Lecture 1

Introduction to
Sociology

OUTLINE:
What is sociology?
Why study sociology?
Developing sociological
perspective and
imagination
Conclusion: Benefits of
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Sociology:
- the study of human
activity as it is affected by
social forces emanating
from groups,
organizations, societies,
and even the global
community.
Social forces - any human
created ways of doing
things that influence,
pressure, or force people

Social Structure.

the organized pattern of social relationships

and social institutions that together constitute society.

Social Institutions.

established and organized systems of

social behavior with a particular and recognized purpose. The
family, religion, marriage, government, and the economy are
examples of major social institutions.

Social Change.

The alteration of society over time. Do not see

society as fixed, nor do they see humans as passive recipients
of social expectations. Sociologists view society as stable but
constantly changing.

Social Interaction.

behavior between two or more people

that is given meaning. Through social interaction, people react
and change, depending on the actions and reactions of others.

Microsociology: the detailed study of

what individual say, do, and think as
they go about their daily lives
Example:

studies on the intentionality of

health workers to work abroad

Macrosociology: the study of largescale and long-term processes

Example

studies of the interplay

between economic and political
processes in a society

CORE CONCEPT 1
Sociologists focus on the social
forces that shape human activity
How

social relationships influence

peoples attitudes and behavior

How

major social institutions affect us

How

we affect other individuals,

groups, and organizations
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Developing Sociological Consciousness

CORE CONCEPT 2
The first wisdom of sociology is
this things are not what they
seem Peter Berger (1963)
Focus on:
What are the social forces shaping the
human activity under question?
Under what circumstances do people resist
or challenge social forces?
How are social forces initiated? Who
benefits from a particular social force and
at whose expense?

CORE CONCEPT 3

Sociologists distinguish between troubles,

which can be resolved by changing the
individual, and the issues, which can be
resolved by addressing the social forces
that created them

ISSUES

TROUBLES

FOCUS

Outside the
individual

Personal needs,
problems, and
difficulties

CAUSE

Large social
forces

Individual shortcomings

EXAMPLE
OF
CAUSES

A culture that
values
consumption over
living within
means

Lack of motivation
Bad attitude
Flawed character
Weak skills

RESOLUTI Identify and

ON
counteract larger
social forces

Change individual
shortcomings

CHANGE
Regulate financial Seek therapy
STRATEGI services industry Find new friends
ES
Take mood altering

The sociological perspective helps us to see

general social patterns in the behavior of
particular individuals.

It allows or forces us to look beyond the

outer appearances of our social world and
discover new levels of reality

It also encourages us to realize that society

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guides our thoughts and deeds to see

Sociology also encourages us to see

individuality in social context.

provides the ability to see our private

experiences and personal difficulties as
entwined with the structural arrangements
of our society and the times in which we live.

Help us to understand social marginality,

the state of being excluded from social activity

an outsider.

as
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THE SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE HELPS US:

assess the truth of common sense.

assess both opportunities and constraints in our lives.

empowers us to be active participants in our society.

realize that society guides our thoughts and deeds to

see the strange in the familiar

live in a diverse world.

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