SOCIOLOGY Ninth Edition

Jon M. ShepardVirginia Polytechnic Instituteand State University

Chapter 1The Sociological Perspective

Chapter Outline Using the Sociological Imagination The Sociological Perspective Uses of the Sociological Perspective The Social Sciences Founders of Sociology Theoretical Perspectives Theoretical Perspectives and Sport

Defining Sociology Sociology is the scientific study of

social structure. Maintains a group focus. Emphasizes patterned social

relationships between members. Uses social factors to explain

human social behavior.

Sociologists Focus… On the group, not the individual. On patterns of social behavior. On social forces that encourage

conformity. On the effects people have on social

structure.

Benefits of Sociology Provides a vision of social life that

extends beyond one’s limited personal experience.

Research contributes to public policies and programs.

Enhances the development of occupational skills.

Snapshot of America: Literacy Rates

Origins of Sociology Born out of social upheaval created

by the French and Industrial Revolutions.

In an attempt to understand the chaos of their time, early sociologists emphasized social stability and social change.

Early Sociologists Auguste Comte

Believed society could advance only if studied scientifically.

Harriet Martineau Contributed to research methods,

political theory, and feminism.

Early Sociologists Herbert Spencer

Social progress occurs if people do not interfere with natural processes.

Karl Marx History unfolds according to the

outcome of class conflict.

Emile Durkheim Two major contributions:

•The psychological explanation of social life

•Introduction of statistical techniques in social research.

Max Weber Method of verstehen assumed an

understanding of human social behavior based on putting oneself in the place of others.

Explored the process of rationalization in the transition from traditional to industrial society.

American sociology Born during a time of social

upheaval (following the Civil War). From the 1800s to World War II, the

center of American sociology was the University of Chicago.

After World War II, sociology departments in the East and Midwest rose to prominence.

Assumptions of Functionalism1. A society is a relatively integrated whole.2. A society tends to seek relative stability.3. Most aspects of a society contribute to

the society’s well-being and survival.4. Society rests on the consensus of its

members.

Assumptions of the Conflict Perspective1. A society experiences inconsistency

and conflict everywhere.2. A society is continually subjected to

change.3. A society involves the constraint

and coercion of some members by others.

Income Before and After Tax, 1980, 1998, 1999

Pretax Incomes

After-Tax Incomes

Category % change 1980-98

% change 1980- 1999

Lowest 20% -1% 19%Middle 20% 12% 16%Highest 20% 44% 67%

Top 5% 78% 241%

Assumptions of Symbolic Interactionism1. People’s interpretations of symbols are

based on meanings they learn from others.

2. People base interaction on their interpretations of symbols.

3. People can gear their interaction to the behavior they think others expect of them and they expect of others.

Theoretical Perspectives and Sport: Functionalism1. Socializes people to the basic beliefs,

norms, and values of society.2. Promotes a sense of social identification.3. Offers a safe release of aggressive

feelings generated by the frustrations, anxieties, and strains of modern life.

4. Promotes the development of physical fitness and sound character.

Theoretical Perspectives and Sport: Conflict Theory Sport is a social institution in which

the most powerful oppress, coerce, and exploit others.

Reflects the unequal distribution of power and money.

Prepares people for a world full of stopwatches, time schedules, and production quotas.

Theoretical Perspectives and Sport: Symbolic Interactionism Concerned with meanings assigned

to symbols of sports activities. Meanings and interpretations affect

the self-concepts of the participants as well as the relationships among those involved.

Paradoxes In SportSocial integration

Positive Can unite social classes and racial/ethnic groups.

Negative Can heighten barriers between groups.

Paradoxes In SportFair play

Positive Promotes fair play through adherence to rules.

Negative Emphasis on winning induces cheating.

Paradoxes In SportPhysical fitness

PositivePromotes strength, weight control, endurance, and coordination.

NegativeCan lead to drug use,excess weight loss or gain, and injuries.

Paradoxes In SportAcademic

Positive Contributes to education through scholarships.

Negative Emphasizes athletics over the classroom and graduation.

Paradoxes In SportSocial Mobility

PositiveAllows athletes to obtain an education who might otherwise not attend college.

NegativePromises of fame and wealth in the professional ranks after graduation can be kept only for a few.