sociology Lecture Notes PDF

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY SOCIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF HUMAN NUTRITION SEMESTER 1 BS-HND, ZU PRESENTED BY: FATIMA AHMED, RD Sociology and Other Social Sciences Sociology: studies human society and social behavior through social interaction and social phenomena – Social Int...

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY SOCIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF HUMAN NUTRITION SEMESTER 1 BS-HND, ZU PRESENTED BY: FATIMA AHMED, RD Sociology and Other Social Sciences Sociology: studies human society and social behavior through social interaction and social phenomena – Social Interaction – how people relate to one another and influence each other’s behavior – Social Phenomena – observable events in human society Anthropology: The comparative study of past and present cultures Psychology: Studies behavior and mental processes; social psychology studies how social environment affects an individual Economics: Studies choices people make to satisfy their needs and wants Political Science: Studies principles, organization, and operation of government History: Studies people and events of the past Definition of Sociology Sociology is a science of society, social institutions, and social relationships. Scientific study of social phenomena. The systematic study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of organized human groups. History and development of Sociology Early European Scholars Auguste Comte Considered the founder of sociology Studied social order and social change Early European Scholars Harriet Martineau Reviewed life in the United States Scholars should improve society Translated Comte’s work Early European Scholars Herbert Spencer Compared society to a biological organism Helped create social Darwinism, “Survival of the Fittest” Early European Scholars Karl Marx Linked societal conditions to the economy Believed economic imbalance would lead to conflict  Later European Scholars Émile Durkheim Developed first sociology class in France Systematically applied the methods of science, focus on observable aspects Viewed segments of society by their function Function - consequence that an element of society produces for the maintenance of its social system Particularly interested in the role of religion  Later European Scholars Max Weber Interested in certain groups instead of an entire society Used the idea of Verstehen to understand the actions of individuals Verstehen – attempt to understand meanings individuals attach to their actions Used the idea of ideal type to understand the goals of a society Ideal Type – essential characteristics of a feature of society  American Scholars Jane Addams Opened a settlement house in Chicago Published a series of surveys about the problems of the urban poor Not taken seriously as a sociologist  American Scholars W.E.B. Du Bois Took an approach similar to the Chicago School Examined life in African American neighborhoods Encouraged scholars to examine the problems of race Some Common Terms in Sociology Social Groups: There are several types of groups. These groups influence and shape our behavior and personality. These groups can also be called social groups. For example, a religious group, an ethnic group, workplace colleague group, college class, a sports team, etc. These groups have something in common with others in the same group, identify with the group, and the group can create a sense of belonging. Types of social groups Primary social group Secondary Social group Primary social group Family and friends are in this group. Family shaped basic values in life. Provide a feeling or sense of belonging to the family. As we grow, a feel of sense of belonging expands to friends. Primary groups give an identity and a strong sense of self (a feeling of who we are) by providing more intimate and direct face- to-face interactions. They are primary because they are very important in shaping who we are as a person. They also tend to be close-knit groups that are mostly small and intimate, and normally long-lasting. Secondary social group Secondary groups are larger, more anonymous, and impersonal compared to primary groups. They also tend to be more short-term. Such groups are often based on shared interests, hobbies, or activities. For example, forming a temporary task group to plan a holiday party at work or organizing a reading group before an exam. Oftentimes, secondary group members interact based on social statuses. As we interact more with people in larger secondary groups, these groups may break down into primary groups. Other groups… In-group: An ingroup is a social group to which an individual feels they belong. It is characterized by shared interests, values, or identities. People typically favor and identify more closely with their ingroup. Out-group: An outgroup refers to any group with which an individual does not identify. It is often seen as "the other" and may be viewed negatively or with hostility in contrast to the ingroup. Reference Group: A reference group is any group that individuals use as a standard for evaluating themselves and their behaviors. It can be an ingroup or outgroup. People may aspire to belong to a reference group (ingroup) or reject behaviors associated with it (outgroup). Social Interaction This is a compilation of ways and means by which humans interact with each other within the confines of a society. Social Network Social networks refer to the social ties that link us together with other people. These ties include our family, friends, acquaintances, classmates, colleagues, neighbors, etc. Network Strength and Distance Individuals with similar traits are more likely to form social ties with one another, which also and often impacts their actions. For example, studies have found that if people in our immediate social network make unhealthy food choices, we are also much more likely to make unhealthy choices. Reference Fundamentals of Sociology by LPU