Sociology, by definition is the scientific study of social behavior, human interactions, social groups, and social change.
This chapter explains the units of analysis that make up the study of sociology.
Perspectives provide a framework to analyze a situation and helps students of sociology eliminate personal bias in their assessments.
What makes sociology part of the social sciences is the scientific process involved in the research.
A society's values, norms, language, symbols, and the objects they use and revere are all part of culture.
Human beings are born without culture. Through socialization we learn how to behave according to the norms of the society we live in.
The very idea of forming a group is the idea of belonging and membership. Thus, a delineation between who belongs to the group and who doesn't is an important aspect of groups.
Deviance is the rejection of the existing norms and status quo.
Social class systems are based on one's economic position in society, measured by wealth, income, and prestige.
Racial categories are different between cultures. The US has a rigid racial categorical system compared to Latin American countries.
Social change refers to the cultural, technological, institutional, and ideological changes a society goes through over time.
