Sociology 103 Tutorial

1. Sociology 103 Tutorial Thursday, January 17th, 2013

2. Plan • Contact information • What to expect from tutorials • Summary of Readings (not discussed) • Starting points (1-2) • Readings in Sociology (ch. 2)

3. TA contact info My email – joshcurtis.utoronto@gmail.com Office – Sociology building 725 Spadina (third floor) 333, Monday 9-10:45. Web site - http://joshcurtispolisoc.com/ Slides will be posted here every Sunday before Tutorial

4. What to expect from tutorials Starting in tutorial #2 you will need to come having read the required ‘readings in sociology’ chapters. Check my webpage for the required chapters. Why? The RinS textbook has been a difficulty for students in the past. Preparing in advance will boost your average. I will go over closely what you should expect to see on the test. If you don’t come prepared, I will offer less info.

5. Today: Readings Starting Points – Chapter 1 ‘Intro’ Starting Points – Chapter 2 ‘Material Settings’ Readings in Sociology – Section chapter 2

6. Open Discussion Questions about lecture material? Text material?

7. Starting Points: Ch 1 Definitions Sociology – systematic study of h. beh. or society. Macrosociology – study of institutions or lg. groups Microsociology – patterns of personal interaction Sociological imagination –an approach that situates the personal experiences of individuals within the societal context in which they occur. Role – an expected pattern of interaction with others Status – socially defined position that outlines rights and responsibilities. Social Structure – an enduring pattern of social relations among people. All social structures control people to act in a certain way in a social situation.

8. Discussion Questions What is the difference between ‘Microsociology’ and ‘Macrosociology’? In groups, pick one general topic and discuss how a researcher might approach it from 1) a micro-level; and 2) a macro level. The major theoretical perspectives are divisive in many ways. What are the central tenets of each? Explain specifically how they are distinct - and in opposition to – to one another.

9. Important Terms: Ch 2. Demography- the study of human populations (growth, decline). Population composition – the make up of different social types in a society. Population pyramid – a graphical depiction of the population composition. Cohort – People with a common origin (sex, age) Human capital – a skill set that enhances workers value. Megacity – large city, exceeding 5 million Bedroom city –a tangential city (housing near a larger one)

10. Population Pyramid

11. Cohort example

12. Common Theories in this Chapter Functionalism Society as a set of interconnected elements that operate together in equilibrium Social institutions – families, economy, government, etc.– all make contributions to the functioning of society as a whole. Institutions perform both manifest and latent functions. Social problem occur when institutions are unable to perform their functions. Conflict Theory Divisions between ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ Disagree with the assumption of consensus in values among all members of society. It’s about unequal distribution of power and resources. Views society as a collection of disparate groups struggling over a limited supply of resources and power.

13. Chapter 2 continued ThomasMalthus – the earth would eventually become ‘overpopulated’. The idea of: ‘positive checks’ (death, war, famine) and ‘preventative checks’ (limiting #’s of births). Functionalist approach– ‘preventative checks’ reflect the maintenance of equilibrium;the dangers associated with losing equilibrium are positive checks. Critical approach – deny that social equilibrium is attainable. The upper classes take action that benefit themselves. The problems poor countries face are a result of unequal distribution of wealth.

14. Group Question The beginning of this chapter is about a rising global population, scarce resources, and inequality. You are presented with two perspectives: one functionalist argument, and the other a more ‘critical’ or ‘conflict’ approach. In a brief response ( 1-2 pages) outline one theoretical approach and apply it to the problem of overpopulation. Which do you believe is most relevant and why?

15. How to approach the texts Multiple choice questions Readings in Sociology

16. Multiple Choice Questions Think strategy. Don’t impulsively answer each question. For each question you should have game plan. Think carefully and dissect each short question. The way each question is written should give you 1 or two hints. Figure out what these are before you think about the correct answer.

17. How to tackle RinS Understand the overall goals, purpose, and findings in the article. What problem is the author trying to solve and what does she/he show? Answer the following questions: What is the purpose of the article (i.e., academically, why did the author write this paper – is it tied into a debate?). (Puzzle/contribution). Identify the main argument of the chapter (thesis). Identify and define all key terms and key figures. How do they relate to the main arguments in the text?

18. Ch 2 - Burawoy Purpose: “I outline Burawoy’s position. As well, I compare his argument about the superiority of a social democratic public sociology with a similar claim put forward in the 1970’s by John Porter, author”. Argument: “The comparison serves two purposes: 1) it illustrates the point that the debate is a recurrent one in the discipline; 2) draw attention to the significance of Porter in contemporary work. Key Figures: 1) Burawoy; 2) John Porter. Key Terms: Public sociology, four ‘faces’ of sociology, value neutrality, methodological fetishism, macrosociology,

19. Purpose/Main Arguments Public sociology – Sociology that transcends academic circles in order to engage with the wider public and meaningfully solve social issues. One main argument (pg 7).: “According to Burawoy’s vision of the discipline, outlined in ‘For Public Sociology’ and more than a score of essays since, these four types of sociology should be combined under the umbrella of public sociology to create a type of discipline – a ‘value science’ – that would contribute to solving the world’s problems’. Burawoy’s vision of public sociology: “Professional, Critical, policy, public”

20. 4 faces of sociology Professional – “mainstream, highly quantitative, scientific sociology” Policy – “applied professional sociology directed at a solution to a social issue or problem” Critical – Directed at an audience, but it is reflexive concerned with addressing ‘value’ questions. Theoretical debates? Public– Applied critical sociology. 2 types: Traditional (newspapers) versus organic (engaging in dialogue with disadvantaged groups).