SOC1101
Sociological Perspective
What is sociology?
The systematic study of human society and social interaction by applying theoretical perspectives and research methods
In order to develop theories of how human behaviour is shaped by group life and how, in turn, group life is affected by individuals.
Why study sociology?
To gain a better understanding of ourselves and our social word;
To see that our behavior is largely shaped by the groups to which we belong
Person/ society/ world
Global interdependence > society/nation > myself
We as individuals are embedded in the complex relations and structures within the society
A large social grouping that shares a geographical territory, is subject to the same political authority, and shares and is subject to the same dominant cultural expectations
A relationship in which the lives of all people and any one nation’s problems are part of a larger global problem
Personal level
Commonsense knowledge: a form of knowing that guides our ordinary conduct in everyday life
Myths: a popular but false notion that may be used to perpetuate certain beliefs or theories, even against a conclusive evidence to the contrary
Peter Berger:
Social inquiry helps us to see that things are not what they seem to be/appear
Sociology as a science
Sociologists strive to use scientific standards, not popular myths, in studying society and social interaction.
They use systematic research techniques and are accountable to the scientific community.
The goal is objectivity in searching for patterns of behavior
C. Wright Mills:
People in the XX century are possessed by a sense the trap – they cannot overcome their troubles, overwhelmed by world history
What they need to escape from this trap is not only information, abundant in this Age of Fact, and the skills of reason.
What they need, and what they feel they need, is a quality of mind that will help them to use information and to develop reason in order to achieve lucid
What is sociology?
The systematic study of human society and social interaction by applying theoretical perspectives and research methods
In order to develop theories of how human behaviour is shaped by group life and how, in turn, group life is affected by individuals.
Why study sociology?
To gain a better understanding of ourselves and our social word;
To see that our behavior is largely shaped by the groups to which we belong
Person/ society/ world
Global interdependence > society/nation > myself
We as individuals are embedded in the complex relations and structures within the society
A large social grouping that shares a geographical territory, is subject to the same political authority, and shares and is subject to the same dominant cultural expectations
A relationship in which the lives of all people and any one nation’s problems are part of a larger global problem
Personal level
Commonsense knowledge: a form of knowing that guides our ordinary conduct in everyday life
Myths: a popular but false notion that may be used to perpetuate certain beliefs or theories, even against a conclusive evidence to the contrary
Peter Berger:
Social inquiry helps us to see that things are not what they seem to be/appear
Sociology as a science
Sociologists strive to use scientific standards, not popular myths, in studying society and social interaction.
They use systematic research techniques and are accountable to the scientific community.
The goal is objectivity in searching for patterns of behavior
C. Wright Mills:
People in the XX century are possessed by a sense the trap – they cannot overcome their troubles, overwhelmed by world history
What they need to escape from this trap is not only information, abundant in this Age of Fact, and the skills of reason.
What they need, and what they feel they need, is a quality of mind that will help them to use information and to develop reason in order to achieve lucid