Introduction to Sociology
Sociology 110 – January 27, 2014
Definition of Sociology
Sociology is the study of society, including:
- Laws, norms, and values
Laws: Norms backed by authority.
Norms: Customs and accepted behaviors.
Values: Determine right/wrong and good/bad; these are socially constructed.
- How wealth is divided and the issue of poverty
Socio-economic status: Social class.
Social Ladder: Implies there is something to climb.
- Gender
- Race
- Sexuality
- Religion
The above are considered identities, labels, and stigmas (negative attached meanings).
- Drugs and Alcohol: History, laws, identity, power
- F.D.A.
We shape, change, challenge, and resist social forces.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Sociology studies how social forces shape our lives, interests, and personalities, and how we shape society.
Social Problems
There is no universal definition of a social problem. We can construct social problems.
Closest definition: There are objective and social criteria. For example, abortion can be considered a social problem, and access to abortion can also be considered a social problem.
Variations in Definitions Between Groups
Pro-choice perspective: No access to abortions is a social problem. Limitations on access to abortion are a social problem.
Alcohol Consumption
Prohibition…
For Test Purposes: There is no universal definition of a social problem. There are objective and subjective elements. There is variation between groups and groups over time. We create/construct social problems.
Poverty is a social problem… Maybe wealth is a solution, or is wealth a social problem?
Society – 2 Key Elements
Structure: How society is organized. The organization of society includes institutions, groups, statuses, and roles (e.g., religion, the economy, politics, education, the prison system, family, medicine, science, media, art, the military, sports).
Groups: Institutions are composed of groups (e.g., friends, co-workers, family, sports teams, the military, classmates, political party members, minorities, nationalities, genders, Catholics, Lutherans).
Status: One’s position (title) in a group, usually related to a hierarchy of power.
Structural Functionalist Theories of Social Pathology
Social Pathology: Social problems are an illness in society (like a cold or flu, something we will recover from).
Socialization: Societal norms like manners, how to talk, values, morals, and how to behave.
Social Disorganization
Anomie: The state of normlessness, weak and/or competing norms. There are not enough rules (e.g., political officials who take bribes).
Society is based on cohesion (everyone working together for a common goal).
Social Change: Slow, reform-oriented, adjustments.
Conflict Theory
We are in a constant state of conflict and competition over resources (e.g., patriarchy, conflict diamonds, drugs, outsourcing).
Social Problems are Normal: In contrast to Functionalism, which argues that social problems are abnormal.
Any integration of the parts is due to force.
Social Change: Fast, brutal, and revolutionary (power changing hands).
Conflict Theories of Social Problems
Marxist Theory
Source of social problems: The economy (capitalism).
Capitalism requires social inequalities.
Solutions: Eradicate capitalism, create unions, create equality.
Alienation:
Non-Marxist Theory
Source of social problems: Conflicting beliefs and values (e.g., abortion, religion).
Solutions: Mediation, understanding through education, agreeing to disagree.
Structural Functionalism
Social Disorganization
Anomie (wealthy/1%)
Conflict Theory
Marxist Theory
Alienation (us/99%)
Anomie: State of normlessness, weak norms, creates confusion.
Alienation: Powerlessness and meaninglessness because we don’t have control over our lives. We are reduced to repetitive tasks and producing objects that do not reflect our being or interests.
Too much freedom vs. Not enough freedom
Not enough rules vs. Too many rules
Solution: More rules/less freedom vs. Solution: Less rules/more freedom
Macro Level: Larger Scale Analysis
Structural Functionalism
Social Pathology
Social Disorganization
Conflict Theory
Marxist
Non-Marxist
Symbolic Interactionism
Human behavior is influenced by meanings that are created by interactions.
Social Problems: Blumer’s Stages of Social Problems
- Recognition: When someone identifies a condition as problematic.
- Legitimation: When the larger community agrees that the condition is a social problem (e.g., smoking ban on campus).
- Mobilization: Groups decide to respond.
- Implementation: Putting the plan into action.
Occupy movement: See above.
Labeling: A behavior/action/characteristic is problematic when labeled as such.
Test Stop
Globalization
Spread of communication and information, global politics, economy, and culture.
- Transportation – medicines, organs, access to hospitals
- Monitoring outbreaks
- World Health Organization (WHO)