Week 1 Lecture- Sociology

Slide 1 : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpeYZKJqpmU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV4t5u2YLD4&feature=related Introduction to Sociology; BS 105

Discovering Sociology8/23/11 (Tuesday) : Discovering Sociology8/23/11 (Tuesday) Today’s Objective: Define sociology, discuss the sociological imagination and give an invitation to sociology

Your text opens a review of the book Nickel and Dimed.What is the Social Problem Addressed in this book? : Your text opens a review of the book Nickel and Dimed.What is the Social Problem Addressed in this book? How does this issue affect society in general? .

What about the reality show Survivor.You may ask: what does this show have to do with Sociology? : What about the reality show Survivor.You may ask: what does this show have to do with Sociology? and I say what??? Let’s take a look.

Slide 5 : Is there a need for team work for survival?

Survivor All Stars : Survivor All Stars The Heroes The Villains

Reality television . . . : Reality television . . . deals with age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, social class, religion, groups, and social networks, variables that significantly affect how people interact and literally survive in the real world.

Reality television . . . : Reality television . . . deals with age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, social class, religion, groups, and social networks, variables that significantly affect how people interact and literally survive in the real world.

Sociology: : Sociology: Sociology: The systematic and scientific study of human behavior, social groups, and society.

Sociology is not . . . : Sociology is not . . . Cultural Anthropology (study past human behavior with emphasis on past cultures and preindustrial societies); Criminal Justice (CDS) (study the creation, causation, and the control of crime. The focus is on criminal procedures, law enforcement and corrections); Social Work (study social problems and alleviate consequences of social problems); and Psychology (study human behavior & mental processes w/ emphasis on individuals.).

Sociology: : Sociology: “Sociology is not a practice but an attempt to understand” (Berger, 1963:4) Sociology: The systematic and scientific study of human behavior, social groups, and society. --Main goal: to understand social situations and to look for repeating patterns in society. --Main focus: is the group.

The Promise: C. Wright MillsSociological Imagination: : The Promise: C. Wright MillsSociological Imagination: “Sociological Imagination An awareness of the relationship between an individual and the wider society. A key element is the ability to view one’s society as an outsider would

Peter Berger: Invitation to Sociology : Peter Berger: Invitation to Sociology Sociologists are people who are intensively, endlessly, shamelessly, interested in the doings of men and women. We are motivated by an intense desire to know what is "really happening," what goes on "behind the scenes," nothing is too sacred or profane.

Peter Berger: Invitation to Sociology : Peter Berger: Invitation to Sociology Curiosity is a well-known concept for sociologists. The little boy who wants to know what his aunt is doing behind the closed door may later become a sociologist.

Peter Berger: Invitation to Sociology : Peter Berger: Invitation to Sociology The excitement of sociology is getting into the worlds that had previously been quite unknown. EX: crime, religion, nudist camps, homosexuality. Through sociology you can see new light in the world we live in.

Peter Berger: Invitation to Sociology : Peter Berger: Invitation to Sociology CULTURE SHOCK -- man meets lady, next day having her for lunch in a restaurant; different culture than his to eat a human being: cannibalism.

Peter Berger: Invitation to Sociology : Peter Berger: Invitation to Sociology Sociologists travel at home also to find shocking results. EX: Duncan. So, if you avoid shocking discoveries and have no curiosity about the study of family, gender, crime, prostitution, and religion, sociology may be boring.

The Promise: C. Wright MillsSociological Imagination: : The Promise: C. Wright MillsSociological Imagination: “Sociological Imagination is a quality of mind that provides an understanding of ourselves within the context of the larger society” (Thompson and Hickey, 2011:3). Sociological Imagination refers to the ability to grasp history (events that shape our values and beliefs) and biography (individual’s life experiences) and the relations between the two within society.

Slide 19 :

Rosa Parks in 1955 and the reactions on the bus. : Rosa Parks in 1955 and the reactions on the bus.

The Promise: C. Wright MillsSociological Imagination: : The Promise: C. Wright MillsSociological Imagination: We distinguish between: Personal troubles: which affect the individual. Social issues: which reflect a problem for the entire society.

Fighting Against Smoking in the MoviesActivist pushes campaign to stop Hollywood showcasing of deadly habit.Newsweek August 20, 2010 : Fighting Against Smoking in the MoviesActivist pushes campaign to stop Hollywood showcasing of deadly habit.Newsweek August 20, 2010 http://www.newsweek.com/2010/08/20/fighting-against-smoking-in-the-movies.html

The Promise: C. Wright MillsSociological Imagination: : The Promise: C. Wright MillsSociological Imagination: We distinguish between: Personal troubles: which affect the individual. Social issues: which reflect a problem for the entire society. Another Example

Using the sociological imagination, how do we explain human behavior such as . . . : Using the sociological imagination, how do we explain human behavior such as . . . Teen Pregnancy in Kansas Personal troubles v social issues The ninth annual National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy took place May 4, 2011.

Proportion of Teen Births by Race/Ethnicity in Kansas (2006) : Proportion of Teen Births by Race/Ethnicity in Kansas (2006) Statistic Kansas United States Non-Hispanic Whites 62 % 39% Hispanics 22% 33% Non-Hispanic Blacks 13 % 23% Nonmarital Teen Births by Age Statistic Kansas United States Girls 15-17 91 % 91% Girls 18-19 79% 80%

Using the sociological imagination, how do we explain human behavior such as . . . : Using the sociological imagination, how do we explain human behavior such as . . . Teen Pregnancy in Kansas Personal troubles v social issues Personal troubles affect the individual; Social issues reflect a problem for the entire society.

Using the sociological imagination to explain . . . : Using the sociological imagination to explain . . . Obesity in America Personal troubles v social issues Personal troubles affect the individual; Social issues reflect a problem for the entire society. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Lh6SWUqWOc&feature=related

How do we explain human behavior? : How do we explain human behavior?

Debunking theme: : Debunking theme: Debunking theme: crap detector; tells what is really happening. Sociology IS NOT common sense!! Common sense -- what people develop through living everyday lives.

Common Sense : Common Sense

Slide 31 : Not Sociology http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpzWlHb1BFc&NR=1

Slide 32 : Do you agree that the majority of people on public assistance (welfare) are minorities who have been on public assistance (welfare) for generations and are too lazy to get a job? In 2008 - Yes: 33% - No: 67%

Slide 33 : Common sense -- what people develop through living everyday lives. Critical Thinking: Objectively assessing ideas, statements, and information. Sociological Thinking: Asking questions and questioning answers. It requires taking a closer look at our “social” world. Sociology: The systematic and scientific study of human behavior, social groups, and society. Employment?

Employment? U.S. Boarder Patrol : Employment? U.S. Boarder Patrol Hey Dr. & Mrs. T, Just thought I'd show you my first dope load. It turned out to be 500 lbs with a street value of $400,000. -Ty

IN REVIEW8/24/10 (Wednesday) : IN REVIEW8/24/10 (Wednesday) Discussed: 1) sociology 2) debunking theme 3) common sense 4) invitation to sociology 5) Sociological Imagination

Slide 36 : Today’s Objectives: Discuss:1) Sociological Imagination2) sociological and critical thinking3) the development of sociology

Slide 37 : http://weeklyworldnews.com/headlines/26946/end-of-world-may-21-2011/ http://www.merinews.com/article/the-world-will-end-in-2012-say-experts/139440.shtml

Isiah, imagine reading the following : Isiah, imagine reading the following Attractive, single female in early twenties, likes bicycling, body surfing, long walks along the beach on warm moonlit nights seeking young attractive male . . .

Isiah, are you a young attractive male? : Isiah, are you a young attractive male?

You read the following : You read the following Attractive, single female in early twenties, likes bicycling, body surfing, long walks along the beach on warm moonlit nights seeking young attractive likeminded male for conversation, friendship, and whatever else may develop. I’m a 5’8”, 140-pounds aerobics instructor who has an open mind and will try almost anything once. Ask for Naughty Nina.

What is your response? : What is your response?

Slide 42 : Naughty Nina is really Frank, a married man who likes playing on the computers. He has received over 300 marriage proposals. First wisdom of sociology: Things are not what they seem (Peter Berger, 1963).

First wisdom of sociology: Things are not what they seem (Peter Berger, 1963). : First wisdom of sociology: Things are not what they seem (Peter Berger, 1963).

Slide 44 : Review slide

The Development of Sociology : The Development of Sociology Although Comte coined the term "sociology" to describe the scientific study of society in the latter part of the 19th century, the disciple was around in 400 B.C. era.

The Development of Sociology : The Development of Sociology Socrates (469-399 B.C.) refused to accept traditional, taken-for-granted explanations for some social behaviors, such as the right of individuals in relation to the state. What’s in it for you to obey state laws?

The Development of Sociology : The Development of Sociology Aristocles (A.K.A. Plato) student of Socrates, (427-347 B.C.) pursued knowledge through endless dialogues about: What is truth? (It’s all relative) What is justice? (hurt PG woman) What are the rights and duties of individuals and the state? Just dialogues!!

The Development of Sociology : The Development of Sociology Plato's most famous student, Aristotle, pursued dialogues exploring social issues related to the family, religion, education, etc. What do they do for us? So, sociological thinking is not a new phenomenon.

IN REVIEW8/25/10 (Wednesday) : IN REVIEW8/25/10 (Wednesday) Sociological Imagination Development of Sociology (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle)

Today’s Objective: Development of Sociology and have a better knowledge and understanding of the founders of the sociology : Today’s Objective: Development of Sociology and have a better knowledge and understanding of the founders of the sociology

The Development of Sociology : The Development of Sociology The Changing Social Climate and the Industrial Revolution Prior to the Industrial Revolution, European society was basically a feudal system (landowners and peasants). Industrialization, urbanization, and immigration caused problem: inadequate housing, poverty, crime, air pollution, disease, etc.

The Development of Sociology : The Development of Sociology Then came the Enlightenment period -- the shift from the theological to the scientific (cause-and-effect explanations). The enlightenment period referred to a societal shift towards science and reason. The belief that the natural world was ordered and allows for the discovery of ultimate truths through rational thought. The movement's leaders viewed themselves as a courageous, elite body of intellectuals who were leading the world toward progress, out of a long period of irrationality, superstition, and tyranny.

The Development of Sociology : The Development of Sociology The Enlightenment began from the belief in a rational, orderly and comprehensible universe - and proceeded, in stages, to demand a rational and orderly organization of knowledge and the state, such as found in the idea of Deism. Deism teaches to “question authority” no matter what the cost and to look at the “reason” behind things.

PREAMBLE : PREAMBLE We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges, in order to insure the full enjoyment of our rights as American citizens, do ordain and establish this constitution of the state of Kansas, with the following boundaries, to wit: Beginning at a point on the western boundary of the state of Missouri, where the thirty-seventh parallel of north latitude crosses the same; thence running west on said parallel to the twenty-fifth meridian of longitude west from Washington; thence north on said meridian to the fortieth parallel of north latitude; thence east on said parallel to the western boundary of the state of Missouri; thence south with the western boundary of said state to the place of beginning. http://skyways.lib.ks.us/KSL/constitution/pdf/Constitution.pdf

Early Founders of Sociology : Early Founders of Sociology

(1) Auguste Comte (1798-1857) : (1) Auguste Comte (1798-1857) Comte emphasized positivism -- the use of observation, comparison, experimentation, and the historical method to gain the necessary facts to analyze society. He identified two major areas to study: --Social statics: which focused on social structure, stability, and harmony. --Social dynamics: which focused on how societies develop and change over time.

(1) Auguste Comte (1798-1857) : (1) Auguste Comte (1798-1857) Comte believed that all social ills could be cured. He also believed in utopianism--society moves through fixed stages of development eventually reaching perfection. Can we? Use his social statics and social dynamics.

(2) Harriet Martineau (1802-1876) : (2) Harriet Martineau (1802-1876) Martineau was one of the first to write books on social research methods and she also translated Comte's six volumes Positive Philosophy into two, which introduced sociology to England. She is not considered a BIG founder of sociology. Why?

(3) Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) : (3) Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) Spencer while reviewing the negative aspects of the industrial revolution in England (the struggle, competition, and violence) he developed a theoretical approach to understanding society that compared society to a living organism made up of interdependent parts to explain both social structure and social change.

(3) Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) : (3) Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) Using the phrase "SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST" Spencer recognized that the evolution of society and the survival of those within it was directly linked to their ability to adapt to changing conditions. This position (later call social Darwinism) shifted the role of sociology from saving the world to understanding it. EX: The poor

(4) Karl Marx (1818-1883) : (4) Karl Marx (1818-1883) Marx (1818-1883) said that the unequal distribution of wealth, power, and other limited resources was not the result of natural laws but was caused by the exploitation of one class by another.

IN REVIEW8/27/10 (Friday) : IN REVIEW8/27/10 (Friday) Discussed . . . the Enlightenment period early founders of sociology (Auguste Comte , Harriet Martineau, Herbert Spencer, Karl Marx, and David Emile Durkheim)

Today’s Objectives: : Today’s Objectives: Discuss: 1) founders 2) theoretical perspectives

(4) Karl Marx (1818-1883) : (4) Karl Marx (1818-1883) Marx (1818-1883) said that the unequal distribution of wealth, power, and other limited resources was not the result of natural laws but was caused by the exploitation of one class by another.

(4) Karl Marx (1818-1883) : (4) Karl Marx (1818-1883) The bourgeoisie (ruling class, the haves) had assumed power because they owned and controlled the means of production. They used deception, fraud, and violence to usurp the profits of the proletariat (the working class, the masses, the have-nots) whose labor produced most of society's material assets.

(4) Karl Marx (1818-1883) : (4) Karl Marx (1818-1883) For Marx a natural evolution was not the key, but a revolution would occur and the proletariat will overthrow the bourgeoisie and form a classless society. Everyone would be rewarded in relations to their contribution to the overall societal well-being. Will this work?

DIALECTIC (Conflictual Change) : DIALECTIC (Conflictual Change) Thesis Conflict Synthesis Antithesis How things are . . . What we would like . . . Also the new Thesis . . .

(5) David Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) : (5) David Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) (5) David Emile Durkheim was primarily concerned with explaining social order. He believed that social solidarity (a feeling of collective conscience by societal members) was responsibility for social order. He distinguished between two types of social solidarity.

(5) David Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) : (5) David Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) Mechanical solidarity is characterized by small, simple societies whose members share the same beliefs and values. Rural areas, also Neighborhood in big cities. Organic solidarity is characterized by an advanced, more complex society despite individuals dissimilar beliefs; people are bonded by reciprocal needs, and will fulfill different tasks in society. Urban areas.

(5) David Emile Durkheim : (5) David Emile Durkheim Durkheim was primarily concerned with explaining social order. He believed that social solidarity was responsible for social order. He distinguished between two types of social solidarity: Mechanical solidarity: Rural areas, also Neighborhood in big cities; Organic solidarity: Urban areas.

(5) David Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) : (5) David Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) His most important contribution to sociology was on study of suicide. Durkheim showed that suicide can be best understood from a sociological perspective and not as a highly personalized individual act. Who commit suicide more, men or women? Why?

(6) George Simmel (1858-1918) : (6) George Simmel (1858-1918) George Simmel spoke of the macro vs. micro understanding of sociology. The macro-level approach studied society on a broad scale and viewing it as more than the sum of its parts.

(6) George Simmel (1858-1918) : (6) George Simmel (1858-1918) He believed that a more meaningful understanding of society would be derived by a micro-level. Approach focusing on small group interactions and the relationship between the individual and society.

(7) Max Weber (1864-1920) : (7) Max Weber (1864-1920) Max Weber believed in the importance of scientific objectivity. He believed that sociologists must be value free (free from personal biases) when doing research.

(7) Max Weber (1864-1920) : (7) Max Weber (1864-1920) Now to understand the research, we must engage in verstehen (somewhat objective, empathetic, introspective analysis of the interaction) to understand how people think and feel about behavior. Beautiful is what?

(7) Max Weber (1864-1920) : (7) Max Weber (1864-1920) One of Weber's most important contribution was his concept ideal type. Ideal Type: A conceptual model or typology constructed from the direct observation of a number of specific cases and representing the essential qualities found in those cases. Describe a bad teacher.

(8) Web Dubois (1868-1963) : (8) Web Dubois (1868-1963) Ph.D. Harvard First A-A. Founder of Afro-American sociology. Studied with Weber in Berlin. Applied Verstehen to A-A. Also applied Marx to A-A. Founder NAACP.

(9) Jane Adams (1860-1935) : (9) Jane Adams (1860-1935) Jane Adams was a sociologist, and put sociological theory to practice in Chicago in 1889 when she established the Hull House, for the poor, homeless, and abused women. Hull House also served as a women's sociological institution. One of the founders of social work.

Applying Theory : Use one of the theoretical perspectives to explain an event in your life. Applying Theory

In Review8/30/10 (Monday) : In Review8/30/10 (Monday) Discussed: 1) founders 2) theoretical perspectives (exercise)

Today’s Objectives: : Today’s Objectives: Discuss: 1) theoretical perspectives 2) research methods

THEORIES : THEORIES Will talk about three paradigms--A set of assumptions and ideas that guide research questions, methods of analysis and interpretation, and the development of theory. A theory is a set of interrelated propositions or statements, that attempt to explain some phenomenon.

Why do small women date big, big guys? : Why do small women date big, big guys? ESU sociology majors averaged $180,000 yr.

Micro-level Analysis: : Micro-level Analysis: Focuses on the day-to-day interactions of individuals and groups in specific social situations.

Symbolic Interactionist Perspective : Symbolic Interactionist Perspective Social meanings arise through the process of social interaction.

Three basic premises: : Three basic premises: 1. Human beings act toward things on the basic of the meanings that they attach to them. 2. These meanings are derived from, or arise out of, social interaction with others. 3. These meanings may be changed or modified through the processes of interaction and interpretation.

Meaningful Symbols (Mead) : Meaningful Symbols (Mead) Sounds, objects, color, and events that represent something other than themselves, and are critical for understanding social interaction.

Definition of the Situation (Thomas) : Definition of the Situation (Thomas) “If [people] define situations as real, they are real in their consequences.” EX: How do you interact with your platonic friend? How does this change in the company with your significant other?

Micro-level Analysis: : Micro-level Analysis: Focuses on the day-to-day interactions of individuals and groups in specific social situations.

The Looking-Glass Self (Cooley) : The Looking-Glass Self (Cooley) An individual’s self concept is largely a reflection on how he or she is perceived by other members of society.

Dramaturgical Analysis (Goffman) : Dramaturgical Analysis (Goffman) Uses the analogy of the theater to analyze social behavior. The world is a stage and we are actors playing a part. Job Interview: Front stage / back stage The same is true with 1st dates.

Macro-level Analysis: : Macro-level Analysis: Examines broader social structures and society as a whole. Social Structure: the ordered relationship and patterned expectations that guide social interaction. Think of family interaction.

Structural Functionalist Perspective : Structural Functionalist Perspective Views society as a system of interdependent and interrelated parts (often referred to simply as the functionalist perspective or functionalism). It can explain sexism and racism (1616-1960). Functional for whom? The system/society!

Structural Functionalist Perspective : Structural Functionalist Perspective Manifest Functions: Anticipated or intended consequences of social institutions. EX: ESU for a degree. Latent Functions: Unintended or unrecognized consequences of social institutions. EX: Finding your soul mate Dysfunctions: Things that threatens and disrupt social stability and order. EX: Threats and violence

Conflict Perspective : Conflict Perspective Views society as composed of diverse groups with conflicting values and interests. Recall Marx’s Have vs. Have-nots

What made the difference?What gave them an edge? : What made the difference?What gave them an edge?

The F Word:Feminist Theory : The F Word:Feminist Theory Studies, analyzes, and explains social phenomena from a gender-focused perspective. Looks at the social meanings of race, class, and gender. Sexism, sexual harassment. Student athlete Shelly Marsh, junior secondary education major, speaks on the feminist panel. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WiK74i0bms

Doing Sociology : Doing Sociology

Methodology : Methodology Methodology: The rules and guidelines followed in sociological research. Humans have always wanted to know how and why things happen – like a three year old. For example: why do you put on make-up?

TYPES OF KNOWLEDGE : TYPES OF KNOWLEDGE 1) Experience – trial and error learning. Example: Turn on the water faucet, the water starts steaming, you know it’s hot!!!

TYPES OF KNOWLEDGE : TYPES OF KNOWLEDGE 2) Cultural Tradition – accepted facts passed down from generation to generation. Example: Burning of pasture land every spring; or Not seeing the bride before the ceremony.

TYPES OF KNOWLEDGE : TYPES OF KNOWLEDGE 3) Faith – a strong belief in truths that cannot be verified by personal experience. Example: Take you beyond tradition; faith in God. Walk by faith not by sight. What does it mean?

TYPES OF KNOWLEDGE : TYPES OF KNOWLEDGE 4) Authoritative knowledge – listing to people who are recognized as authorities or experts. Examples: For kids  parents then teachers; youths  peers; athletes  coaches

TYPES OF KNOWLEDGE : TYPES OF KNOWLEDGE 5) Science – bases knowledge on empirical evidence gain through direct systematic observation. Need verification before it is accepted. Example: If it looks like a duck and sounds like a duck, it must be a . . . research project in sociology 

TYPES OF KNOWLEDGE : TYPES OF KNOWLEDGE 6) Sociological knowledge – is amassed (accumulated) through the process of building, developing, and testing theories that attempt to explain human social behavior. Example: Eating ice cream leads to delinquent behavior and drowning.

TYPES OF KNOWLEDGE : TYPES OF KNOWLEDGE 1) Experience 2) Cultural Tradition 3) Faith 4) Authoritative knowledge 5) Science 6) Sociological knowledge

Theory : Theory Theory: A set of statements that attempt to explain some phenomenon.

Slide 108 : Research Process

Slide 109 : Inductive Reasoning: (sociologists should use) The use of specific observations to develop a general understanding (data to theory: The Detective). Deductive Reasoning: (sociologists use) Reasoning that begins with a general understanding or theory that is then tested through the observation or study of specific situations (theory to data).

The theory-building process usually begins with identification of important concepts. : The theory-building process usually begins with identification of important concepts. Concept: An abstract idea or general thought. Example: Studying juvenile delinquency and ice cream.

Operational Definition : Operational Definition Operational Definition: A definition that specifies how a concept is measured. How do we measure juvenile, delinquency, and ice cream in Kansas?

After the concepts are defined then we identify variables. : After the concepts are defined then we identify variables. Variable: A construct that represents ways in which concepts vary or differ. Example: Sex, age, race, SES, ice cream.

Example: Ice cream leads to delinquent behavior : Example: Ice cream leads to delinquent behavior Independent Variable: A variable that brings about change in another variable (i.e., the cause): ICE CREAM. Dependent Variable: A variable that is changed by the independent variable (i.e., the effect): JEVENILE DELINQUENCY.

Slide 114 : Validity: The extent to which a technique accurately measures what it purports to measure. Ice cream and delinquency Reliability: Consistency of measurement. If we repeat the study, would it yield the same results?

We need a Proposition (Hypotheses) : We need a Proposition (Hypotheses) Proposition: A statement that interrelates two or more variables. Example: The more ice cream juveniles consume, the higher the delinquency rate.

Slide 116 : Correlation: A measure indicating that two variables are related in such a way that a change in one is accompanied by a change in the other. Example: Ice cream increases, delinquency increases. Causation: A relationship where a change in one variable creates a change in another variable.

Sociology 101AThere seems to be two misnomers about Sociology. : Sociology 101AThere seems to be two misnomers about Sociology. 1) You can talk during lecture and class is easy. 2) Those who continue to talk during lecture I will call you out! 3) Respect your classmates and instructor!

Slide 118 :