Sociology PDF

Sociology - deprives from the Latin word "socious" which means associator or companionship or fellowship. Thus, society means large groups of people who are associated with each other. Sociological perspective provide a different way of looking at familiar worlds that allows us to gain a new vision...

Sociology - deprives from the Latin word "socious" which means associator or companionship or fellowship. Thus, society means large groups of people who are associated with each other. Sociological perspective provide a different way of looking at familiar worlds that allows us to gain a new vision of social life. From a sociological perspective, Human beings cannot form a self or personal identity without intense social contact with others. George Herbert Mead He is well known for his theory of the social self, which is based on the central arguments that the self is a social emergent. According to him, the sense of self is not initially there at birth, but arises in the process of social experience and activity. Stages of Developing Self Identity Preparation Stage - in this stage, children merely imitate the people around them, especially those whom they often interact. Play Stage - During this stage, children begin to take on roles of significant others, such as parents or superheroes, and act them out. This helps them understand different perspectives and develop a sense of self separate from others. Game Stage - In this stage, children start to understand and adhere to the rules of games, taking on multiple roles and understanding the expectations of others. This leads to the development of the “generalized other,” where they recognize the common behavioral expectations of society. Charles Horton Cooley He theorized the "Looking Glass Self". His theory means that our view of ourselves comes not only from direct contemplation of our personal qualities but also from our…….. (Kulanagan notes) Charles Horton Cooley’s theory of the “Looking Glass Self” is a fundamental concept in sociology that explains how our self-identity is shaped by our perceptions of how others see us This process highlights the importance of social interactions in the formation of self- identity. Cooley’s theory emphasizes that our self-concept is not formed in isolation but is deeply influenced by our social environment and the feedback we receive from others. The Three steps of The Looking Glass Self: 1. You imagine how you appear to the other person. We first imagine how we present ourselves to others. This could be based on our appearance, behavior, or actions. 2. You imagine the judgement of the other person. How others evaluate you as being intelligent, alive, alert or enthusiastic. We imagine how others are judging us based on our appearance and behavior. For example, we might think others see us as confident, shy, intelligent, or humorous. 3. Development of some sort of feeling about ourselves as a result of these impressions (Self Concept) We develop our self-concept based on these imagined judgments. If we believe others see us positively, we are likely to develop a positive self-image. Conversely, if we think others view us negatively, our self-image may suffer. Quadrants of Self by Johari Window: 1. You and others know about self-public. Open Area (Arena): This quadrant contains information about yourself that you and others know. It includes your behaviors, attitudes, skills, and public knowledge. The goal is to expand this area through open communication and feedback. 2. Others know and you don’t Blind Area (Blind Spot): This quadrant includes information about yourself that others know, but you are unaware of. Feedback from others can help you become aware of these blind spots. 3. Your secret Hidden Area (Façade): This quadrant consists of information that you know about yourself but keep hidden from others. It includes private feelings, secrets, and personal information. Sharing some of this information can help build trust and deepen relationships.  4. Unconscious Unknown Area: This quadrant contains information that neither you nor others know about yourself. It includes unconscious behaviors, latent abilities, and unknown reactions. Self- discovery and new experiences can help uncover aspects of this area. Culture The key to human diversity. Culture is a shared values and beliefs of the individuals which affects the way they thank, feel, and behave. People born in a certain locality have distinct practice system, and set of behaviors that may be different from other people from another locality have. Ethnocentrism People who are ethnocentric apply their own values in judging the behaviors and beliefs of other people raised in other cultures. It contributes to social solidarity and use of value and community. Defining culture is: Learned Culture is not inherited biologically but learned through socialization. From a young age, individuals learn cultural norms, values, and practices through family, education, peers, and media. This learning process helps individuals understand how to behave and interact within their society. Symbolic Culture relies heavily on symbols, which are objects, gestures, sounds, or images that carry particular meanings recognized by people who share the same culture. Language is a prime  example of a symbolic system, where words represent specific ideas or objects. Symbols help convey complex ideas and facilitate communication within a culture. Shared Culture is a collective phenomenon, shared by members of a society. It creates a sense of belonging and identity among individuals. Shared cultural practices and beliefs help unify people, providing a common framework for understanding the world and interacting with others. All - encompassing and integrated Culture affects all aspects of human life, from daily routines to major life events. It is integrated, meaning that different elements of culture are interconnected. For example, economic practices, social norms, and religious beliefs often influence each other, creating a cohesive system. Dynamic Culture is not static; it evolves over time. Changes in technology, environment, and social interactions can lead to cultural shifts. This dynamic nature allows cultures to adapt to new circumstances and challenges, ensuring their survival and relevance. Culture can be both adaptive and maladaptive. Levels of Culture Subculture A subculture is a group within a larger culture that has its own distinct values, norms, and practices. Subcultures can form around various interests, lifestyles, or identities, such as youth subcultures, professional groups, or ethnic communities. They coexist within the larger culture but maintain unique characteristics that set them apart. National This refers to the shared values, beliefs, and practices of people within a specific country. National culture includes elements like language, traditions, customs, and national  symbols (e.g., flags, anthems). It shapes the identity of a nation and influences the behavior and attitudes of its citizens. International International culture encompasses cultural traits and patterns that extend beyond national boundaries. These traits spread through globalization, migration, and communication technologies. Types of Culture High Culture High culture refers to the cultural products and activities that are considered to have high status and value in society. This includes classical music, fine arts, literature, and theater. High culture is often associated with the elite or educated classes and is seen as a marker of sophistication and refinement. Popular Culture Popular culture, or pop culture, includes the mainstream cultural activities and products that are widely consumed by the general public. This includes music, movies, television shows, fashion, and social media trends. Pop culture is dynamic and constantly evolving, reflecting the tastes and interests of the masses Subculture Subcultures are groups within a larger culture with distinct values and practices. Examples include goth, punk, and hip-hop subcultures. These groups often form around shared interests or identities and can influence mainstream culture over time. Counterculture Counterculture refers to cultural groups that reject and oppose the dominant cultural norms and values. Countercultures often emerge during periods of social change and can be seen as a form of rebellion against mainstream society.