SOC 1101 – Week 1: Intro to Sociology
1. What is Sociology?
Sociology is all about studying society—how people live together, interact, and how the
different parts of society fit (or sometimes don’t fit) together. It looks at both the big stuff (like
institutions, cultures, and societies) and the small stuff (like everyday interactions between
people).
Why Bother with Sociology?
The point of sociology is to give us a better understanding of the world around us. It lets us see
the "why" behind what people do. For example, instead of just noticing that some people live
in poverty, sociologists ask why poverty exists and what social forces keep it going. They look
at the systems, structures, and patterns that affect everything from politics to education to
family dynamics.
Also, sociology makes us more aware of things we might take for granted, like gender roles,
racial inequality, and how social media affects our self-image. It can even explain why trends
(like fidget spinners or TikTok dances) suddenly blow up.
2. Key Terms to Know
• Social Structure: This is like the framework that holds society together. It includes all
the institutions (like schools, government, and family) and the relationships between
them. Think of it as the "bones" of society that keep everything in place.
Example: In a school, the social structure includes the teachers, students, and
administrators, but also the rules and policies that guide behavior.
• Culture: Culture is basically what people in a group share, like their values, beliefs,
habits, and practices. It’s what makes a society unique and influences how we live our
lives.
Example: Culture affects everything from what food we eat to how we greet each other.
In some cultures, it’s normal to greet people with a kiss on the cheek, while in others, a
handshake is more common.
• Socialization: This is the process of learning the norms and values of society. It’s how we
figure out what’s "normal" and acceptable behavior.
Example: As kids, we learn to say “please” and “thank you,” not because we’re born
knowing it, but because we’re taught that it’s polite.
3. Sociological Imagination (C. Wright Mills)
1. What is Sociology?
Sociology is all about studying society—how people live together, interact, and how the
different parts of society fit (or sometimes don’t fit) together. It looks at both the big stuff (like
institutions, cultures, and societies) and the small stuff (like everyday interactions between
people).
Why Bother with Sociology?
The point of sociology is to give us a better understanding of the world around us. It lets us see
the "why" behind what people do. For example, instead of just noticing that some people live
in poverty, sociologists ask why poverty exists and what social forces keep it going. They look
at the systems, structures, and patterns that affect everything from politics to education to
family dynamics.
Also, sociology makes us more aware of things we might take for granted, like gender roles,
racial inequality, and how social media affects our self-image. It can even explain why trends
(like fidget spinners or TikTok dances) suddenly blow up.
2. Key Terms to Know
• Social Structure: This is like the framework that holds society together. It includes all
the institutions (like schools, government, and family) and the relationships between
them. Think of it as the "bones" of society that keep everything in place.
Example: In a school, the social structure includes the teachers, students, and
administrators, but also the rules and policies that guide behavior.
• Culture: Culture is basically what people in a group share, like their values, beliefs,
habits, and practices. It’s what makes a society unique and influences how we live our
lives.
Example: Culture affects everything from what food we eat to how we greet each other.
In some cultures, it’s normal to greet people with a kiss on the cheek, while in others, a
handshake is more common.
• Socialization: This is the process of learning the norms and values of society. It’s how we
figure out what’s "normal" and acceptable behavior.
Example: As kids, we learn to say “please” and “thank you,” not because we’re born
knowing it, but because we’re taught that it’s polite.
3. Sociological Imagination (C. Wright Mills)
