Intro to Sociology

Introduction to Sociology

The aim of this essay is to focus specifically on sociological enquiry; this will include the norms and values of sociology as well as the beliefs and theories of others. The essay will detail how the three main concepts of sociological perspectives underpin society for example, functionism,

Marxism and also interactionism and the theory contained within the three aspects of sociology, this will include the works of Augustes Comte, the father of sociology

Sociology is the study of human behaviour and society.

Behaviour is influenced by culture. Culture is made up of 'Norms' and 'Values'. Norms are values put into practice. They are specific rules of behavior that relate to specific social situations, and they govern all aspects of human behaviour. For example, norms govern the way we dress, prepare food and how we eat that food.

Values are widely excepted beliefs that something is worthwhile and desirable. Values vary from society to society, for example some societies tend to place a high value on generosity where as some societies tend to place high value on status.

Sociologists create theories to explain human behavior and the workings of society, they study a vast range of topics these include marriage, divorce, class, race, to social inequality and stereotyping. In studying theses topics, sociologists come up with theories and explanations of the patterns we find in society. Sociology is an evidence based subject, it's not just about personal views, all views and theories must be backed up by evidence and must be collected methodically, by carrying out research to see if the theories are correct.

Sociology links with other social sciences for instance we use geography to look at certain geographical areas, for example to see if they have more or less crime in relation postcode. Politics involves the study of social policy. The aims of the conservative, labour, liberal democrats, green and nationist's parties for instance on, impact on social policies, for example what have been the effects of council house sales on voting patterns. Economics looks at the economic cost of particular policies and social benefits for example: income support and child benefit. The government just the same as sociologists are interested in whether behavior is innate (inborn) or whether it is the result of nurture (learnt), as this helps the government to regulate behaviour.

Auguste Comte was the founder of Positivism. Positivism is a philosophical system of thought maintaining that the goal of knowledge is to describe the phenomena experienced, not to question whether it actually exists or not. Comte sought to apply the methods of observation and experimentation that were being used by the sciences, to a field that we now know as sociology.

Functionalism is a structuralist theory, it sees the individual as less important than social structure of organizations in society, and the theory looks at society as a whole rather than individuals with it. It looks at society as though it was a human body, each part of the body has a function to keep it alive and healthy and each part of society helps to keep society going like the family helps by bringing up the next generation and so on.

Talcott Parsons was a functionalist thinker parsons saw the modern family as stripped to just two basic functions, the socialization of children and the stabilization of adult personalities, and he also came up with the 'warm bath theory'. He uses the idea of the warm bath to represent the home and family. The husband worries about competition, money, job insecurity and takes these strains home. The husband's home and family act as a warm bath washing away his troubles so that he is refreshed and ready for the next day at work where he is able to contribute to society. Talcott Parsons also came up with the theory of the 'sick role' in that people should use the health care system, so as to be as healthy as possible because then taxes will always be paid.

Societies have certain basic needs and these needs are referred to as functional prerequisites and are the basic needs for (shelter, food, clothing and money) that an individual needs to live. Examples of Prerequisites are the NHS and Education system. Functionalists believe in maintaining consensus, a general agreement between societies as a hole, For example we all know what's expected of us, and that hard work pays off and functionalists believe it's our responsibility to use the NHS, government and Education Services. By using the system, we stay healthy and fit and then can in turn, pay our taxes.

Interactionism theory is concerned with the interaction of individuals. Interactionist's assumes that action is meaningful for those involved. It is a theory that studies individuals and how they act within society. Interactionist's