LO 1.1: Contrast the sociological eye and the sociological imagination.
Sociologists observe the social world scientifically to explain patterns of behavior and attitudes, using the sociological eye and sociological imagination.
Sociologists use scientific methods to study culture and social institutions, aiming to understand human behavior and attitudes by explaining their patterns.
The sociological eye focuses on taken-for-granted behaviors and attitudes. In contrast, the sociological imagination links personal conditions to social forces, differentiating private troubles from public issues.
LO 1.2: Examine how technology is used to illustrate public issues.
Statistics and video recordings have made it harder to ignore public issues like police brutality, with data showing higher rates of fatal police shootings among Black and Hispanic people.
Social structure comprises patterned interactions that connect people with groups, shaping behavior and attitudes through formal rules and general norms. Social institutions like the economy play a crucial role in this framework. The gig economy is an example of how corporations use technology to structure work, limiting agency.
Socialization is how people learn about their culture, influenced by various agents like families, schools, and social media. Social media platforms, for example, create and reinforce norms among users.
Stratification refers to the systematic and unequal distribution of power, status, and resources based on sociodemographic factors like gender, race, and age. The film industry is an example where representation and opportunities are still limited.
Social change involves transforming the social structure through changes to institutions and norms. Historical examples include industrialization and urbanization, while recent educational changes occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Social reproduction maintains existing social arrangements and structures, persisting even when people change. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how educational inequalities persisted despite shifts to remote learning.
LO 1.4: Explain how sociologists use theory.
Sociologists focus on different levels of society using macro, meso, or microsociological approaches, each examining large-scale phenomena, small-scale interactions, or the areas in between.
The social construction of reality framework explains how people give meaning to things through social interaction, exemplified by the concept and value of money, which can take various forms and change over time.
Intersectionality highlights how overlapping sociodemographic factors, like race and gender, create unique advantages and disadvantages, as seen in the portrayal of characters in video games.
LO 1.5: Connect sociology to careers.
Students studying sociology develop skills such as applying various perspectives, evaluating explanations, using social scientific methods, collecting and analyzing data, and communicating research in plain language.
Many sociology graduates work in human services, including roles like caseworkers and counselors, and benefit from understanding race, class, and gender in decision-making.
Sociology draws on other social sciences, making it a versatile major or minor that complements various fields of study.
Understanding sociological factors helps healthcare, business, and education professionals do their jobs better because it helps with understanding the perspectives of others.