Transcript File
What is Sociology? It is the study of the social sciences. Social Science “social” = society and social relationships “science” = facts, systematic study Social Science = the scientific study of human society and social relationships! There are many areas of study within the social sciences: Each social science studies humans through their own “lens” What does that mean? An example https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSIdaTSG2Gg What do the social sciences focus on when studying humans? (examples) Anthropologist: history of human groups; who they are in their environment - including their struggles, way of life, ancestry, traditions, values, etc. Geographer: how humans interact with their environment, how they are influenced by location. Sociologist: analyzes group and individual interactions and social issues our personal lives, our communities, and the world. Such as: discrimination and prejudice, poverty and wealth, deviant behaviour, family conflict, racial and gender identify, social movements, historical changes, etc. Continued… Political Scientist: interested in looking at the social structure and organization of societies, (big and small). Psychologist: interested in answering the why behind a persons behaviour: feelings (emotions), memories, experiences, motivations, joys, hurts, etc. Comparing Sociology to… Sociology Psychology Anthropology Why? Individuals and how they may interact with groups Humans, animals (comparison/contrast) BEHAVIOUR Who? Groups and who they are in their physical and social settings, their culture. CONTEXT. How? Groups and individual interaction within them Humans JUXTAPOSITION Sociology Research Methods Sociologists will often conduct research to find answers. They will emphasize the careful gathering and analysis of evidence about social life to develop and enrich our understanding of key social processes. Sheldon Cooper - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7j7E7J3f6E So what does it mean to think like a sociologist? A Successful Sociologist Makes the Familiar Strange It takes critical thinking! It takes practice! It takes collaboration and self reflection Develop an understanding of key social theorists and perspectives (we will do this together!) Baby steps…be open minded, be respectful, ask questions, look at the who, why, how of social issues and social interactions. Your Task Comparing & Contrasting Sociology, Anthropology, and Psychology Venn Diagram Activity