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Introduction to SociologyIntroduction to Sociology

SociologySociology Studies human behaviour, often (but Studies human behaviour, often (but

not always) from the perspective of not always) from the perspective of the society or social grouping. the society or social grouping. 

Three main areas:Three main areas:– FunctionalFunctional– ConflictConflict– SymbolicSymbolic

Each type represents a different Each type represents a different perspective on how we can best perspective on how we can best understand societal formation and understand societal formation and interaction.interaction.

FunctionalSocieties are like the human body – a complex series of inter-related parts that allow the complete person to function properly. 

Conflict Conflict identifies and defines societies, often from a class basis.  Conflict theory generally centres around goods distribution (the haves and have-nots).

Symbolic Societies are best studied from a smaller perspective, usually with a focus on symbolic representations (i.e. the Canadian flag).

SocietySociety

Latin translation is “a friendly Latin translation is “a friendly association with others”association with others”

Dictionary definition is “a highly Dictionary definition is “a highly structured system of human structured system of human organization for large-scale organization for large-scale community living that normally community living that normally furnishes protection, continuity, furnishes protection, continuity, security, and a national identity for security, and a national identity for its members.”its members.”

Social InteractionSocial Interaction

Sociologists often research how Sociologists often research how individuals and groups function, individuals and groups function, develop, survive, and thrivedevelop, survive, and thrive

Sociologists pose important Sociologists pose important questions concerning how our questions concerning how our societies function and interactsocieties function and interact

Important QuestionsImportant Questions

why do societies form and function?why do societies form and function? what pros and cons do societies offer?what pros and cons do societies offer? what is deemed ‘normal’ and how what is deemed ‘normal’ and how

should ‘abnormality’ be dealt with?should ‘abnormality’ be dealt with? what social problems exist and how what social problems exist and how

can they be overcome?can they be overcome? how do changes (technological, how do changes (technological,

societal, political, etc) affect groups societal, political, etc) affect groups and societal perceptions? and societal perceptions?

Written vs. Unwritten RulesWritten vs. Unwritten Rules

Rules are important for society to Rules are important for society to function, but not all are writtenfunction, but not all are written

What are some examples of written What are some examples of written rules and unwritten rules?rules and unwritten rules?

Who comes up with these rules?Who comes up with these rules? Why do we follow them?Why do we follow them?

Written RulesWritten Rules

ConstitutionConstitution Charter of Rights and FreedomsCharter of Rights and Freedoms Criminal CodeCriminal Code City’s By-LawsCity’s By-Laws Fulford Student HandbookFulford Student Handbook

City of Ottawa By LawsCity of Ottawa By Laws

By Law IndexBy Law Index

Unwritten RulesUnwritten Rules

Can you think of any?Can you think of any?

Think about meeting and talking to Think about meeting and talking to peoplepeople

EatingEating TravellingTravelling

AntsAnts

Does an ant colony Does an ant colony fit the definition of fit the definition of society?society?

structured systemstructured system large-scale large-scale

communitycommunity furnishes furnishes

protection, protection, continuity, securitycontinuity, security

Ants in actionAnts in action

FacebookFacebook

Is Facebook a Is Facebook a society?society?

structured systemstructured system large-scale large-scale

communitycommunity furnishes furnishes

protection, protection, continuity, continuity, security?security?

Critique of FacebookCritique of Facebook

Read the article and answer the following Read the article and answer the following questions:questions:

Why does Hodgkinson “despise Facebook”? Why does Hodgkinson “despise Facebook”? Is his claim that Facebook encourages people Is his claim that Facebook encourages people

to “construct an artificial representation” of to “construct an artificial representation” of themselves accurate? themselves accurate?

What are the key differences between What are the key differences between conventional society and the one that exists conventional society and the one that exists on Facebook?on Facebook?

Do you agree or disagree with Hodgkinson’s Do you agree or disagree with Hodgkinson’s stance?  Why? stance?  Why?

Homework QuestionHomework Question

Consider the impact of social Consider the impact of social networking (like facebook, twitter, networking (like facebook, twitter, etc.) on society and on relationshipsetc.) on society and on relationships

Are these “virtual communities” good Are these “virtual communities” good or bad for society?or bad for society?