Sociology

An Introduction

What is Sociology?

Sociology is the study of human

society and social behavior.
Sociologist are mainly interested in
social interaction, how people relate to
one another and influence each others
behavior. Consequently, sociologists
tend to focus on groups rather than on
the individual.

What is sociological
perspective?

A sociological perspective involves

looking at social life in a systematic
way, rather than depending on common
sense explanations.
You can look beyond commonly held
beliefs to the hidden meanings behind
human actions.

What is sociological
imagination?

A sociological imagination is the

ability to see the connection between
the larger world and your personal life.

Who are the most

influential early
sociologists?

Auguste Comte- He was the founder of

sociology. He was concerned with social
order and social change.
Herbert Spencer- He was inspired by
Charles Darwin and his views of society
became known as social Darwinism.
This is the belief that societies evolve
toward stability and only the fittest
societies survive.


Karl Marx- He believed that the structure of society
is influenced by how its economy is based.
Marx argued that society is divided into two groups,
the bourgeoisie or capitalists, and the proletariat or
workers. Bourgeoisie own the means of production
and proletariat own nothing but provide labor.
Class conflict will only be resolved when proletariat
unite to overthrow those in power.
Victorious workers form a classless society in which
each contributes according to his ability and takes
according to his need.


Emile Durkheim- The basis of his ideas was
that sociologists should only study features of
society that are observable so they can be
tested through scientific analysis.
Max Weber- He was interested in separate
groups in society instead of society as a
whole. This led him to focus more on the
effects of society on the individual. He felt that
sociologist should go beyond observation and
attempt to uncover the thoughts and feeling
of individuals.

What are the Current

Perspectives?

A theoretic perspective in sociology is a set

of assumptions that outline specific ideas
about society.
Functionalist Perspective- (Comte,
Spencer, Durkheim) views society as a set of
interrelated parts that work together to
produce a stable social system.
Conflict Perspective- (Marx) focuses on
those forces in society that promote
competition and change.
Interactionist Perspective- (Weber) focuses
on how individuals interact with one another