Basics OfvSociology.

5000 Words
CHAPTER 1 Introduction The study of sociology starts from the basic premise that human life is social life (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). Most of us are constantly involved in interactions with other human beings. From the families we are born into, through school, work, and play; retirements; and even the gatherings that memorialize our deaths, we spend our lives within a tapestry woven of interlocking social arrangements. Sociology focuses on these arrangements, including how they are created, how they change, and how they impact our lives, opportunities, and op- tions (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). The word sociology itself actually derives from the Latin word socius (companion) and the Greek word logos (study of ). Thus, sociology is most lit- erally the study of companionship (Abercrombie, Hill, and Turner 2000, 333). A textbook definition often expands that literal definition of sociology to read something close to the scientific study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of social relationships. But so what? What does that def- inition actually mean? Why is sociology important? Why should anyone study sociology? What does sociology offer to us in our personal lives? And what does it offer to wider society? This book answers those basic questions. It introduces core concepts in sociology and illustrates how the field is dynamic and relevant. Throughout, it explains how those who engage in the study of sociology understand the rela- tionships and interactions that make up our social worlds, worlds that include “everything that constitutes the collective life of groups of people... their eco- nomics, their politics, their shared mental lives, their cultures, and more” (Lemert 2001, 5–6). The study of sociology encompasses the diversity of these social worlds, ranging from intimate, one-to-one exchanges to impersonal gatherings of large. CHAPTER 1 Introduction The study of sociology starts from the basic premise that human life is social life (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). Most of us are constantly involved in interactions with other human beings. From the families we are born into, through school, work, and play; retirements; and even the gatherings that memorialize our deaths, we spend our lives within a tapestry woven of interlocking social arrangements. Sociology focuses on these arrangements, including how they are created, how they change, and how they impact our lives, opportunities, and op- tions (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). The word sociology itself actually derives from the Latin word socius (companion) and the Greek word logos (study of ). Thus, sociology is most lit- erally the study of companionship (Abercrombie, Hill, and Turner 2000, 333). A textbook definition often expands that literal definition of sociology to read something close to the scientific study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of social relationships. But so what? What does that def- inition actually mean? Why is sociology important? Why should anyone study sociology? What does sociology offer to us in our personal lives? And what does it offer to wider society? This book answers those basic questions. It introduces core concepts in sociology and illustrates how the field is dynamic and relevant. Throughout, it explains how those who engage in the study of sociology understand the rela- tionships and interactions that make up our social worlds, worlds that include “everything that constitutes the collective life of groups of people... their eco- nomics, their politics, their shared mental lives, their cultures, and more” (Lemert 2001, 5–6). The study of sociology encompasses the diversity of these social worlds, ranging from intimate, one-to-one exchanges to impersonal gatherings of large. CHAPTER 1 Introduction The study of sociology starts from the basic premise that human life is social life (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). Most of us are constantly involved in interactions with other human beings. From the families we are born into, through school, work, and play; retirements; and even the gatherings that memorialize our deaths, we spend our lives within a tapestry woven of interlocking social arrangements. Sociology focuses on these arrangements, including how they are created, how they change, and how they impact our lives, opportunities, and op- tions (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). The word sociology itself actually derives from the Latin word socius (companion) and the Greek word logos (study of ). Thus, sociology is most lit- erally the study of companionship (Abercrombie, Hill, and Turner 2000, 333). A textbook definition often expands that literal definition of sociology to read something close to the scientific study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of social relationships. But so what? What does that def- inition actually mean? Why is sociology important? Why should anyone study sociology? What does sociology offer to us in our personal lives? And what does it offer to wider society? This book answers those basic questions. It introduces core concepts in sociology and illustrates how the field is dynamic and relevant. Throughout, it explains how those who engage in the study of sociology understand the rela- tionships and interactions that make up our social worlds, worlds that include “everything that constitutes the collective life of groups of people... their eco- nomics, their politics, their shared mental lives, their cultures, and more” (Lemert 2001, 5–6). The study of sociology encompasses the diversity of these social worlds, ranging from intimate, one-to-one exchanges to impersonal gatherings of large. CHAPTER 1 Introduction The study of sociology starts from the basic premise that human life is social life (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). Most of us are constantly involved in interactions with other human beings. From the families we are born into, through school, work, and play; retirements; and even the gatherings that memorialize our deaths, we spend our lives within a tapestry woven of interlocking social arrangements. Sociology focuses on these arrangements, including how they are created, how they change, and how they impact our lives, opportunities, and op- tions (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). The word sociology itself actually derives from the Latin word socius (companion) and the Greek word logos (study of ). Thus, sociology is most lit- erally the study of companionship (Abercrombie, Hill, and Turner 2000, 333). A textbook definition often expands that literal definition of sociology to read something close to the scientific study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of social relationships. But so what? What does that def- inition actually mean? Why is sociology important? Why should anyone study sociology? What does sociology offer to us in our personal lives? And what does it offer to wider society? This book answers those basic questions. It introduces core concepts in sociology and illustrates how the field is dynamic and relevant. Throughout, it explains how those who engage in the study of sociology understand the rela- tionships and interactions that make up our social worlds, worlds that include “everything that constitutes the collective life of groups of people... their eco- nomics, their politics, their shared mental lives, their cultures, and more” (Lemert 2001, 5–6). The study of sociology encompasses the diversity of these social worlds, ranging from intimate, one-to-one exchanges to impersonal gatherings of large. CHAPTER 1 Introduction The study of sociology starts from the basic premise that human life is social life (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). Most of us are constantly involved in interactions with other human beings. From the families we are born into, through school, work, and play; retirements; and even the gatherings that memorialize our deaths, we spend our lives within a tapestry woven of interlocking social arrangements. Sociology focuses on these arrangements, including how they are created, how they change, and how they impact our lives, opportunities, and op- tions (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). The word sociology itself actually derives from the Latin word socius (companion) and the Greek word logos (study of ). Thus, sociology is most lit- erally the study of companionship (Abercrombie, Hill, and Turner 2000, 333). A textbook definition often expands that literal definition of sociology to read something close to the scientific study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of social relationships. But so what? What does that def- inition actually mean? Why is sociology important? Why should anyone study sociology? What does sociology offer to us in our personal lives? And what does it offer to wider society? This book answers those basic questions. It introduces core concepts in sociology and illustrates how the field is dynamic and relevant. Throughout, it explains how those who engage in the study of sociology understand the rela- tionships and interactions that make up our social worlds, worlds that include “everything that constitutes the collective life of groups of people... their eco- nomics, their politics, their shared mental lives, their cultures, and more” (Lemert 2001, 5–6). The study of sociology encompasses the diversity of these social worlds, ranging from intimate, one-to-one exchanges to impersonal gatherings of large CHAPTER 1 Introduction The study of sociology starts from the basic premise that human life is social life (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). Most of us are constantly involved in interactions with other human beings. From the families we are born into, through school, work, and play; retirements; and even the gatherings that memorialize our deaths, we spend our lives within a tapestry woven of interlocking social arrangements. Sociology focuses on these arrangements, including how they are created, how they change, and how they impact our lives, opportunities, and op- tions (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). The word sociology itself actually derives from the Latin word socius (companion) and the Greek word logos (study of ). Thus, sociology is most lit- erally the study of companionship (Abercrombie, Hill, and Turner 2000, 333). A textbook definition often expands that literal definition of sociology to read something close to the scientific study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of social relationships. But so what? What does that def- inition actually mean? Why is sociology important? Why should anyone study sociology? What does sociology offer to us in our personal lives? And what does it offer to wider society? This book answers those basic questions. It introduces core concepts in sociology and illustrates how the field is dynamic and relevant. Throughout, it explains how those who engage in the study of sociology understand the rela- tionships and interactions that make up our social worlds, worlds that include “everything that constitutes the collective life of groups of people... their eco- nomics, their politics, their shared mental lives, their cultures, and more” (Lemert 2001, 5–6). The study of sociology encompasses the diversity of these social worlds, ranging from intimate, one-to-one exchanges to impersonal gatherings of large CHAPTER 1 Introduction The study of sociology starts from the basic premise that human life is social life (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). Most of us are constantly involved in interactions with other human beings. From the families we are born into, through school, work, and play; retirements; and even the gatherings that memorialize our deaths, we spend our lives within a tapestry woven of interlocking social arrangements. Sociology focuses on these arrangements, including how they are created, how they change, and how they impact our lives, opportunities, and op- tions (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). The word sociology itself actually derives from the Latin word socius (companion) and the Greek word logos (study of ). Thus, sociology is most lit- erally the study of companionship (Abercrombie, Hill, and Turner 2000, 333). A textbook definition often expands that literal definition of sociology to read something close to the scientific study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of social relationships. But so what? What does that def- inition actually mean? Why is sociology important? Why should anyone study sociology? What does sociology offer to us in our personal lives? And what does it offer to wider society? This book answers those basic questions. It introduces core concepts in sociology and illustrates how the field is dynamic and relevant. Throughout, it explains how those who engage in the study of sociology understand the rela- tionships and interactions that make up our social worlds, worlds that include “everything that constitutes the collective life of groups of people... their eco- nomics, their politics, their shared mental lives, their cultures, and more” (Lemert 2001, 5–6). The study of sociology encompasses the diversity of these social worlds, ranging from intimate, one-to-one exchanges to impersonal gatherings of large CHAPTER 1 Introduction The study of sociology starts from the basic premise that human life is social life (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). Most of us are constantly involved in interactions with other human beings. From the families we are born into, through school, work, and play; retirements; and even the gatherings that memorialize our deaths, we spend our lives within a tapestry woven of interlocking social arrangements. Sociology focuses on these arrangements, including how they are created, how they change, and how they impact our lives, opportunities, and op- tions (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). The word sociology itself actually derives from the Latin word socius (companion) and the Greek word logos (study of ). Thus, sociology is most lit- erally the study of companionship (Abercrombie, Hill, and Turner 2000, 333). A textbook definition often expands that literal definition of sociology to read something close to the scientific study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of social relationships. But so what? What does that def- inition actually mean? Why is sociology important? Why should anyone study sociology? What does sociology offer to us in our personal lives? And what does it offer to wider society? This book answers those basic questions. It introduces core concepts in sociology and illustrates how the field is dynamic and relevant. Throughout, it explains how those who engage in the study of sociology understand the rela- tionships and interactions that make up our social worlds, worlds that include “everything that constitutes the collective life of groups of people... their eco- nomics, their politics, their shared mental lives, their cultures, and more” (Lemert 2001, 5–6). The study of sociology encompasses the diversity of these social worlds, ranging from intimate, one-to-one exchanges to impersonal gatherings of large CHAPTER 1 Introduction The study of sociology starts from the basic premise that human life is social life (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). Most of us are constantly involved in interactions with other human beings. From the families we are born into, through school, work, and play; retirements; and even the gatherings that memorialize our deaths, we spend our lives within a tapestry woven of interlocking social arrangements. Sociology focuses on these arrangements, including how they are created, how they change, and how they impact our lives, opportunities, and op- tions (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). The word sociology itself actually derives from the Latin word socius (companion) and the Greek word logos (study of ). Thus, sociology is most lit- erally the study of companionship (Abercrombie, Hill, and Turner 2000, 333). A textbook definition often expands that literal definition of sociology to read something close to the scientific study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of social relationships. But so what? What does that def- inition actually mean? Why is sociology important? Why should anyone study sociology? What does sociology offer to us in our personal lives? And what does it offer to wider society? This book answers those basic questions. It introduces core concepts in sociology and illustrates how the field is dynamic and relevant. Throughout, it explains how those who engage in the study of sociology understand the rela- tionships and interactions that make up our social worlds, worlds that include “everything that constitutes the collective life of groups of people... their eco- nomics, their politics, their shared mental lives, their cultures, and more” (Lemert 2001, 5–6). The study of sociology encompasses the diversity of these social worlds, ranging from intimate, one-to-one exchanges to impersonal gatherings of large CHAPTER 1 Introduction The study of sociology starts from the basic premise that human life is social life (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). Most of us are constantly involved in interactions with other human beings. From the families we are born into, through school, work, and play; retirements; and even the gatherings that memorialize our deaths, we spend our lives within a tapestry woven of interlocking social arrangements. Sociology focuses on these arrangements, including how they are created, how they change, and how they impact our lives, opportunities, and op- tions (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). The word sociology itself actually derives from the Latin word socius (companion) and the Greek word logos (study of ). Thus, sociology is most lit- erally the study of companionship (Abercrombie, Hill, and Turner 2000, 333). A textbook definition often expands that literal definition of sociology to read something close to the scientific study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of social relationships. But so what? What does that def- inition actually mean? Why is sociology important? Why should anyone study sociology? What does sociology offer to us in our personal lives? And what does it offer to wider society? This book answers those basic questions. It introduces core concepts in sociology and illustrates how the field is dynamic and relevant. Throughout, it explains how those who engage in the study of sociology understand the rela- tionships and interactions that make up our social worlds, worlds that include “everything that constitutes the collective life of groups of people... their eco- nomics, their politics, their shared mental lives, their cultures, and more” (Lemert 2001, 5–6). The study of sociology encompasses the diversity of these social worlds, ranging from intimate, one-to-one exchanges to impersonal gatherings of large CHAPTER 1 Introduction The study of sociology starts from the basic premise that human life is social life (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). Most of us are constantly involved in interactions with other human beings. From the families we are born into, through school, work, and play; retirements; and even the gatherings that memorialize our deaths, we spend our lives within a tapestry woven of interlocking social arrangements. Sociology focuses on these arrangements, including how they are created, how they change, and how they impact our lives, opportunities, and op- tions (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). The word sociology itself actually derives from the Latin word socius (companion) and the Greek word logos (study of ). Thus, sociology is most lit- erally the study of companionship (Abercrombie, Hill, and Turner 2000, 333). A textbook definition often expands that literal definition of sociology to read something close to the scientific study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of social relationships. But so what? What does that def- inition actually mean? Why is sociology important? Why should anyone study sociology? What does sociology offer to us in our personal lives? And what does it offer to wider society? This book answers those basic questions. It introduces core concepts in sociology and illustrates how the field is dynamic and relevant. Throughout, it explains how those who engage in the study of sociology understand the rela- tionships and interactions that make up our social worlds, worlds that include “everything that constitutes the collective life of groups of people... their eco- nomics, their politics, their shared mental lives, their cultures, and more” (Lemert 2001, 5–6). The study of sociology encompasses the diversity of these social worlds, ranging from intimate, one-to-one exchanges to impersonal gatherings of large CHAPTER 1 Introduction The study of sociology starts from the basic premise that human life is social life (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). Most of us are constantly involved in interactions with other human beings. From the families we are born into, through school, work, and play; retirements; and even the gatherings that memorialize our deaths, we spend our lives within a tapestry woven of interlocking social arrangements. Sociology focuses on these arrangements, including how they are created, how they change, and how they impact our lives, opportunities, and op- tions (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). The word sociology itself actually derives from the Latin word socius (companion) and the Greek word logos (study of ). Thus, sociology is most lit- erally the study of companionship (Abercrombie, Hill, and Turner 2000, 333). A textbook definition often expands that literal definition of sociology to read something close to the scientific study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of social relationships. But so what? What does that def- inition actually mean? Why is sociology important? Why should anyone study sociology? What does sociology offer to us in our personal lives? And what does it offer to wider society? This book answers those basic questions. It introduces core concepts in sociology and illustrates how the field is dynamic and relevant. Throughout, it explains how those who engage in the study of sociology understand the rela- tionships and interactions that make up our social worlds, worlds that include “everything that constitutes the collective life of groups of people... their eco- nomics, their politics, their shared mental lives, their cultures, and more” (Lemert 2001, 5–6). The study of sociology encompasses the diversity of these social worlds, ranging from intimate, one-to-one exchanges to impersonal gatherings of large CHAPTER 1 Introduction The study of sociology starts from the basic premise that human life is social life (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). Most of us are constantly involved in interactions with other human beings. From the families we are born into, through school, work, and play; retirements; and even the gatherings that memorialize our deaths, we spend our lives within a tapestry woven of interlocking social arrangements. Sociology focuses on these arrangements, including how they are created, how they change, and how they impact our lives, opportunities, and op- tions (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). The word sociology itself actually derives from the Latin word socius (companion) and the Greek word logos (study of ). Thus, sociology is most lit- erally the study of companionship (Abercrombie, Hill, and Turner 2000, 333). A textbook definition often expands that literal definition of sociology to read something close to the scientific study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of social relationships. But so what? What does that def- inition actually mean? Why is sociology important? Why should anyone study sociology? What does sociology offer to us in our personal lives? And what does it offer to wider society? This book answers those basic questions. It introduces core concepts in sociology and illustrates how the field is dynamic and relevant. Throughout, it explains how those who engage in the study of sociology understand the rela- tionships and interactions that make up our social worlds, worlds that include “everything that constitutes the collective life of groups of people... their eco- nomics, their politics, their shared mental lives, their cultures, and more” (Lemert 2001, 5–6). The study of sociology encompasses the diversity of these social worlds, ranging from intimate, one-to-one exchanges to impersonal gatherings of large CHAPTER 1 Introduction The study of sociology starts from the basic premise that human life is social life (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). Most of us are constantly involved in interactions with other human beings. From the families we are born into, through school, work, and play; retirements; and even the gatherings that memorialize our deaths, we spend our lives within a tapestry woven of interlocking social arrangements. Sociology focuses on these arrangements, including how they are created, how they change, and how they impact our lives, opportunities, and op- tions (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). The word sociology itself actually derives from the Latin word socius (companion) and the Greek word logos (study of ). Thus, sociology is most lit- erally the study of companionship (Abercrombie, Hill, and Turner 2000, 333). A textbook definition often expands that literal definition of sociology to read something close to the scientific study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of social relationships. But so what? What does that def- inition actually mean? Why is sociology important? Why should anyone study sociology? What does sociology offer to us in our personal lives? And what does it offer to wider society? This book answers those basic questions. It introduces core concepts in sociology and illustrates how the field is dynamic and relevant. Throughout, it explains how those who engage in the study of sociology understand the rela- tionships and interactions that make up our social worlds, worlds that include “everything that constitutes the collective life of groups of people... their eco- nomics, their politics, their shared mental lives, their cultures, and more” (Lemert 2001, 5–6). The study of sociology encompasses the diversity of these social worlds, ranging from intimate, one-to-one exchanges to impersonal gatherings of large CHAPTER 1 Introduction The study of sociology starts from the basic premise that human life is social life (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). Most of us are constantly involved in interactions with other human beings. From the families we are born into, through school, work, and play; retirements; and even the gatherings that memorialize our deaths, we spend our lives within a tapestry woven of interlocking social arrangements. Sociology focuses on these arrangements, including how they are created, how they change, and how they impact our lives, opportunities, and op- tions (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). The word sociology itself actually derives from the Latin word socius (companion) and the Greek word logos (study of ). Thus, sociology is most lit- erally the study of companionship (Abercrombie, Hill, and Turner 2000, 333). A textbook definition often expands that literal definition of sociology to read something close to the scientific study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of social relationships. But so what? What does that def- inition actually mean? Why is sociology important? Why should anyone study sociology? What does sociology offer to us in our personal lives? And what does it offer to wider society? This book answers those basic questions. It introduces core concepts in sociology and illustrates how the field is dynamic and relevant. Throughout, it explains how those who engage in the study of sociology understand the rela- tionships and interactions that make up our social worlds, worlds that include “everything that constitutes the collective life of groups of people... their eco- nomics, their politics, their shared mental lives, their cultures, and more” (Lemert 2001, 5–6). The study of sociology encompasses the diversity of these social worlds, ranging from intimate, one-to-one exchanges to impersonal gatherings of large CHAPTER 1 Introduction The study of sociology starts from the basic premise that human life is social life (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). Most of us are constantly involved in interactions with other human beings. From the families we are born into, through school, work, and play; retirements; and even the gatherings that memorialize our deaths, we spend our lives within a tapestry woven of interlocking social arrangements. Sociology focuses on these arrangements, including how they are created, how they change, and how they impact our lives, opportunities, and op- tions (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). The word sociology itself actually derives from the Latin word socius (companion) and the Greek word logos (study of ). Thus, sociology is most lit- erally the study of companionship (Abercrombie, Hill, and Turner 2000, 333). A textbook definition often expands that literal definition of sociology to read something close to the scientific study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of social relationships. But so what? What does that def- inition actually mean? Why is sociology important? Why should anyone study sociology? What does sociology offer to us in our personal lives? And what does it offer to wider society? This book answers those basic questions. It introduces core concepts in sociology and illustrates how the field is dynamic and relevant. Throughout, it explains how those who engage in the study of sociology understand the rela- tionships and interactions that make up our social worlds, worlds that include “everything that constitutes the collective life of groups of people... their eco- nomics, their politics, their shared mental lives, their cultures, and more” (Lemert 2001, 5–6). The study of sociology encompasses the diversity of these social worlds, ranging from intimate, one-to-one exchanges to impersonal gatherings of large CHAPTER 1 Introduction The study of sociology starts from the basic premise that human life is social life (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). Most of us are constantly involved in interactions with other human beings. From the families we are born into, through school, work, and play; retirements; and even the gatherings that memorialize our deaths, we spend our lives within a tapestry woven of interlocking social arrangements. Sociology focuses on these arrangements, including how they are created, how they change, and how they impact our lives, opportunities, and op- tions (Rebach and Bruhn 2001, 5). The word sociology itself actually derives from the Latin word socius (companion) and the Greek word logos (study of ). Thus, sociology is most lit- erally the study of companionship (Abercrombie, Hill, and Turner 2000, 333). A textbook definition often expands that literal definition of sociology to read something close to the scientific study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of social relationships. But so what? What does that def- inition actually mean? Why is sociology important? Why should anyone study sociology? What does sociology offer to us in our personal lives? And what does it offer to wider society? This book answers those basic questions. It introduces core concepts in eco- nomics, their politics, their shared mental lives, their cultures, and more” (Lemert 2001, 5–6). The study of sociology encompasses the diversity of these social worlds, ranging from intimate, one-to-one exchanges to impersonal gatherings of large
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