THURSDAY, JANUARY 17 T H , 2013

Sociology 103 Tutorial

Plan

Contact informationWhat to expect from tutorialsSummary of Readings (not discussed)- Starting points (1-2)- Readings in Sociology (ch. 2)

TA contact info

My email – joshcurtis.utoronto@gmail.com

Office – Sociology building 725 Spadina (third floor) 333, Monday 9-10:45.

Web site - http://joshcurtispolisoc.com/Slides will be posted here every Sunday before Tutorial

What to expect from tutorials

Starting in tutorial #2 you will need to come having read the required ‘readings in sociology’ chapters.

Check my webpage for the required chapters.

Why? The RinS textbook has been a difficulty for students in the past. Preparing in advance will boost your average. I will go over closely what you should expect to see on the test. If you don’t come prepared, I will offer less info.

Today: Readings

Starting Points – Chapter 1 ‘Intro’Starting Points – Chapter 2 ‘Material

Settings’Readings in Sociology – Section chapter 2

Open Discussion

Questions about lecture material?Text material?

Starting Points: Ch 1

DefinitionsSociology – systematic study of h. beh. or society.

Macrosociology – study of institutions or lg. groups

Microsociology – patterns of personal interaction

Sociological imagination –an approach that situates the personal experiences of individuals within the societal context in which they occur.

Role – an expected pattern of interaction with others

Status – socially defined position that outlines rights and responsibilities.

Social Structure – an enduring pattern of social relations among people. All social structures control people to act in a certain way in a social situation.

Discussion Questions

1) What is the difference between ‘Microsociology’ and ‘Macrosociology’? In groups, pick one general topic and discuss how a researcher might approach it from 1) a micro-level; and 2) a macro level.

2) The major theoretical perspectives are divisive in many ways. What are the central tenets of each? Explain specifically how they are distinct - and in opposition to – to one another.

Important Terms: Ch 2.

Demography- the study of human populations (growth, decline).

Population composition – the make up of different social types in a society.

Population pyramid – a graphical depiction of the population composition.

Cohort – People with a common origin (sex, age)

Human capital – a skill set that enhances workers value.

Megacity – large city, exceeding 5 million

Bedroom city – a tangential city (housing near a larger one)

Population Pyramid

Cohort example

Common Theories in this Chapter

Functionalism Society as a set of interconnected elements that operate together in

equilibrium Social institutions – families, economy, government, etc.– all make

contributions to the functioning of society as a whole. Institutions perform both manifest and latent functions. Social problem occur when institutions are unable to perform their

functions.

Conflict Theory Divisions between ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ Disagree with the assumption of consensus in values among all

members of society. It’s about unequal distribution of power and resources. Views society as a collection of disparate groups struggling over a

limited supply of resources and power.

Chapter 2 continued

Thomas Malthus – the earth would eventually become ‘overpopulated’.

The idea of: ‘positive checks’ (death, war, famine) and ‘preventative checks’ (limiting #’s of births).

Functionalist approach– ‘preventative checks’ reflect the maintenance of equilibrium; the dangers associated with losing equilibrium are positive checks.

Critical approach – deny that social equilibrium is attainable. The upper classes take action that benefit themselves. The problems poor countries face are a result of unequal distribution of wealth.

Group Question

The beginning of this chapter is about a rising global population, scarce resources, and inequality. You are presented with two perspectives: one functionalist argument, and the other a more ‘critical’ or ‘conflict’ approach. In a brief response ( 1-2 pages) outline one theoretical approach and apply it to the problem of overpopulation. Which do you believe is most relevant and why?

How to approach the texts

Multiple choice questions

Readings in Sociology

Multiple Choice Questions

Think strategy.

Don’t impulsively answer each question.

For each question you should have game plan. Think carefully and dissect each short question. The way each question is written should give you 1 or two hints. Figure out what these are before you think about the correct answer.

example

The view that sex work exploits already poor and marginalized women who have no other way to make money reflects a __________ position on sex work. a) western feministb) structural functionalistc) symbolic interactionist d) globalization theorye) critical theory

How to tackle RinS

Understand the overall goals, purpose, and findings in the article. What problem is the author trying to solve and what does she/he show?

Answer the following questions:1) What is the purpose of the article (i.e., academically,

why did the author write this paper – is it tied into a debate?). (Puzzle/contribution).

2) Identify the main argument of the chapter (thesis).3) Identify and define all key terms and key figures. How

do they relate to the main arguments in the text?

Ch 2 - Burawoy

Purpose: “I outline Burawoy’s position. As well, I compare his argument about the superiority of a social democratic public sociology with a similar claim put forward in the 1970’s by John Porter, author”.

Argument: “The comparison serves two purposes: 1) it illustrates the point that the debate is a recurrent one in the discipline; 2) draw attention to the significance of Porter in contemporary work.

Key Figures: 1) Burawoy; 2) John Porter.

Key Terms: Public sociology, four ‘faces’ of sociology, value neutrality, methodological fetishism, macrosociology,

Purpose/Main Arguments

Public sociology – Sociology that transcends academic circles in order to engage with the wider public and meaningfully solve social issues.

One main argument (pg 7).: “According to Burawoy’s vision of the discipline, outlined in ‘For Public Sociology’ and more than a score of essays since, these four types of sociology should be combined under the umbrella of public sociology to create a type of discipline – a ‘value science’ – that would contribute to solving the world’s problems’.

Burawoy’s vision of public sociology: “Professional, Critical, policy, public”

4 faces of sociology

Professional – “mainstream, highly quantitative, scientific sociology”Policy – “applied professional sociology directed at a solution to a social issue or problem”Critical – Directed at an audience, but it is reflexive concerned with addressing ‘value’ questions. Theoretical debates?Public – Applied critical sociology. 2 types: Traditional (newspapers) versus organic (engaging in dialogue with disadvantaged groups).

Burawoy believes that all types of sociology should be incorporated into public sociology to create a new discipline called __________. a. New Liberalismb. Practical sociologyc. Post positivismd. Value science e. Moral science

Contact Info

Joshcurtis.utoronto@gmail.com