Sociology Chapter 1 & 2

Identify and discuss three social changes especially important to the development of sociology.

1. The rise of industrial technology 2. The growth of cities 3. Political change, including a rising concern with individual liberty and rights

Identify and discuss four benefits of using the sociological perspective.

1. The sociological perspective helps us assess the truth of "common sense." 2. The sociological perspective helps us assess both opportunities and constraints in our lives. 3. The sociological perspective empowers us to be active participants in society. 4. The sociological perspective helps us to live in a diverse world.

Discuss the importance of theory in sociology.

A theory is a statement of how and why specific facts are related. The goal of sociological theory is to explain social behavior in the real world. Theories are based on theoretical approaches, or basic images of society that guides thinking and research.

Name the two requirements of sociological investigation.

Apply the sociological perspective and be curious and ask questions.

Define sociology and examine the components of the sociological perspective.

Sociology is the systematic study of human society. 1.Seeing the general in the particular 2.Seeing the strange in the familiar 3.Seeing society in our everyday choices 4.Seeing sociologically: marginality and crisis

Summarize the main assumptions of the three major theoretical approaches in sociology.

Structural-Functional - Too broad, ignores inequalities of social class, race & gender, focuses on stability at the expense of conflict. Social- Conflict - Too broad, ignores how shared values and mutual interdependence unify society, pursues political goals. Symbolic Interaction - Ignores larger social structures, effects of culture, factors such as class, gender & race.

Explain the importance of a global perspective for sociology.

a. Where we live makes a great difference in shaping our lives. b. Societies the world over are increasingly interconnected, making traditional distinctions between "us" and "them" less and less valid. c. Many human problems faced in the United States are far more serious elsewhere. d. Thinking globally is a good way to learn more about ourselves.