Socio

Science is “...a body of systematically arranged knowledge that shows the operation of general laws.”
As a science, sociology employs the scientific method
Sciology- A discipline that studies the interplay between the individual and the social context
“Sociology is the scientific study of human society and social interactions.”
Antropology:
* can be described as the study of all aspects of humanity. * focuses on culture * Having sub-fields such as cultural anthropology (also called "social anthropology"), archaeology, linguistic anthropology, and physical (or biological) anthropology.
Social Imagination-the ability to understand not only what is happening in one’s own immediate experience but also in the world and to imagine how one’s experience fits into the large picture C. Wright Mills coined the term “sociological imagination” to refer to “...the vivid awareness of the relationship between private experience and the wider society.”
Sociological perspective:
- seeing the general in the particular
(Peter Berger)
- seeing the strange in the familiar - seeing individuality in the social context
(Emile Durkheim)
Benefits of sociological perspective
Critically assess “common-sense” ideas.
Sociological perspective helps us see the opportunities and constraints in our lives.
Empowers us to be active participants in our society
Helps us live in a diverse world
- Enable us to understand the the concept of “Global Perspective”

Sociology - derived from the Latin word “socius” which means “companion” and “ology” from the Greek word “logos” which is knowledge.
- the systematic study of human society.
Antropology- can be described as the study of all aspects of humanity.
-focuses on culture
-Having sub-fields such as cultural anthropology (also called "social anthropology"), archaeology, linguistic anthropology, and physical (or biological) anthropology. * Concept of “trouble” and “issue” Trouble – occurs with in the character of individual and with in the range of his immediate relations with others. It’s a private matter Issue – matters that transcend local environments; they have something to do with the social organization in which it overlaps and interpenetrate towards a larger structure of social life.
Benefits of Sociological Perspectives * Helps us critically assess “commonsense” ideas * Helps us see the opportunities and constraints in our lives * Empowers us to be active participants in our society * Help us live in a diverse world.
Culture- beliefs, behavior and material objects that together form people’s way of life.
Importance of Culture * Culture distinguishes human beings from lower animal forms
Without culture humans would be greatly disadvantaged compared to other animals, and would perhaps hardly multiply in number because human mind enables us to create culture.
Characteristics of culture [5] * Learned – can be acquired * Shared – can be taught * Cumulative – is stored and passed form one generation to the next and new knowledge is constantly added to existing stock while information which is no longer useful is slowly discarded. * Dynamic – no culture is ever in permanent state. - Diffusion – spread of cultural trait (inter-group or inter-society) - Borrowing – adopting new culture * Diverse – sum total of human culture consists of a great many separate cultures, each different * Whole – a system with many mutually interdependent parts
The Components of Culture * Symbols – anything that carries a particular meaning recognized by people who share a culture. * Language – a system of symbols that allows people to communicate with one another. * It allows continuity of culture. * It is the key to cultural transmission and key to centuries of accumulated wisdom * Values and Beliefs - Values (abstract standards) are culturally defined standards that people use to assess desirability, goodness and beauty and that serve as broad guidelines for social living. - Beliefs (particular matters) are specific statements that people hold to be true
NORMS AND MORES * Norms – rules and expectations by which a society guides the behavior of its members. - William Graham Sumner coined the term * Mores (Taboos) – norms that are widely observed and have great moral significance - Folkways – norms for routine or casual interactions (Etiquette

Society- refers to people who interact in a defined territory and share a culture TYPES OF SOCIETY
Hunting and Gathering Societies- Hunting, Fishing, Gathering, Few inequalities ,Differences of rank limited by age and gender

* Agrarian Societies- Based on small rural communities * Livelihood thru agriculture supplemented by hunting and gathering * Stronger inequalities * Ruled by chiefs
Pastoral Societies- Range of hundreds to thousands * Dependent on tending domesticated animals for subsistence * Marked by distinct inequalities * Ruled by chiefs or Warrior Kings

Traditional Societies - Large in size * Based largely in Agriculture * Major inequalities exist in different classes * Distinct apparatus of government headed by a king or emperor

Industrialized (“First World” Society) * Based on industrial production and generally free enterprise. * Majority of people live in urban areas. * Major class inequalities * Distinct political communities or nation states.

Communist (“Second World” Society) * Based on industry, but economic system is centrally planned. * Most live in cities. * Major class inequalities persist. * From planned to free enterprise economy. *
Developing (“Third World” Society) * Based on Agricultural production. * Majority of the population work in agriculture, using traditional methods of production. * Most people live in poverty. * China, India most African and South American states.

New Industrializing Economies * Former developing societies. * Most people live in cities, few pursue agriculture. * Some have major class inequalities. * Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brazil.

Information-Driven * Production is based on digital technology. * Most people are members of the middle class. * US, Japan, Germany, South Korea, Singapore, Great Britain