Introduction to Society and Social Sciences

What is society?

• A random group of strangers

• People who share a territory, culture, and way of life

• A collection of families only

• Any gathering of more than 50 people

What does society provide?

• Random rules

• Structure, norms, and institutions

• Only economic opportunities

• No influence at all

What is sociology?

• The study of ancient civilizations

• The study of society and social behavior

• The study of individual choices

• The study of natural science

Sociology focuses on...

• Weather and environment

• Biology and chemistry

• Patterns of relationships & culture

• Only political systems

Anthropology studies…

• Psychology

• Past and present cultures

• Economics

• History

Psychology studies…

• Society and behavior

• Ancient civilizations

• Economic systems

• Weather and environment

Economics studies…

• Culture

• Power in government

• Goods & services

• Past events

History studies…

• Culture

• Behavior

• Past events

• Politics

Sociology studies…

• Weather

• Society and behavior

• Medicine

• Chemistry

The sociological perspective means…

• Looking through an economic lens

• Looking through a social lens

• Ignoring behavior

• Focusing on politics