Sociology: the study of people’s behavior and actions in groups

1. Sociology:the study of people’s behavior and actions in groups

2. A person who studies Sociology is called a sociologist. • There are 4 tools used by sociologists: • Observation and analysis of human behavior. • Surveys of public opinion, sometimes called opinion polls. • Interviews. • Role Playing

3. Social Groups Because no one person in our society can supply all of the needs and wants, we must belong to groups. The 4 primary social groups are: • Primary – small, close group, long-term relationships (Ex. Family) • Secondary – larger group and less loving than the primary group (Ex. Formed to do a job) • Community – group of people who work together for a common cause and may live close to each other (Ex. BCHS, your church, your neighborhood) • Society – large group of primary and secondary groups and 2 or more communities (Ex. Barren County, KY, USA)

4. Socialization: Process of learning the group of social rules people should live by • Norms – the social rules or standards of a group • There are 3 types of norms: 1. Folkways- norms of politeness or customs (Ex. Manners and business etiquette) 2. Mores – norms that are taken more seriously when broken and people must accept the consequences for their actions ( Ex. Excommunication from the church) 3. Laws – made and enforced by the government of the society. Formal rules to protect the people and may or may not be mores.

5. Roles & Sanctions • Role - name given to the kind of behavior that a person is supposed to have in a particular society. • Role Conflict – when a person acts differently for the different roles they may be involved in (Ex. Church member vs. Job role). • Sanctions – an action that supports a social norm • Positive sanctions - rewards for obedience • Negative sanctions – punishment for disobedience

6. The 5 Institutions(Groups needed in order to satisfy their needs) • Institution of the Family Meets the needs of : a. physical and emotional “belongingness” b. teaching socialization of children c. internalizing values and norms Types: a. Nuclear – parents and children b. Extended – nuclear plus grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. c. One-Parent family

7. The 5 Institutions (cont.) 2. The Institution of Education Meets the needs of : a. helping families teach children about society’s values, norms, and roles b. teaches students about ideas from the past and academic skills c. prepares students for the adult world d. allows people to further their vocation * 3.5 billion dollars are spent taxes each year to maintain public education

8. The 5 Institutions (cont.) 3. The Institution of Government Meets the needs of: a. Making and enforcing laws based on the mores of society b. keeping society safe c. punishing those who break the law d. protects territoriality (people, land, space, and objects as one’s own against invasion from others).

9. The 5 Institutions (cont.) 4. The Institution of Religion Meets the needs of society by: Allowing places of worship where one can worship with a group 5. The Economic Institution Meets the needs of society by: Allowing people to specialize in their vocation (job/career) by working in an industry or business.

10. Stop Here and Review • What are the 4 tools used by sociologist? • What are the 5 social institutions? • What are the 3 types of norms? • Why do we belong to different groups? • What are sanctions?

11. Norms • Enforce social values. • Develop from society’s basic beliefs.

12. Values • Value – an idea or belief about the “goodness” or “badness” • Social Stratification – how a society ranks its members • Status - the position one holds on the ladder of social stratification (emphasis on - Ed., wealth, power, salary, occupation, where you live)

13. Mobility – the process of changing one’s social status (upward, downward, horizontal) • Status symbols – things and/or titles that tell everyone the person’s social status

14. 3 Social Classes: • Upper • Middle • Lower

15. TOTAL INSTITUTIONS Re-socialization – where members of society learn new values and norms in hopes of experiencing a behavior change (Ex. Prisons, Military, Youth Camps)

16. Communication:the process of making, keeping, and changing relationships with others 2 Types: • Verbal – written or spoken • Nonverbal – communication without spoken or written words or symbols (ex. body language, clothing, facial expression) *Some sociologist claim that 90% of all human communication is nonverbal

17. Mass Media • A major form of communication through TV, radio, newspapers. • 98% of households in the US have TV • Children watch an average of 5-6 hours of TV each day

18. Positive effects of TV • Instant news coverage • Educational programs • Sports and Leisure Programming for relaxation • Safety information (Weather warnings)

19. Negative Effects of TV • Violence • By age 16, one sees 18,000 fictional murders and countless acts of violence. • Media often portray violence as okay, thus desensitizing people • Vulgarity and Sexual Activity • Bad values sometimes portrayed positively • Takes away from family time • Portrays society as hopeless

21. Personality • The sum total of all behaviors, attitudes, beliefs, and values that are characteristic of an individual. • During the 1900’s there was great debate over whether • Nature (heredity) or • Nurture (environment and social learning) contribute in the role of personality development.

22. 4 Principle Personality Factors:Birth Order, Parental Characteristics, Cultural Environment, and Heredity • Birth Order • First born - self-motivated, responsible and serious • Middle – more competitive • Last born – more social, affectionate, spoiled, less serious • Only child – independent, selfish, creative and spoiled • Parental Characteristics • Age of parents • Wealth • Occupation

23. 4 Principle Personality Factors (cont.) 3. Cultural Environment a. Just being an American results in most people being more competitive, assertive, and individualistic b. Parental treatment & expectations of boys & girls c. Inner-city vs. Rural communities 4. Heredity: Inherited physical characteristics, aptitude, and talent

24. Socialization Theories • Clean Slate Theory: John Locke believed that we acquire our personality through social experiences, we are born without a personality. • Looking Glass Theory: Charles Cooley believed that we develop an image of ourselves based on how we imagine ourselves appearing to others. We seek approval from others. Inferiority or confidence is built based upon how we think others see us. • Role-Play Theory: George Meade believed we take on roles based upon others’ perceptions. Differences between “I” (spontaneous/self-centered) and “me” (cares about the expectations of society)

25. Cultural Variations Ethnocentrism – belief that one’s own culture and group is superior • Positive – creates national pride • Negative – discrimination & violence (Nazi’s) Cultural Relativism – belief that cultures should be judged by their own standards (Muslims and Amish)

26. Cultural Variations (cont.) • Sub-culture – a group with its unique values and behaviors that exists within another a larger culture (Ex. Amish, Chinatown, Eskimos). • Counter Culture – a group who totally rejects the larger society (Ex. Skinheads, gangs, devil worshippers, terrorists).

29. Why study social problems?1. Sociology developed during the 17th and 18th centuriesas a means to understand new conditions created by the:

30. Famous Sociologists Auguste Comte • Focused on society as a whole and how society maintains stability • Founder of “sociology” • Used investigation and observation • We should be concerned with 2 problems: • Order or Social Statics • Change or Social Dynamics 1798-1857 (French)

31. Karl Marx • Marx, with his partner Friedrich Engels, created the famous Communist Manifesto (1848). In which they argued that the working class should revolt, and form a communist society. • Examined social conflict.

32. Herbert Spencer • Spencer said that society was like an organism • He was greatly influenced by the work of Charles Darwin’s “Survival of the Fittest” Theory 1820-1903 (English)

33. Emile Durkheim • Durkheim used science to explain his views. (1st to apply the scientific method) • He thought that individual people are the result of the complex social forces. • Believed that values, education, beliefs, and religion were the glue of society.

34. Max Weber • Weber was a German sociologist. • In his books, he talked about how religion and ideals affect capitalism. • Studied the effects of society on individuals rather than society as a whole.

35. DuBois was a sociologist who fought for black equality. Called a radical by his enemies, he looked to explore the social interests of his people Born in 1868 in Mass., he died in 1963 of self-imposed exile in Ghana, Africa. W.E.B. DuBois

36. In order to study sociology we must understand: • Sociological Perspective – enables one to look beyond commonly held beliefs to the hidden meanings behind human actions. (Why things happen and what are their causes.) • Social Imagination – enables one to see the connection between a larger world and our personal lives. “How we influence our environment & visa versa.”

37. ''What our children need are lessons that explore unfamiliar possibilities, that play on their imaginative capacities while teaching core democratic values like respect for persons, property and truth.'' Secretary of Education William J. Bennett. 1986

38. 7 Traditional American Values • Morality – knowing right from wrong • Freedom – individual is free from government control • Democracy – government should represent the people • Work – hard work and discipline are the way to accomplish one’s goals and tasks • Personal Achievement – each person should try to be the best they can be in life • Equality – all people treated fairly and equal • Humanitarianism – helping others who are less fortunate

39. Ideology • Ideology – a system of beliefs or ideas that justifies some social, moral, religious, political, or economic interests held by a social group • Self-fulfillment – a new value that has emerged in the US which is a commitment to the full development of one’s personality, talent, and potential • Narcissism – extreme self-centeredness

40. Dealing with Adolescence • Adolescence – the period between the onset of puberty and the beginning of adulthood ( usually begins at around 11-14 years old and lasts for 6-10 years. • Teenager – a western term that became common in the 1940’s. • Teenagers should… • Become independent (separate from the family) • Develop a sense of identification as a male or female • Complete one’s education • Begin to support oneself and make a living

42. Characteristics of Adolescence • Biological Growth & Development • Undefined Status • Increased Decision Making • Increased Pressure • Searching for One’s Self

43. Biological Growth & Development • Dramatic Changes in… • Height • Weight • Complexion

44. Undefined Status • Vague and unclear expectations on adolescents • Do you act like a child or an adult

45. Increased Decision Making • Careers • Studying • Sports • Dating / Courtship

46. Increased Pressure • Parental Pressure • Peer pressure – in most cases the greatest pressure • School Pressure • Relationships • Role Conflilcts

47. Searching for One’s Self • What values, morals, beliefs are part of you. • What your priorities are

48. Adolescence • Anticipatory Socialization – learning the rights, obligations, and expectations of becoming an adult • This process can cause depressions and confusion in some adolescents • Families often have disagreements with their adolescents over degrees of freedom and responsibilities. This difference and seeming lack of understanding is referred to as the “Generation Gap” • Adolescents usually prefer the company of their peers to those of their family • Most problems can be solved with time and patience!

49. 2 Major Problems for Adolescents: 1. Severe Depression • Depression can lead to teen suicide (12 per 100,000 population). 2. Use of Drugs and Alcohol Why do adolescents use drugs and alcohol? • Friends do • Social and Academic adjustment problems • Hostile/violent family atmosphere • Drugs, alcohol, & cigarettes are glamorized by the mass media

50. STOP !!!