Sociology: Introduction

Definition: Sociology is the systemic study of human behaviour in social context 1& study of society2

Sociological Imagination Definition: Quality of mind that enables one to see connection between events of their personal lives (e.g. personal troubles) & events in their society (e.g. social structure)

Goals of Science 1. 2. 3.

Make generalisation, statements that goes beyond individual case and is applied to a
broader group/situation

Explain why something happens Predict what will happen in the future in the light of current knowledge

Difference between Natural & Social Science Sciences are intellectual & academic disciplines designed to: Natural Sciences Social Sciences Comprehend, explain & predict events in our Understand social world objectively by natural environments. means of controlled & repeated observations Common Sense VS Sociological Thinking Common Sense Prevailing ideas in society Sociological Thinking Understanding of human behaviour by placing it within its broader context

Things that everyone knows are true Reasons for common sense to be excluded from sociology a) Impressions are not backed up by studies of facts thus should not be taken as truth b) General knowledge could change over time c) Common sense could be based on knowledge by studies which were not credible

1 2

Social environment we live in Group of people who share a common culture & territorial space

3 Events that lead to the birth of Sociology 1. Industrial Revolution Began about 1780 Agriculture gave way to factory production caused influx of rural population to migrate to urban area in search of work Created a host of new social problems that attracted the attention of social thinks E.g. poor working conditions (long working hours with low wages) 2. Imperialism Began about 1750 Europeans had conquered many parts of the world. New colonies spread from Asia, Africa to North & South America Europeans are thus exposed to radically different culture and began questioning the difference in culture 3. Success of Natural Sciences Began about 1550 People found that traditional answers were failing & inadequate Many secrets had been uncovered previously concealed in the nature by using scientific method (using objective, systematic observations to test theories) which was tested on physics & chemistry People began to apply scientific method to question about social life

Early Sociologists 1. Auguste Comte & Positivism Father of sociology; coined the term sociology Main Idea: Positivism o Application of scientific approach to social world o Focus on the twin pillars of sociology a) Social Static: Study of social stability & order b) Social Dynamic: Study of social change However, he did not apply scientific method to study society 2. Emile Durkheim & Social Integration Anomie: People who are cut loose from norm Characteristics of preindustrial, nonCharacteristics of modern, more complex literate, simple society society Based on mechanical solidarity Based on organic solidarity Society union based on a consensus of Society union based on complex & values & strong belief, strong social highly specialised roles that renders pressure for conformity & dependence on members of a society dependent on one tradition & family another for goods & services. His comparison of suicide rates of several countries revealed an underlying social factior: o People who have weaker social ties are more likely to commit suicide Main Idea: Social Integration3 o Protestants, Males & Unmarried has higher chance of committing suicide compared to Catholics, Female & Married Protestant Catholic Encourage greater freedom of thought & Encourage less freedom of thought & action action Male Female More independent Less independent Less involvement in intimate social More involvement in intimate social relations of family life relations of family life Married Unmarried Creation of social ties & moral cement Lack social ties & moral responsibilities to bind individuals to society that comes with marriage o Noted that in some instances, strong bonds encourage suicide E.g. People who are torn apart by grief due to deep integration of feelings of their spouse that they prefer death than life without one who gave its meaning.

Degree to which members of a society/group feel united by shared values or social bonds (social cohesion) as well as intensity & frequency of social interaction

3. Max Weber; Region & Origin of Capitalism Verstehen is the understanding of social behaviour by putting oneself in place of others Believes that religion is the central force in social change Main Idea: Religion & Origin of Capitalism o Found out that capitalism is more likely to flourish in Protestant Country Roman Catholic Protestants Religion encourage followers to hold on Religion encourage followers to to traditional way of life embrace change Taught that they were on the road to Taught they wouldnt know if they were heaven saved till judgement day. Being uncomfortable, they look for signs indicating gods will and concluded that financial success was the indication by god and derived spiritual comfort. Thus, they led a frugal life, saving money and invest them to earn more.

4. Karl Marx & Class Conflict Believes that capitalism is the central force in social change; overthrow capitalist by exploited class o Root of human misery lay in exploitation of Proletariat by Bourgeoisie Main Idea: Class Conflict o Society is made up of 2 classes: a) Bourgeoisie: Capitalist who own means of production b) Proletariat: Exploited class, who do not own any means of production o Eventually, workers will unite and break free from the capitalist, giving rise to classless society & one free from exploitation o People will work accordingly to their abilities and receive goods and services according to their needs but the revolution will be bloody