Introduction to sociology:
Understanding society
Sociology, as a subject, serves as a lens through which we can examine and understand the
complexity of human society. In this comprehensive lecture, we will delve deeper into the
fundamentals of sociology, exploring key perspectives, research methods, socialization,
institutions, deviance, inequality , globalization and social change.
I. What is sociology?
Sociology is the systematic study of society, including the examination of human social
behavior, institutions, and the overarching structures that shape our collective existence. At
its core, sociology seeks to untangle the complex web of interactions and social patterns
that determine our everyday lives.
The Sociological Imagination
Central to sociology is the concept of the sociological imagination, a term coined by C.
Wright Mills. It encourages us to connect personal experiences to broader social issues,
recognizing the intersection between individual lives and social structures.
II. Main Sociological Perspectives
first. Functionalism
Functionalism holds that society is like a living organism, with many different institutions
acting as interdependent parts. This theory emphasizes the idea that each element
contributes to the overall stability and functioning of society.
2. Conflict Theory
