Sociology

is the study of human social relationships and institutions. Sociology’s subject matter is diverse, ranging
from crime to religion, from the family to the state, from the divisions of race and social class to the
shared beliefs of a common culture, and from social stability to radical change in whole societies. The
purpose of sociology is to understand how human action and consciousness both shape and are shaped
by surrounding cultural and social structures. Sociology is a social science; it belongs to the family of
social sciences. As a social science, focuses its aspects on man, his social manners, social activities and
social life. The goal of sociology is to help you understand how human action and consciousness both
shape and are shaped by the surrounding cultural and social structures

Nature of Sociology:

1. Scientific Study of Society: Sociology is a systematic and scientific discipline that uses
empirical research methods to study social phenomena. Sociologists aim to identify
patterns and trends in human behavior, which are often influenced by various social,
economic, political, and cultural factors.
2. Focus on Social Interaction: Sociology emphasizes how individuals and groups interact
within society. It looks at how these interactions are influenced by and contribute to
larger social structures, such as family, education, religion, government, and the
economy.
3. Understanding Social Problems: Sociology investigates social issues such as inequality,
racism, poverty, crime, and social change. It seeks to understand the root causes of social
problems and suggests solutions for improving society.
4. Dynamic Nature: Sociology is a dynamic field that adapts to changes in society. As
societies evolve, so too does the scope of sociological inquiry, adapting to new social
trends, technologies, and global influences.

Perspectives in Sociology:

Sociologists approach society from various theoretical perspectives, each offering unique
insights into social phenomena:

1. Structural Functionalism: This perspective views society as a complex system made up

of interrelated parts that work together to promote stability and equilibrium. Each part
(e.g., family, education, economy) serves a function that contributes to the overall
functioning of society.
2. Conflict Theory: Conflict theorists emphasize power disparities and inequalities within
society. They focus on how social structures and relationships contribute to conflict and
the perpetuation of social inequalities, such as those based on class, race, or gender.
3. Symbolic Interactionism: This perspective looks at the micro-level of society, focusing
on how individuals interact and create meaning through symbols, language, and gestures.
 It emphasizes how people's behaviors are influenced by their interpretations of the social
world.
4. Feminist Theory: This perspective focuses on the gendered dimensions of society,
analyzing how gender inequality affects individuals and social structures. Feminist
theorists often critique the patriarchal systems that perpetuate gender-based
discrimination and seek to promote gender equality.
5. Social Constructionism: Social constructionism argues that much of what we perceive
as "real" is socially constructed through interactions and shared understandings. For
instance, concepts like race, gender, and class are not biologically determined but are
shaped by social processes.

Sociological perspective

introduces the discipline of sociology, including something about its history, questions, theory, and
scientific methods, and what distinguishes it from other social science disciplines. Central features
include social interaction and relationships, social contexts, social structure, social change, the
significance of diversity and human variation, and the critical, questioning character of sociology. It also
explores what sociologists do.

Theoretical perspective

 is used to analyse and explain objects of social study, and facilitat organizing sociological
knowledge. In functionalist perspective, societies are thought to function like organisms, with
various social institutions working together like organs to maintain and reproduce societies.
The conflict perspective sees social life as a competition, and focuses on the distribution of
resources, power, and inequality.

Sociology includes three major theoretical perspectives:

 1. the functionalist perspective;

 2. the conflict perspective; and

 3. the symbolic interaction perspective

Sociology -Study of human social relationships and institutions

culture -Consists of beliefs, behaviours, objects, and other characteristics common to the members of a
particular group or society
1. The Functionalist Perspective:

 Definition: The functionalist perspective sees society as a complex system whose parts
work together to promote stability and harmony. It likens society to an organism, where
various social institutions (e.g., family, education, government, economy) function like
organs to maintain social order and ensure the continuation of society. This theory
focuses on the functions of each part of society and how they contribute to the stability of
the whole system.
 Key Concept: Social order and stability are maintained through consensus and
cooperation.
 Example:
o Education: In the functionalist view, the education system serves multiple
functions such as socializing children into societal norms and values, preparing
them for the workforce, and promoting social integration. Schools teach students
the necessary skills and knowledge for future roles in society, such as becoming
workers, citizens, or parents, ensuring society's continued functioning.
o Family: The family is seen as fulfilling the vital function of socializing children
and providing emotional and economic support. The functionalist perspective
would argue that the family structure (whether nuclear or extended) is necessary
for the stability and continuity of society.

2. The Conflict Perspective:

 Definition: The conflict perspective, rooted in the ideas of Karl Marx, focuses on the
power struggles between different social groups in society. It argues that society is
marked by inequality, and that social structures and institutions serve the interests of
powerful groups while subordinating others. Conflict theorists emphasize the role of
power, wealth, and resource distribution in shaping social relations and perpetuating
social inequality.
 Key Concept: Inequality and competition for resources and power drive social change
and conflict.
 Example:
o Class Struggle: A classic example from the conflict perspective is the division
between the working class (proletariat) and the owning class (bourgeoisie).
According to Marx, the capitalist economic system is designed to benefit the
wealthy capitalists, who own the means of production, while exploiting the
workers who provide labor. This inequality leads to tension and conflict, which
can result in social movements or revolutions aimed at redistributing power and
resources.
o Racial Inequality: In terms of racial inequality, conflict theory would focus on
how the dominant racial or ethnic groups (e.g., white people in many societies)
hold power and control over resources, while marginalized groups (e.g., Black or
Indigenous people) face systemic discrimination, unequal access to resources, and
limited opportunities.
3. The Symbolic Interaction Perspective:

 Definition: The symbolic interaction perspective focuses on the micro-level interactions

between individuals and the meanings they attach to symbols, language, and actions in
their daily lives. This perspective emphasizes that social reality is constructed through
interactions and that individuals interpret and act based on these meanings.
 Key Concept: Social meanings and symbols guide human behavior and shape the social
world.
 Example:
o Socialization: The way people learn and adopt social norms, values, and
behaviors through interactions with others can be understood from the symbolic
interaction perspective. For example, children learn gender roles through
interactions with family members, peers, and media. A boy may be encouraged to
play with trucks while a girl is encouraged to play with dolls, reinforcing gender
stereotypes.
o Self-Identity: The concept of “self” is also central in symbolic interactionism.
The theory explains how individuals develop their sense of self through
interactions with others. For instance, an individual’s self-concept may be shaped
by how they are treated by others—if someone is constantly labeled as "lazy,"
they may internalize this label and start to see themselves in this negative light,
which influences their behavior.

GOALS OF SOCIOLOGY

 Understanding Social Behavior:

Sociology seeks to explain why people behave the way they do in different social contexts,
whether in families, communities, workplaces, or larger societal settings. This involves
examining patterns of behavior, social roles, and norms, as well as the influences of culture,
history, and environment.

 Analyzing Social Structures:

Sociologists study the organization and functioning of social institutions (e.g., family, education,
religion, government, economy) and how these structures impact people's lives. By
understanding how these institutions influence individual and group behavior, sociologists can
identify the causes and effects of social issues like inequality, crime, and education gaps.

 Identifying Social Inequalities:

Sociology aims to identify and analyze inequalities in society, whether based on class, race,
gender, sexuality, or other factors. It seeks to understand how these inequalities are perpetuated
and how they affect individuals and groups, as well as to propose solutions for reducing social
disparities.

 Promoting Social Change:

By understanding the dynamics of social systems, sociology can help identify areas where
change is needed. Sociologists often aim to contribute to the betterment of society by promoting
social justice, equality, and reforms to address issues like poverty, discrimination, and human
rights.

 Providing Empirical Research:

Sociologists use rigorous research methods to collect data and evidence about various aspects of
society. This empirical research provides insights into how social systems work and can help
policymakers, organizations, and individuals make informed decisions based on solid data.

 Critical Thinking and Reflection:

Sociology encourages individuals to critically examine their assumptions about society and their
place within it. Sociologists challenge commonly held beliefs and norms, prompting people to
question and reflect on social realities and consider alternative perspectives.

JUST GIVE SUMMARIZE, MAKE IT CONVERSATIONALLY (MABILISANG

EXPLANATION LANG)

- WHAT IS SOCIOLOGY (Larc Squid)

- GOALS OF SOCIOLOGY (Jandi Mr. Krab )
- NATURE OF SOCIOLOGY (1,2) (Lyka Sandy )
- NATURE OF SOCIOLOGY (3,4) (Naingge) don’t know the charac
o KINDLY REFER DIN SA THREE THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE KAHIT YUNG IBA LANG
- THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE (dominic, ikaw si patrick diba para may ambag karin
sa knowledge ng students hindi puro ikaw makakagain)
- PERSPECTIVE IN SOCIOLOGY (1,2,) (Josh)
- PERSPECTIVE IN SOCIOLOGY (3) (Angel)
- PERSPECTIVE IN SOCIOLOGY (4,5) (Ashley)

(suggestion for skit is parang naglalakad si ano Patrick then sya taga
ask ng mga content ng report natin like what is
sociology,goals,nature,perspective etc kumbaga flow natin is si
patrick mag aask tas sasagutin ng mga other character)