Introduction to Sociology - Chapter 1 Lecture Notes

What is Sociology?

• Study of groups, group interactions, societies, and social interactions
• Macro level: Large-scale issues and trends among/between large groups and societies
• Micro level: Small groups and individual interactions
• Importance of both perspectives depends on research questions

Culture

• Group's shared practices, values, beliefs
• Includes way of life and everyday interactions

Sociological Imagination

• Definition: A lens to view society, connecting macro and micro levels
• Example: Job loss and homelessness
  • 2008 financial crisis: Impact on jobs and homelessness
  • Individual-level vs. macro-level factors

Key Concepts and Figures in Sociology

History of Sociology

• Began post-Enlightenment (1700s)
• Influenced by more rigorous scientific approaches

Key Thinkers

• Auguste Comte: Positivism; sociology as a scientific discipline
• Harriet Martineau: Translated Comte's work; social activist for labor unions, abolition, women's suffrage
• Karl Marx: Conflict theory; capitalism and social inequality between bourgeoisie and proletariat
• Herbert Spencer: Social Darwinism; societies evolve by adapting
• George Simmel: Influenced later sociological theories; early German sociologist
• Émile Durkheim: Social factors, suicide studies, mechanical vs. organic solidarity
• George Herbert Mead: Symbolic interactionism; social processes give meanings to objects
• Max Weber: Rationalization; goal-oriented, rule-governed bureaucracies
• W.E.B. Du Bois: Double consciousness; contributions to methodologies, civil rights activist

Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology

Functionalism

• Society as an ordered system of interrelated parts (social institutions)
• Each institution meets societal needs and contributes to stability
• Key principles: Stability and equilibrium

Conflict Theory

• Society as a competition for limited resources
• Focus on dominance, competition, and social change
• Materialistic view of society; social class conflict

Symbolic Interactionism

• Interaction and meaning essential to society
• Meanings are created through interactions
• Focus on face-to-face interactions

Additional Theories

• Feminist Theory: Gender inequalities and structures in society
• Queer Theory: Categories of sexual identity as social constructs
• Post-modernist Theory: Social reality is diverse, pluralistic, and changing

Importance of Studying Sociology

• Understanding society and social world
• Critical thinking and questioning easy explanations
• Applicability to various career fields (e.g., analysis, organization, understanding group dynamics)