Introduction to Sociology - Essay Example

Sociology allows for the micro analysis of every day interaction, for example the social and economic role of a magazine stand on a busy corner. At the same time, sociologist can perform institution analysis of the worlds largest businesses and even nations. Sociology can allow scholars and students, therefore, to come to an understanding of social patterns that many not be immediately obvious, but can help contribute to business plans and social policy. All of this is particularly important for the work environment, as most full time workers spend more time at work than at home.

Meanwhile, work life is generally subject to less exposure and analysis than the realm of home and consumption. Sociology can help contribute a measure of respect to the working world and understanding to how our lives at work build out lives over all. Teacher Notes: Sociological terms are important because by understanding them we can gain an understanding of sociological perspectives that emphasis the interconnectedness of all social behavior and institutions. As business students or members of a business community it is important to understand the importance structure within an organization.

Sociology covers a broad range of interactions. What follows is a brief summary of some of the descriptions offered. Sociology is the systematic study of human society and social interactions and relationships between human beings. It addresses simple face to face interaction such as conversations, dating, or requests of one another. Sociology is the study of formal organizations and the functioning of whole societies and the relations between them. It is also the study of the rules for living together, Study of how rules come into existence, how we organize them and how we perpetuate them.

Sociology as a Science of Social Life: It has a logical and empirical basis. This means for theories to be accepted they must: 1. Make sense and 2. Correspond to facts. Most of the time what we think and believe is based on ideological points of view and prejudices. We don't always use critical thinking. We need to balance what we see, read and hear against empirical evidence. Socialization: The lifelong process of social interaction through which individuals acquire a self-identity and the physical, mental, and social skills needed for survival in society.

We will discuss some of the terms later and your first assignment uses some of them. Topic: Sociological Concepts (100 word min & no references required) Review the list of sociological concepts following this narrative. Using the paper you wrote on the three concepts you chose and the definitions of terms and concepts that I have placed in the Supplemental Materials folder. Group the following concepts into like groups and explain why they fit together. Treat it like a classroom discussion where everyone has some input.

No one person has to do it all and you can disagree with each other if you explain why. • GROUP 1: Conflict between and within groups • Conflict paradigm • Conflict of values • Social unrest • Ethnocentrism • Cultural relativity GROUP 2: Group identity • Culture • Beliefs • Values • Norms • Sanctions Socialization GROUP 3: Group structure •