Introduction to Sociology PDF

Chapter 1, Part 1: Introduction to Sociology 1. Sociology studies society systematically, making it a social science. Studyinh patterns within societies, like family structures or economic roles. 2. Micro vs. Macro Approaches: Micro: Examines small, everyday interactions (e.g., face-to-...

Chapter 1, Part 1: Introduction to Sociology 1. Sociology studies society systematically, making it a social science. Studyinh patterns within societies, like family structures or economic roles. 2. Micro vs. Macro Approaches: Micro: Examines small, everyday interactions (e.g., face-to-face interactions in a classroom). Macro: Looks at larger societal trends (e.g., effects of social media on communication across societies). 3. Scientific Method: Sociologists use this for studying Theory, Hypothesis, Observations and Empirical. 4. Sociological Imagination: the ability to see how personal experiences are linked to broader societal factors. Chapter 1, Part 2: Social Theory 1. Purpose of Social Theory: Theories provide frameworks to interpret social phenomena and predict social trends. 2. Major Theorists: Karl Marx (Conflict Theory): Views society as a competition between classes. Concepts include: Class consciousness: Awareness of one’s social class. False consciousness: Misunderstanding of one’s social position. Alienation: Feeling of disconnection from one’s work or society. Max Weber: Emphasized rationalization (increasing reliance on calculation and efficiency), bureaucracy, and the “iron cage” (trap of rational systems).  Emile Durkheim (Functionalism): Believed social institutions work together to maintain social stability. Chapter 2: Research Methods 1. Qualitative vs. Quantitative Approaches: Qualitative: In-depth understanding (e.g., interviews or observations). Quantitative: Numbers-based, often using statistical analysis (e.g., surveys). 2. Research Methods: Surveys: Useful for large samples; questions must be clear and unbiased. Ethnography: In-depth study of social groups; can be biased and ethically sensitive. Experiments: Controls and variables are used to isolate cause- effect relationships. 3. Theory and Research: Inductive Research: Starts with data, leading to theory (e.g., observing a subculture to develop a theory). Deductive Research: Begins with theory, which is tested with data (e.g., testing a theory about social behavior patterns using survey data). 4. Bias and Objectivity: Avoiding personal biases is crucial to credible research. 5. Research Ethics: Ethical standards protect participants from harm. Chapter 3: Culture 1. Culture: Shared beliefs, values, norms, and material objects in a society. 2. Norms, Values, and Beliefs: Norms: Rules or expectations of behavior. Values: Beliefs about what is good or desirable. Beliefs: Statements people hold to be true. 3. Sanctions: Enforce norms, ranging from informal disapproval to legal penalties. 4. Material vs. Non-material Culture: Material: Physical objects (e.g., clothing). Non-material: Intangible elements (e.g., traditions, language). 5. Ethnocentrism: Judging other cultures based on one’s own standards. 6. Cultural Relativism: Recognizing cultural practices vary and respecting them without judgment. 7. Culture Shock: Disorientation when experiencing an unfamiliar culture. Chapter 4: Socialization, Interaction, and the Self 1. Nature vs. Nurture: Debates whether genetics or environment shapes individuals. 2. Socialization Process: Primary Agents: Family, as the first source of socialization. Secondary Agents: Schools, peers, media, etc. 3. Theories of the Self: Freud: Psychoanalytic theory, where the mind is structured into conscious and unconscious layers.  Cooley: “Looking-glass self” - self-concept based on how we think others see us. Mead: Development of self through social interactions, especially in childhood. Goffman: Dramaturgy - life as a performance with “front stage” (public) and “backstage” (private) behavior. 4. Statuses and Roles: Role Conflict: Conflicting demands between roles. Role Strain: Challenges within one role. 5. Total Institutions: Places with strict control over residents (e.g., prisons). 6. Master Status: A status that overshadows others, such as “doctor” or “parent.” 7. Stereotyping: Oversimplified views of a group of people.