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What is sociology?

What is sociology?. Sociology 111 Fall 2008. Sociology is the study of…. social phenomenon Social interaction and social structure Human social life in all its variations. Look for social patterns Emphasis on groups, not individuals Acknowledges individual variations (agency or free will).

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What is sociology?

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  1. What is sociology? Sociology 111 Fall 2008

  2. Sociology is the study of… • social phenomenon • Social interaction and social structure • Human social life in all its variations

  3. Look for social patterns Emphasis on groups, not individuals Acknowledges individual variations (agency or free will) Sociologists…

  4. Goes beyond “common sense” • Empirical, scientific research • Sometimes confirms “common sense” • Often turns it on its head • Most people are amateur “sociologists” • Use our experiences, the traditions passed on to us to explain

  5. Three research objectives • Describe • Analyze and explain • Predict

  6. A fourth objective • Improving society and bettering human conditions. • Many successfully combine scientific inquiry with an aim towards social progress. • A minority reject this as incompatible w/scientific inquiry. • Reflect the specific historical context from which sociology emerged.

  7. Science in place of tradition Emphasis on observation and empirical results Human rights Industrial Revolution Massive social upheaval & demographic shift Gave rise to Progressive Movement Emphasis on praxis Enlightenment

  8. Industrial Revolution • Massive social upheaval & demographic shift • Gave rise to Progressive Movement • Emphasis on praxis • Most of the early American sociologists were ministers or children of ministers

  9. Is the study of patterns of human interaction, organization, and structure. Conducts rigorous research with the aim of either directly or indirectly bettering human societies. Sociology

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