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The Sociological Perspective

Learn about sociology, social interactions, societal forces, and the sociological imagination. Discover how sociology differs from other perspectives and its applications in understanding society. Explore career options with a sociology degree.

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The Sociological Perspective

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  1. The Sociological Perspective What is it and how does it differ from other perspectives?

  2. What is Sociology? • Sociologists study: • Interactions among people as individuals, groups, and societies; • How social forces affect the way people interact with one another; • How social interaction creates and maintains society.

  3. “Everyday social life—our thoughts, actions, feelings, decisions, interactions, and so on—is the product of a complex interplay between societal forces and personal characteristics. To explain why people are the way they are or do the things they do, we must understand the interpersonal, historical, cultural, organizational, and global environments they inhabit. To understand either individuals or society, we must understand both.” -- C. W. Mills, 1959

  4. “The Sociological Imagination” • Question: • Why do people get divorced? • Why has the divorce rate in America increased so much over the past 50+ years? • How have social changes that have occurred over this period affected changes in the family and gender roles? • Term first coined by C. Wright Mills • Refers to the ability of individuals to see the impact of social forces on their private lives.

  5. Classical Example of the Application of the Sociological Perspective and the Sociological Imagination • Durkheim’s study of suicide • Recognized the impact of social forces on suicide rates. • Identified three types of suicide: • Anomic • Egoistic • Altruistic

  6. How Does the Sociological Perspective Differ from Other Perspectives? Focus on processes within the individual. Focuses on what goes on among people, groups, and societies. • Contrasting fields: • Biology: focuses on innate characteristics (genetics, biochemical explanations, etc.) • Psychology: focuses on personal characteristics (the mind) • Sociology: focuses on human interaction within the larger society

  7. How Might Research on Alcohol Abuse Differ Between these Three Disciplines? Biology Psychology Sociology

  8. Sales Pitch Social Services Government Services Public Relations Health Services University Administration Community Work Corrections Business Teaching • Question: • What can I do with a degree in sociology? • Answer: • Almost anything!

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