“Sociology: 1 st Text Readings”

1. “Sociology: 1st Text Readings” • What is sociology? • The systematic study of human society – using the sociological perspective.

2. Peter Berger: the sociological perspective is “seeing the general in the particular.” • What does he mean? • Sociologists identify general patterns in the behavior of particular people. • Using individuals’ experiences as reflections of the general population • Identifying the types of behaviors of people from different categories such as men, women, adults, kids AND what does that say about them!

3. Examples of “seeing the general in the particular” • Working moms – interview working moms, would reveal unique “stressors” women face in 21c America • Athletes – most healthy, exercise, good diet

4. What is meant by “seeing the strange in the familiar?” • Giving up the familiar idea that human behavior is simple a matter of what people decide to do in favor of the initially foreign idea that society shapes our lives. • Realizing that society makes us what we do rather than out own behavior… hmmm, on second thought, what if I did such & such…

5. Examples… • Men ask the girl out… • Men pay • Men “pop the question.” • Fathers walk the bride down the aisle. • Boys don’t cry. • Toy selection: girls/dolls, boys trucks • Pink for girls, blue for boys… • Ga. Wallmart: stranger slaps toddler: Who disciplines • Respecting one’s elders • Kids being spoiled / sense of entitlement