What is Sociology ?
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Scientific study of society and human behavior (Henslin,
2007)
Systematic, scientific study of human society (Thio, 2000;
Macionis, 2003)
Scientific study of human and social behavior (Robertson,
1989)
The process of scientific inquiry into social attitudes and
behaviors and the cultural products of those attitudes and
behaviors (Lamberton, 1998)
The scientific study of human society; the study of social
behavior and the interaction of people in groups (Landis,
1980)
Nothing less than a special form of consciousness (Berger,
1963)
What is Sociology ?
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



Scientific study of society and human behavior (Henslin,
2006)
Systematic, scientific study of human society (Thio, 2000;
Macionis, 2003)
Scientific study of human and social behavior (Robertson,
1989)
The process of scientific inquiry into social attitudes and
behaviors and the cultural products of those attitudes and
behaviors (Lamberton, 1998)
The scientific study of human society; the study of social
behavior and the interaction of people in groups (Landis,
1980)
Nothing less than a special form of consciousness (Berger,
1963)
Science
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Requires the development of theories that
can be tested by systematic research
A body of knowledge obtained by logical,
systematic methods of research which allows
researchers to form generalizations
Places isolated, seemingly meaningless
events into patterns we understand
Branches of Science
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Natural Science
Social Science
Social Sciences
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Sociology
Economics
Psychology
Political Science
Anthropology
Subfields of Sociology
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Social Psychology
Cultural Anthropology
Sociobiology
Community Medicine
Why Study Sociology?
Perspective
A variety of points of view of any
given subject.
Global Perspective
The study of the larger world and our
society’s place in it.
Sociological Perspective and
Sociological Imagination
C. Wright Mills
Social Science Perspective
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Learning to look at society in different
ways
Helps us see general social patterns in
the behavior of particular individuals
Encourages us to realize that society
guides our thoughts and deeds
Imagination
Allows us to see
the strange in
the familiar.
From our limited experiences …
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Judge the greater society
Place blinders on our views
Develop our prejudices
Develop our discriminations
Develop our concepts of right and
wrong
Imagination allows us to think
“globally”
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Where we live makes a
great difference in
shaping our lives
Societies are
increasingly
interconnected
Many US problems are
more serious elsewhere
Good way to learn
about ourselves
The Development of Social
Science
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Social/Political Factors of the
Industrial Revolution
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Rise of factory-based economy
Emergence of great cities
European political and social changes
Flood of Anthropological Data
Influences from Natural Sciences
Auguste Comte
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1798-1857
The Father of Sociology
French philosopher who
coined the term
“Sociology”
Favored “positivism”
Concerned with Statics
and Dynamics
Herbert Spencer
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1820-1903
Like Comte, concerned
with Social Order and
Social Change
Developed “Organism”
theory
Applied Darwin’s
Theories of Evolution to
societies
Karl Marx
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1818-1883
An economist,
concerned with Social
Change through Social
Conflict and revolution
Developed theories of
Class Conflict
Emile Durkheim
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1858-1917
French Sociologist,
concerned with Social
Order and Social
Integration
Pioneered sociological
research with his study
of suicide
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DURKHEIM’S STUDY OF SUICIDE
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MORE LIKELY TO COMMIT
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MALE PROTESTANTS WHO WERE WEALTHY AND
UNMARRIED HAD HIGHER SUICIDE RATES
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LESS LIKELY TO COMMIT
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MALE JEWS AND CATHOLICS WHO WERE POOR AND
MARRIED
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PROTESTANTISM AND INDIVDUALISM
BEING CATHOLIC AND GROUP-ORIENTATION
ONE OF THE BASIC FINDINGS: WHY?
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THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THESE GROUPS HAD
TO DO WITH “SOCIAL INTEGRATION”
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THOSE WITH STRONG SOCIAL TIES HAD LESS OF A
CHANCE OF COMMITING SUICIDE
Seeing the General in the
Particular
RATE OF DEATH BY SUICIDE
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
20.2
10.9
12.4
6.2
4.9
1.9
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
African Americans
Whites
By Race and Sex
Males
Both Sexes
Females
U.S. Bureau of the Census
Max Weber
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1864-1920
German Sociologist who
emphasized under- standing
the social world from the
viewpoint of the individuals
Claimed that religion is a
central force in social change,
particularly in the
advancement of capitalism in
Protestant and Catholic
countries.
Stressed Value Freedom
Harriet Martineau
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1802-1876
First woman sociologist
Translated Comte’s work
from French to English
Studied British and
American societies
Jane Addams
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1860-1935
Key founder of American
sociology
Developed study strategies
to solve social problems
Founded the Hull House
Instrumental in the
formation of several
government programs
W.E.B. Du Bois
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1868-1963
First African American
to receive a doctorate
from Harvard
Created the NAACP
Concerned with racial
equality
Advocated the use of
force to gain equality
The Work of Social Scientists
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Advertising
Banking
Criminal Justice
Education
Government
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Health Care
Public Relations
Research
Clinicians
Theory
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A general statement about how some parts of
the world fit together and how they work;
and explanation of how two or more facts are
related to one another
A statement of how and why facts are related
Correctly predicts future events
Makes the facts of social life comprehensible
and understandable
Paradigm
A conceptual model that serves as a
cognitive map to organize experience so
that it has meaning and is
comprehensible to the observer.
Theoretical Paradigm
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A basic image of society that guides
thinking and research
A model of society, or an orienting
strategy guiding views of and questions
about society
Analysis of Orientation
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Macro Level
Micro Level
Major
Theoretical Perspectives
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Functional Analysis
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Conflict Theory
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Symbolic-Interactionism
Functional Analysis
A theoretical framework in
which society is viewed as
a whole unit, composed of
interrelated parts, each
with a function that, when
fulfilled, contributes to
society’s equilibrium
Also known as functionalism
and structural
functionalism
Functional Analysis
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Focuses on Social Structure and
Social Function
Is macro-level orientation
Argues that Social Order is based on
Social Consensus
Originated from the work of Spencer
and Durkheim
Social Consensus
Condition in which
most members of
society agree on
what is a “good”
and cooperate to
achieve it.
Social consensus is
based upon:
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Mechanical solidarity
Organic solidarity
Types of Function
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Manifest Function
Latent Function
Dysfunction
Critical Evaluations of
Functional Analysis
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Tends to be
conservative
Tends to dismiss
change
Overlooks the
negative
Conflict Theory
A theoretical framework in
which society is viewed as
being composed of groups
competing for scarce
resources.
Conflict Theory
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Focuses on Social Tension and Social
Change
Is macro level orientation
Argues that Social Order is maintained
by direct or indirect exercise of power
Originated from the work of Karl Marx
Conflict
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Binds groups together as they pursue
their own interests
Focuses attention on social problems
Leads to beneficial changes that might
have otherwise not have occurred
Critical Evaluation of the
Social-Conflict Paradigm
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Fails to come to
grips with orderly,
stable, and less
controversial aspects
of society
Overemphasizes the
negative
Symbolic-Interactionism
A theoretical perspective
that focuses on how people
use symbols to establish
meaning, develop their
views of the world, and
communicate with one
another.
Interactionism
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Focuses on details of everyday life and
interaction between people, and on how
meaning is assigned to human interaction
Is micro level orientation
Argues that society responds through
symbolic interaction
Originated from the studies of Max Weber
and George Herbert Mead
Symbolic Interaction
The interaction that takes place
between people through symbols.
Critical Evaluation of SymbolicInteractionist Paradigm
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Neglects the larger
social institutions
and social processes
Neglects powerful
issues of stability
and change
Chapter 5
Socialization
Socialization
The process by which people
learn the characteristics of their
group – the attitudes, values, and
actions that are thought
appropriate for them.
Life Course
The biological and social sequence
of birth, childhood, maturity, old
age, and death.
Personality
A person’s fairly consistent
patterns of thinking, feeling, and
acting.
Elements of Personality
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Cognitive Component
Emotional Component
Behavioral Component
Levels of Socialization
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Primary Socialization
Secondary Socialization
Nature vs. Nurture
Effects of Alternate Socialization
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Evidence of the effects denied
socialization (Isolation)
Evidence of the effects of
hypersocialization
Effects of Alternate Socialization
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Evidence of the effects of denied
socialization (Isolation)
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Feral children
Evidence of the effects of
hypersocialization
Effects of Alternate Socialization
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Evidence of the effects of denied
socialization (Isolation)
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Feral children
Children raised in deliberate isolation
Evidence of the effects of
hypersocialization
Children Raised in
Deliberate Isolation
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Anna
Isabelle
Genie
Effects of Alternate Socialization
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Evidence of the effects of denied
socialization (Isolation)
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Feral children
Children raised in deliberate isolation
Children raised in institutions
Evidence of the effects of
hypersocialization
Effects of Alternate Socialization
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Evidence of the effects of denied
socialization (Isolation)
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Feral children
Children raised in deliberate isolation
Children raised in institutions
Laboratory experiments of primates
Evidence of the effects of
hypersocialization
Laboratory Experiments
with Primates
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Harry Harlow (1965)
Social behavior is
learned, not
inherited
Found that the
monkeys were like
those of psychotic
humans
Process of Socialization
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Development of Self
Learning to think
Learning how to feel
Learning to be normal
Learning to be moral
Learning to be masculine or
feminine
Self
A dimension of personality
composed of an individual’s self
awareness and self image.
The Self
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Always develops
Does not develop the same way
with all genders and social
classes
Is not innate
Who Am I?
Who Am I?
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Category
family?
Category
class.
Category
Category
I: Well defined roles of
II: Roles of race, ethnicity, or
III: Personal qualities.
IV: Physical traits.
Cooley’s Looking Glass Self
1.
2.
3.
Imagining our own
appearance
Interpreting other’s
reactions
Develop a self
concept
The Role Taking Process
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Developed by George Herbert
Mead
Stages of Role Taking
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Imitation Stage
Play Stage
Game Stage
Critical Evaluation of Theories
of Self Development
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Showed that
symbolic interaction
is the foundation of
both Self and
society
Criticized for
ignoring the role of
biology in the
development of Self
Piaget’s Stages of
Cognitive Development
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Sensorimotor Stage
Preoperational Stage
Concrete Operational Stage
Formal Operational Stage
Critical Evaluation of the Theories
of Thought Development
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Showed that human
being’s ability to shape
their social world
unfolds gradually as the
result of both biological
maturation and social
experience.
Piaget’s theories may
not apply to people in
all societies.
Emotional Socialization
Freudian Personality Development
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Id
Ego
Superego
Freudian Psychosexual Development
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Oral Stage
Anal Stage
Phallic Stage
Latency Stage
Genital Stage
Fixations
Unresolved conflicts or emotional hang ups
caused by overindulgences or frustrations.
 Oral Stage
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Anal Stage
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Oral Dependent, Oral Aggressive
Anal Retentive, Anal Expulsive
Phallic Stage
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Oedipus Conflict, Electra Conflict
Critical Evaluation of Theories
of “Normal” Development
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Freud’s notion that we
internalize norms and
his idea that childhood
experiences have
lasting importance in
the socialization process
remain critical.
Some of Freud’s work is
criticized as reflecting a
sexist bias.
Kohlberg Morality Development
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Preconventional Morality
Conventional Morality
Postconventional Morality
Critical Evaluation of Kohlberg’s
Theories of Moral Development
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The model presents
moral development
in distinct stages.
His theory is based
on research using
exclusively male
subjects.
Carol Gilligan’s Research on
Moral Development
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Boy’s moral
development reflects
a justice model
Girl’s moral
development places
emphasis on caring
and responsibility.
Critical Evaluation of Gilligan’s
Theories of Moral Development
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Work enhances our
understanding of
gender issues.
She does not
adequately address
the issue of origin of
gender-based
differences that
were identified.
Gender
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Male
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Male genitalia
XY chromosomes
Female
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Female genitalia
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XX chromosomes
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Gender
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Transsexual /
Transgendered
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Male or female
adults who appear
with typical genitalia
but “feel” like
opposite sex and
possess atypical
chromosome profile
Not as confusing as it looks …
Transsexual
Transgender
Transvestite
Female
Impersonator
Gender
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Intersexuals
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Herm
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Merm
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True hermaphrodite
Possess complete
sets of both male and
female genitalia
XY (nominally male)
karyotype
Ferm
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XX (nominally female)
karyotype
Gender Identities
People’s images of what they
are socially expected to be
and do based on their sex.
Sexual Identities
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Heterosexual
Homosexual
Bisexual
Transsexual/Transgendered
Sexual Orientation
Biological and genetic
predisposition for an individual’s
sexual identity.
Sexual Preference
An individual’s sexual identity
believed to be that’s chosen by
the individual.
Sexual Identity
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Heterosexual
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To be sexually
attracted to persons
of the opposite sex
Sexual Identity
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Homosexual
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To be sexually
attracted to persons
of the same sex
Gay
Lesbian
Sexual Identity
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Bisexual
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To be sexually
attracted to persons
of both sexes
Social Diversity
In a multicultural society, different
groups socialize their children in
different ways.
Agents of Socialization
People and groups that influence our
self-concept, emotions,
attitudes, and behaviors.
Agents of Socialization
School
Family
Mass Media
Peers
Social Forces
Influencing Family
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Social Class
Environmental Stimuli
Working Parents
Goals of Socialization in
Schools
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Develop creative,
intelligent
individuals
Mold children into
social conformity
Hidden Curriculum
Training students to be patriotic,
to believe in their country’s
cultural values, and to obey its
laws.
Peer Group
A group of people of roughly
the same age who are linked
by common interests.
Peer Groups Teach Children
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Independence from adults
Social skills and group
loyalties
Values and friendships
Peer Groups vs. Family
Peers have greater influence over matters of
immediate lifestyle.
Family values regarding religion, politics,
education and career goals tend to have
greater long term impact.
IMPERSONAL COMMUNICATION DIRECTED AT A VAST AUDIENCE
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TELEVISIONS IN THE UNITED STATES.
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HOW MUCH T.V. IN THE 1990s?
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2/3rds OF HOUSEHOLDS SUBSCRIBE TO CABLE
TELEVISION
IN 1999, 98% OF HOUSEHOLDS HAD AT LEAST ONE
ON AVERAGE, 7 HOURS PER DAY, OR ONE-HALF OF
THEIR FREE TIME IS SPENT IN FRONT OF THE
TELEVSION
CONCERNS ABOUT CREATING IMAGES
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VIOLENCE AND THE MASS MEDIA
DISABLING STEREOTYPE REINFORCEMENT
CLAIMS OF LIBERALISM IN THE MEDIA
Mass Media
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The shape expectations
Dull creative imagination
Promote vocabulary and
knowledge
Forms of Adult Socialization
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Anticipatory Socialization
Developmental Socialization
Resocialization
Anticipatory Socialization
As we anticipate future roles, we
learn aspects of them now.
Developmental Socialization
The process of learning to be
more competent in playing
currently assumed roles.
Resocialization
Radically altering an individual’s personality
through deliberate control of the environment
whereby the individual learns new norms,
values, attitudes, and behaviors.
Total Institutions
A place in which people are cut off
from the rest of society and are
almost totally controlled by the
officials who run the place.
Process of Resocialization
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The staff breaks
down the new
individual’s existing
identity.
The staff tries to
build a new self.
Institutionalism
Deep sense of hopelessness,
pervasive loss of initiative,
deterioration of social skills, and
inability to function in the larger
society.
Resocialization:
The Patty Hearst Story
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Heiress to the Hearst
Publishing multi-million
dollar fortune
Kidnapped in 1974 by
the Symbionese
Liberation Army (SLA)
Resocialized to be a full
member of the SLA
Served two years in
prison
Cohort
A category of people with a common
characteristic, usually their age.
Life Cycle in
Industrialized Societies
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Birth
Infancy
Childhood
Adolescence
Youth
Mature Adulthood
Old Age
Death
Erikson’s Stages of
Psychological Development
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Trust vs. Mistrust
Autonomy vs. Doubt
Initiative vs. Guilt
Industry vs. Inferiority
Identity vs. Confusion
Intimacy vs. Isolation
Generativity vs. Stagnation
Integrity vs. Despair
The American Attitude Toward
Death and Dying
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Deny
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Defy
Thanatology
The scientific study of death and
dying.
Kubler-Ross
Stages of Dying
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Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance
The Coconut Grove (1944)
Main Floor
The Coconut Grove (1944)
Lower
Level
Busch Grief Line Theories
Loss
Busch Grief Line Theories
Acute Grief
Busch Grief Line Theories
Rock Bottom
Busch Grief Line Theories
Recovery
Busch Grief Line Theories
Growth
Busch Grief Line Theories
Loss
Growth
Recovery
Acute Grief
Rock Bottom