Study Notes: Sociological Development, Concepts, and Perspectives ________________________________________ 1. The Concept of Sociology • Sociology: The study of society, social behavior, and human interactions. • Focuses on how individuals and groups influence and are influenced by societal structures. ________________________________________ 2. Development of Sociology as a Discipline • Origins: Emerged in the 19th century during industrialization and urbanization. • Early pioneers: Auguste Comte, Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber. • Comte: Coined the term "Sociology" and emphasized scientific methods in studying society. ________________________________________ 3. Fundamental Concepts in Sociology • Socialization: The process by which individuals learn society's norms (Agents: family, peers, media). • Social Order: Established patterns of behavior that govern society. • Structure: The organized patterns of relationships within society. • Power: The ability to control others or influence outcomes. • Function: The role an element plays in maintaining social stability. • Social Change: Transformation in social institutions, behaviors, and structures. • Status & Roles: Status refers to a person's position in society; roles are the expected behaviors for these positions. • Values & Norms: Values are shared beliefs; norms are rules that govern behavior. • Sanctions: Rewards or punishments to enforce norms. • Groups: Social units that influence behavior (Primary, Secondary, In-groups, Out-groups). • Culture: Shared beliefs, practices, and symbols of a group. • Identity: The way individuals define themselves within society. ________________________________________ 4. History of Sociology and Main Contributors • Auguste Comte: Father of Sociology, developed the theory of positivism. • Karl Marx: Focused on class struggle and the role of capitalism in shaping society. • Emile Durkheim: Emphasized social facts and the role of institutions in maintaining social order. • Max Weber: Focused on verstehen (understanding social behavior from the actor's point of view). ________________________________________ 5. Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology • Functionalism (Durkheim, Comte): Society is a system of interrelated parts that function together. Focuses on social stability and consensus. • Marxism (Karl Marx): Society is based on class conflict, with power concentrated in the hands of capitalists. • Interactionism (Weber, Mead): Focuses on small-scale interactions and how individuals create social reality through their actions and interpretations. ________________________________________ 6. Sociological Research • What is Sociological Research?: Systematic investigation to gather empirical data on social phenomena. 7. Sociological Research Methods • Positivism vs. Interpretivism: o Positivism: Focuses on observable social facts, using quantitative methods (e.g., surveys). o Interpretivism: Emphasizes understanding meanings behind social actions, using qualitative methods (e.g., interviews). • Qualitative vs. Quantitative: o Qualitative: In-depth understanding (interviews, observations). o Quantitative: Numerical data (surveys, statistical analysis). • Methods: o Surveys: Collecting data from a large sample. o Sampling: Techniques to select a representative group. o Observation:  Participant: Researcher becomes part of the group.  Non-participant: Researcher observes without involvement. o Document Studies: Analyzing written records for sociological insights. o Longitudinal Studies: Studies over time. o Cross-sectional Studies: Snapshot at one point in time. • Ethical Issues: Ensuring confidentiality, informed consent, and avoiding harm. ________________________________________ 8. Family and Gender • Caribbean Family Structures: o Nuclear: Parents and children. o Extended: Includes other relatives. o Blended: Step-families. o Single-parent: One parent raising children. o Matrifocal: Mother-centered families (common in the Caribbean). o Visiting: Fathers live separately but maintain relationships with children. • Family Issues: Gender roles, power dynamics, and societal expectations. ________________________________________ 9. Theories on Family and Society • Functionalism: Families are key in socializing children and stabilizing society. • Marxism: Families reflect capitalist values and inequality. • Interactionism: Focuses on how family members interact and create roles. ________________________________________ 10. Education • Roles and Functions of Education: Socializes individuals, transmits knowledge, and prepares individuals for the workforce. • Caribbean Education Development: Education was historically influenced by colonialism and is evolving to meet local needs. • Theoretical Perspectives on Education: o Functionalism: Education promotes social cohesion and stability. o Marxism: Education perpetuates class inequality. o Interactionism: Focuses on student-teacher interactions and labeling. • Issues: Inequality, access, and quality in the education system. ________________________________________ 11. Religion • Role and Function of Religion: Provides meaning, supports social order, and fosters community. • Afro-Caribbean Religions: o Kumina: Spirit worship from Jamaica. o Orisha: Yoruba-based religion. o Rastafari Movement: Religion and social movement emphasizing African identity. • Theoretical Perspectives on Religion: o Functionalism: Religion supports social stability and integration. o Marxism: Religion is an opiate for the masses, used to justify inequality. o Interactionism: Focus on individual religious experiences and meanings. ________________________________________ 12. Social Stratification • Types: Class, race, gender, and status hierarchies. • Social Stratification in the Caribbean: Based on historical inequalities (e.g., colonialism, slavery). • Open vs. Closed Stratification: o Open: Social mobility is possible. o Closed: Little or no mobility. • Theories of Social Stratification: o Functionalism: Stratification is necessary for motivating individuals to fulfill important roles. o Marxism: Stratification is the result of capitalist exploitation. o Weber: Focused on class, status, and power as sources of inequality.