Time Stamps:What Is Sociology?Early Masters of Sociological ThoughtBuilding on the ClassicsHow We Know What We KnowResearch MethodsFamily, School, and WorkGovernment and ReligionInequality and Social LayersDaily Life, Rules, and Breaking RulesChange, History, and the WorldRecap------------------------------------Concept Notes on SociologyIntroduction Sociology studies how people live in groups and how society shapes lives. Focuses on shared patterns, behaviors, and institutions. Links personal issues (e.g., unemployment) to broader societal problems.Module 1: What Is Sociology? Society Basics: Groups of people sharing rules, habits, and traditions. Creates stability through norms and values. Sociological Eye: Personal troubles often reflect broader social patterns. Sociology connects individual experiences to societal structures. Origins: Industrial Revolution caused societal shifts needing new study methods. Early thinkers (Comte, Spencer) proposed systematic approaches to study society.Module 2: Early Sociological Thinkers Émile Durkheim: Social facts guide behavior beyond individual control. Division of labor creates interdependence and social unity. Max Weber: Focused on understanding individual motives (Verstehen). Rationalization and bureaucracy shape modern society. Karl Marx: Class struggles drive societal change. Alienation occurs when workers feel disconnected from their labor.Module 3: Sociological Theories Structural Functionalism: Society as a system where parts work together for stability. Conflict Theory: Power struggles create inequality; conflicts drive change. Symbolic Interactionism: Focus on small interactions and shared meanings (e.g., language, symbols).Module 4: Research Methods Use surveys, interviews, and observation to study society. Ethics and fairness are key in research. Analyze both small-scale (micro) and large-scale (macro) social patterns.Modules on Social Institutions Family: Teaches language, values, and culture. Varies across societies (e.g., nuclear, extended families). Education: Prepares individuals with skills and critical thinking. Influenced by access and resources, creating inequality. Economy: Shaped by jobs, trade, and organizations. Reflects changing nature of work (e.g., industrialization to service-based roles). Religion: Unites groups through shared beliefs and rituals. Provides moral guidance and fosters community.Inequality and Social Layers Class and caste systems rank people by wealth and status. Inequality affects health, education, and opportunity. Mobility and fairness are key challenges in reducing gaps.Daily Life and Norms Social norms dictate behavior (e.g., politeness, manners). Deviance challenges norms but helps society adapt. Law and social pressures maintain order.Globalization and Change Modern societies face rapid change (e.g., technology, urbanization). Global connections spread ideas, goods, and cultures. Sociologists analyze history and trends to prepare for the future.
