Overview
This lecture covers the development, core concepts, and key figures of sociology, as well as the application of sociological theories to current social issues.
The Role of Sociology in Different Fields
- Sociology is relevant in areas like therapy, education, business, labor relations, media, and law.
- Understanding people’s behavior and social context is essential for success in these fields.
- The relationship between school and community is reciprocal, impacting each other’s development.
Changes in the Workplace & Society
- Modern work trends include temporary and flexible contracts, requiring new management approaches.
- Unique challenges arise as worker loyalties shift from organizations to individual career goals.
- Sociology can explain and address these workplace and societal changes.
Sociological Concepts & Theories
- Core sociological concepts: alienation, anomie, class conflict, colonization, common sense knowledge.
- Alienation: workers become detached from the work process due to lack of control.
- Anomie: societal disorganization leading to chaos and disorientation.
- Agents (individuals) interact with societal structures through both social forces and personal agency.
- Personal choices (e.g., food, clothing, school) are influenced by both social context and individual decisions.
Origins and Key Figures in Sociology
- Sociology emerged from the Age of Enlightenment, emphasizing reason and critical thinking over tradition.
- Industrialization and urbanization created new social problems that prompted sociological study.
- Auguste Comte coined "sociology" and introduced positivism (scientific study of society), social statics (order), and dynamics (change).
- Other early thinkers: Harriet Martineau (social customs), Herbert Spencer (evolution of society), Emile Durkheim (social facts, solidarity).
- Conflict theory (Karl Marx): class struggle and economic relations drive social change.
- Max Weber: rationalization and bureaucracy shape modern society.
Sociology in North America & Canada
- Early American sociologists: Robert Park (urbanization/disintegration), W.E.B. Du Bois (double consciousness of Black Americans), Ida B. Wells (anti-lynching activism), Jane Addams (social reform).
- In Canada: S.D. Clark (first sociology chair at U of T), John Porter (vertical mosaic—persistent inequalities despite multicultural claims).
Applying Theories to Social Issues
- Functionalist theory: society as an organism, emphasizing stability and integration.
- Conflict theory: focus on inequality and struggle between social classes.
- Feminist theory: highlights gender inequality in social structures.
- Symbolic interactionism: meaning arises from everyday interactions.
- Post-structuralism: critiques universality, focusing on diverse lived experiences.
- Current Canadian social issues: poverty, unemployment, mental health, housing, doctor shortages—each can be analyzed with different sociological theories.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Alienation — Disconnection of workers from their labor or its products.
- Anomie — State of normlessness or social instability.
- Social Statics — The aspects of society that promote stability and order.
- Social Dynamics — The forces that drive social change.
- Positivism — Application of the scientific method to study society.
- Class Conflict — Tension and struggle between social classes over resources.
- Double Consciousness — W.E.B. Du Bois’ concept of Black Americans’ dual social identity.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read textbook chapters on early sociological thinkers and core concepts.
- Review your course outline for upcoming assessments and required readings.
- Prepare examples of current social issues and analyze them using different sociological theories.
- Understand key concepts (alienation, anomie, class conflict, etc.) for exams.