CHAPTER SUMMARY
The Sociological Viewpoint
The story on page 1 is used to illustrate the sociological viewpoint. That is, the
perspective from which you view the world is influenced by your position in it. This
may include your social class, sex, race, profession and/or family background. The
sociological viewpoint focuses on the social setting of behavior, the social interaction
among the parties involved and the change through time in social structure and
social interaction.
Sociology, social structure, social interaction and social change
Sociology is defined as the scientific study of social structure and social interaction
and of the factors making for change in social structure and social interaction.
Scientific means that sociological knowledge is based on the principles of science
where evidence is gathered through observation and experimentation.
Social structure is made of the relatively permanent components of our social
environment. Even though all members of a society contribute to the social
structure, it is larger than any single individual. This is because individuals are
constantly entering and exiting the social structure. We may influence the social
structure very little at birth, a great deal during adulthood and little again during
old age. Social structure imposes order and stability on social life. It also may
constrict our behavior. Sociologists seek to understand how social structure is
created, how it changes, and how it affects our lives.
Actions toward and reactions from other individuals constitute social interaction.
Social interaction may take place with someone who is not even physically
present, as in an imaginary conversation. Sociologists study the nature of social
interaction and how relationships can positively or negatively affect our lives.
Even though social life and structure are relatively stable, they are in a constant
process of change. Individuals change over the course of their lives. Societies may
change due to a natural catastrophe, war, a population explosion or a new invention.
CHAPTER SUMMARY
The Sociological Viewpoint
The story on page 1 is used to illustrate the sociological viewpoint. That is, the
perspective from which you view the world is influenced by your position in it. This
may include your social class, sex, race, profession and/or family background. The
sociological viewpoint focuses on the social setting of behavior, the social interaction
among the parties involved and the change through time in social structure and
social interaction.
Sociology, social structure, social interaction and social change
Sociology is defined as the scientific study of social structure and social interaction
and of the factors making for change in social structure and social interaction.
Scientific means that sociological knowledge is based on the principles of science
where evidence is gathered through observation and experimentation.
Social structure is made of the relatively permanent components of our social
environment. Even though all members of a society contribute to the social
structure, it is larger than any single individual. This is because individuals are
constantly entering and exiting the social structure. We may influence the social
structure very little at birth, a great deal during adulthood and little again during
old age. Social structure imposes order and stability on social life. It also may
constrict our behavior. Sociologists seek to understand how social structure is
created, how it changes, and how it affects our lives.
Actions toward and reactions from other individuals constitute social interaction.
Social interaction may take place with someone who is not even physically
present, as in an imaginary conversation. Sociologists study the nature of social
interaction and how relationships can positively or negatively affect our lives.
Even though social life and structure are relatively stable, they are in a constant
process of change. Individuals change over the course of their lives. Societies may
change due to a natural catastrophe, war, a population explosion or a new invention.
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