The Sociological Imagination

Introduction:
What is Sociology?

Sociology is the study of human society

Macro analysis is based on a large scale social system or social change. Micro
analysis is when you talk about an individuals experience or own
experience/reaction.
Social Institutions: A complex group of Social positions, that perform a social role,
and reproduces itself over time.

Theorist:
C. Wright Mills:

He was the person who first used the word Sociological Imagination
Sociological Imagination: The ability to see connections between our personal
experience and the larger forces of history
The sociological imagination enables us to grasp history and biography and
the relations between the two within a society
Auguste Comte (1798-1857):

"Father of Sociology" (Called it social physics)

Positivism (sees sociology as a science)

3 Historical, Epistemological Stages (According to Comte)

1. Theological Stage
2. Metaphysical Stage
3. Scientific Stag0065
Harriet Martineau (1802-1876):

Early feminist social scientist

Educated Children
Institution of marriage

Karl Marx (1818-1883):

He was a journalist and historian

Historical Materialism: We should never make more than we need
Class struggle and capitalism: Bourgeois (Upper class) and Proletariat (Lower
class)
Max Weber (1864-1920):
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Interpretive Sociology
Studies on: Authority, Rationality, The State, Social Status, and the Iron
Cage of Bureaucracies
Emile Durkheim (1858-1917):

French Sociologist
Social Solidarity: How society holds together
Suicide (1897)
Positivist

Jane Addams (1860-1935):

Member of the Chicago School

Founded Hull House

W.E.B Du Bois (1868-1963):

First African American to obtain a PhD from Harvard

Racial inequality
Double Consciousness: Used to describe an individual whose identity is
divided into several facets

Theories:
1. Conflict Theory: The idea that conflict between competing interests in the
basic, animating force of social change and society in general. Focuses on
power and inequality (class, race and gender)
2. Functionalist Theory: The theory that institutions in society exist to serve
necessary functions to keep society running and make up social structure.
These functions can be manifest (Explicit, noticeable) or latent (Hidden).
3. Symbolic Interaction Theory:
Can also provide a basis for judgments and stereotypes
Considers the way someone speaks
People act in response to the meaning that Signs and Socials Signals
4. Feminist Theory: Marx and Conflict theory. Emphasizes equality between
men and women
5. Queer Theory: Sexual activity and Identity

What is correct American English:

Slang
Accents and Dialects
Ebonics -African American English Vernacular
Sociolinguistics- The study of how people communicate
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