1
Q
how do we come to know what we know in everyday life?
A
- tradition, authority, personal experience
- tradition and authority acct for most knowledge
- all biased
2
Q
goals of science
A
- explanation
- generalization
- prediction
3
Q
scientific continuum
A
- theory systematic methods
- theories create methods, (data gathered from) methods create theories
4
Q
2 types of sociology
A
- basic: knowledge for sake of knowledge
- applied: action and advocacy oriented = USED to solve problems
- (public: explaining to the masses)
5
Q
2 levels of analysis
A
- micro: Looking at small scale patterns, like communication (symbols given meaning), social interaction.
- macro: Looking at large scale patterns, like structures and institutions
6
Q
origins of sociology
A
- Created in response to massive social upheaval of early 1800s
- Industrialization - new industrial economy starts 1750
- Urbanization - Growth of cities
- Political change → ways of thinking (Hobbs, Locke, Adam Smith) → individualism
7
Q
first “sociologist”
A
- august comte, coined the term
- Tried to apply scientific method to social life to create reform, but didn’t really. “armchair sociologist”/social philosopher
8
Q
herbert spencer
A
- 2nd founder of sociology
- english social darwinist, individualist. “survival of the fittest”
- Popular with the capitalists because it alleviated their guilt
9
Q
1st REAL sociologist
A
EMILE DURKHEIM
- Research (scientific method) - SUICIDE (rates) attributed to level of social integration
- > Anomie: Breakdown of integrating forces, state of normlessness
- > Overly integrated (like cults)
- taught sociology at college, got it recognized as a distinct discipline
10
Q
karl marx
A
- Economic determinist - how does the economic system determine social relationships
- Interested not just in reform, but massive social change. Capitalism sets up inequality and class conflict is inevitable
- Root of social change is lass conflict b/w proletariat and bourgeoisie
11
Q
max weber
A
- Built off of Marx, divided society into economic, political, and cultural dimensions
- The Protestant Ethic and The Spirit of Capitalism
- > Social change is result of religion
