Overview
This lecture reviews foundational sociological concepts, research methods, and major theoretical perspectives to prepare students for the first exam.
Introduction to Sociology
- Sociology studies human society, social behavior, and group interactions.
- Sociologists use scientific methods to understand social phenomena.
- The "sociological imagination" is the ability to see the connection between personal experiences and larger social forces.
Major Sociological Theories
- Structural functionalism views society as a complex system with interdependent parts that work together for stability.
- Conflict theory focuses on power differences, inequality, and competition over scarce resources.
- Symbolic interactionism examines how individuals interact and create shared meanings through symbols.
Research Methods in Sociology
- Sociologists use surveys, observations, experiments, and analysis of existing data to gather evidence.
- Surveys collect data using questionnaires or interviews from a sample population.
- Experiments test cause-and-effect relationships in controlled settings.
- Participant observation involves researchers immersing themselves in groups to observe behavior.
Culture and Society
- Culture includes beliefs, values, norms (rules), symbols, and language shared by a group.
- Norms are rules for expected behavior; breaking them may result in sanctions.
- Subculture is a group with cultural patterns that set it apart from the wider society.
- Cultural relativism is judging a culture by its own standards, not by those of another culture.
Socialization
- Socialization is the lifelong process of learning society's norms, values, and roles.
- Agents of socialization include family, peers, school, and media.
- Primary socialization occurs in childhood, while secondary socialization occurs later in life.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Sociological imagination — understanding the link between personal experiences and broader societal patterns.
- Structural functionalism — theory viewing society as an integrated whole with interrelated parts.
- Conflict theory — theory focusing on power struggles and social inequality.
- Symbolic interactionism — theory emphasizing the role of symbols and interactions in society.
- Culture — shared beliefs, values, norms, and material objects in a society.
- Norms — social rules defining acceptable behavior.
- Subculture — group with distinct cultural patterns within a larger culture.
- Socialization — process of learning cultural norms and behaviors.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review class notes and textbook chapters on major sociological theories and research methods.
- Complete assigned reading on culture and socialization.
- Prepare questions for in-class discussion and upcoming exam.