SAMPLE Sociology
Chapter 1: Introduction to Sociology Overview
In this chapter, we will provide an introduction to sociology, shed light on why it is important, and explore its brief history and the influential figures in its development. The chapter will introduceand elaborate on different sociological approaches, sociologist styles,andtheories,includingoutliningthe fourmajorsociologicaltheories.Finally,thechapterwilllookatthesociologicalviewofsocialstructure, with an additional focus on Norbert Elias’s figuration theory. Learning Objectives ● Define sociology and discuss its approaches, subfields, and types of sociologists. ● Explain why sociology is important and its history. ● Describe the influential sociological theorists and their theories. ● Summarize the theoretical paradigms and the differences between macro and micro theories. ● Discuss the four major sociological theories. ● Describe the overall sociological view of social structure. A. What is Sociology? Sociologyisan analyticalstudy oftheprocessesresponsibleforandaffectedbythebehaviorofpeople andtheirinteractionsinboth micro and macro settings.Itseekstounderstandhow socialinstitutions , culture , socialnorms ,and values shapeourlivesandexperiences,andhowtheyshapethestructureof society as a whole. With a focus on patterns of social interaction , persons, and collective behavior , sociologyexaminestherelationshipsamongindividuals, organizationalstructures ,andcommunitiesto gain insight into how societies operate and bring about change. In sociology, the term “society” refers to a group of people within a defined geographic region who interactwithoneanotherandshareacommonculture(laws,traditions,norms,andvalues).Sociology, psychology, and anthropology all deal with aspects of human behavior. ● Sociology focuses on social interaction and sociallife at a specific point in time. By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
● Psychology focuses on the way individuals think, feel,or behave. ● Anthropology focuses on the progression of human cultureover time.
Some sociologists suggest that people’s decisions are influenced by social variables. It is further suggested that these influences create societal changes ,especially within families or a community.
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