Keep Calm and Understand Society: An Introduction to Sociology
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2017
Pages: 304
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2017
Pages: 306
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The study of sociology is one of the most exciting, interesting, and absorbing enterprises in which it is possible for humans to engage. It can serve the purpose of teaching us to become life-long learners with skills of knowing how to interpret statistics and current events in the light of history and social science.
Keep Calm and Understand Society: An Introduction to Sociology makes the assumption that transmission of the calming influence of sociology is within the realm of possibility. It aims toward fostering an appreciation of theory as well as the various substantive areas of sociology, which are sometimes said to have more “real world significance.” The so-called empirical study which is not informed or inspired by a theoretical rationale of any kind (such as the kind of research encouraged by the eminent anthropologist Franz Boas) is nothing more than the gathering and dissemination of data—in Biblical terms, tinkling brass and sounding cymbal. My sincere prayer is that this volume will help in the process of assisting the reader in her move toward a “considered consideration” of the proliferation of sociological data available for thoughtful study.
In addition, it assists readers in the formulation of his/her own social orientation. Individuals may experience a “paradigm shift” when the revelation of a particular perspective becomes obvious, others may incorporate bits and pieces of various social models to modify already-held positions, while others may remain the same.
Chapter 1 Thinking About Things Social
The Search for Patterns
The Search for Understanding
Grand Theory Versus Midrange Theorizing
Paradigm Shift
Definition of Sociology
The Easterling Decalogue Model
Chapter Exercise
Chapter 2 The Dead Giants
Harriet Martineau
Auguste Comte
Herbert Spencer
Emile Durkheim
Max Weber
Chapter Exercise
Chapter 3 The Three Major Paradigms of Sociology
The Structural–Functional Paradigm
Social Conflict Theory: Marx, Veblen, And Simmel
Thorstein Veblen
Georg Simmel
Symbolic Interaction
Dramaturgical Analysis
Postmodernism
Chapter Exercise
Chapter 4 Culture
The Concept of Culture
Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism
The Elements of Culture
Chapter Exercise
Chapter 5 Socialization
The Nature Versus Nurture Debate
Agents of Socialization
Chapter Exercise
Chapter 6 Social Groups and Organization
Statuses and Roles
Social Groups
Group Leadership
Social Organization
Group Conformity
Chapter Exercise
Chapter 7 Social Deviance
Biological Explanations of Deviance
The Structural-Functional Perspective
Symbolic Interaction Paradigm
The Medicalization of Deviance
The Social Conflict Perspective
Crime
The Criminal Justice System
Street Gangs
Terrorism
The Oklahoma City Bombing
Chapter Exercise
Chapter 8 Social Gerontology
The Four Facts of Aging
Trends
Theories Of Gerontology
Life Extension
Chapter Exercise
Chapter 9 Race and Ethnicity
Race, Ethnicity, and Minority Groups
Prejudice and Discrimination
Alternative Social Arrangements
Affirmative Action
Martin Luther King, Jr.
School Busing
Chapter Exercise
Chapter 10 Sex and Gender
Sex and Gender Terminology
Sexism and Patriarchy
The Women’s Liberation Movement
Homosexuality and Marriage
Chapter Exercise
Chapter 11 Marriage and Family
Family
Marriage
Divorce
The Family Budget
Identifying Codependency in Family Relationships
Chapter Exercise
Chapter 12 The Economy and Social Stratification
Economic Systems
Social Stratification
Information
Chapter Exercise
Chapter 13 The Sociology of Health and Medicine
Health in the United States and Elsewhere
Health-Care Systems
Social Epidemiology
Medical Technology
Chapter Exercise
Chapter 14 The Sociology of Religion
Religion
Variation in Religious Beliefs
Chapter Exercise
Chapter 15 Demography
Demographics, The United States
Demographics, Canada
Chapter Exercise
References
Index