اللغة الانجليزية
Section outline
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Definition of sociology
Sociology studies the social life of humans and how people interact with each other, the relationships of groups and societies, their cultures and customs, and their effects on those around them and the world.
Sociology includes a group of academic disciplines that help explain how societies work and develop, and the factors that affect them negatively and positively in all aspects of life, such as economic, psychological, and other aspects, which helps shape corporate strategies and influence the policies of governments and decision-makers .
Sociology is a relatively new academic discipline; It appeared in the early nineteenth century as a response to modernity, which affected the lives of individuals by making them more isolated, despite its positive impact in increasing the interconnectedness between the countries of the world, and achieving more and more integration in the world.
Keywords: Sociology/ humans/ interact/ other/ relationships/ policies/ decision-makers./ academic discipline/ isolated,/ strategies/ affected.
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Importance of Sociology
- Sociology makes a scientific study of society: Sociology has made it possible to study society in a systematic and scientific manner. Scientific knowledge about human society is needed in order to achieve progress in various fields.
- Sociology throws more light on the social nature of man: Sociology delves deep into the social nature of man. It tells us why man is a social animal and why he lives in groups. It examines the relationships between individuals and the society.
- Sociology improves our understanding of society and increases the power of social action: The science of society assists an individual to understand himself, his capacities, talents and limitations. It enables him to adjust to the environment. Knowledge of society and social groups helps us to lead an effective social life.
Sociology has contributed generously to enhance the value of human culture: Sociology has trained us in building a rational approach to questions that concern ourselves, our religion and customs. It teaches one to have an object-oriented and balanced approach. It emphasizes the importance of ignoring petty personal prejudices and ambitions that are influenced by ego and envy.
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- Sociology studies the role of institutions in the development of the individual: The home and family, school and education, church and religion, states and government, and marriage and family are important institutions through which a society functions. Furthermore, they are conditioners of an individual’s knowledge of sociology.
- Sociological knowledge is indispensable for understanding and planning of the society: Sociological planning has been made easier by sociology. Sociology is often considered a vehicle of social reform and
social organization. It plays an important role in reconstruction of the society.
- The need for sociology in underdeveloped countries: Sociologists have drawn the attention of economists regarding the social factors that have contributed to the economic backwardness of a few countries. Economists have now realized the importance of sociological knowledge in analysing the economic affairs of a country.
- Study of society has helped several governments to promote the welfare of tribal people: Not only civilized societies but tribal societies also have several socio-economic problems. Studies conducted byIntroduction to Sociology
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Definitions of Urban Sociology
• According to Nels Anderson - “Urban sociology concerns society and living in towns and cities”.
• E.Bergal – “Urban sociology deals with the impact of city life on social actions, social relationships, social institutions and types of civilizations derived form and based on urban modes of living”.
• According to Quinn - “In sociological sense , the science related to the study of structure of cities and urbanners in urban sociology.
In the other word, urban sociology studies the development of town, social disorganization, the problems of urban life and town planning. It makes a study of the interaction between the urban environment and the development of human personality. It also studies the structure, role and the permanent and changing elements of the family.
In short, Urban sociologists use a variety of methods, including statistical analysis, observation, archival research, and interviews, to study a range of topics, such as poverty, racial residential segregation, economic development, migration and demographic trends, gentrification, homelessness, blight and crime, urban decline, and neighborhood changes and revitalization.
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History of Urban Sociology
Urban sociology emerged as a distinct field of study in the late 19th century, as cities began to grow rapidly in size and complexity. One of the earliest and most influential urban sociologists was Georg Simmel, who argued that the unique features of urban life, such as its diversity and density, led to a distinctive form of social interaction characterized by anonymity, impersonality, and competition. Other early urban sociologists, such as Louis Wirth and Robert Park, also emphasized the importance of space and place in shaping urban life.
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Major Concepts in Urban Sociology
There are a number of major concepts that are central to urban sociology. Here is a quick glance at a few of the most significant urban sociology terms.
· Urbanization: The process by which people move from rural areas to cities.
· City: A large, densely populated area with a diverse population and a variety of economic, social, and cultural institutions.
· Neighborhood: A smaller unit within a city that is characterized by a shared sense of identity and community.
· Social disorganization: A condition in which the social norms and institutions of a neighborhood are weakened or absent, leading to increased crime, poverty, and other social problems.
· Gentrification: The process by which a neighborhood is transformed from a low-income area to a more affluent one, often displacing longtime residents.
· Urban sprawl: The uncontrolled growth of cities outward, leading to the development of low-density housing and commercial areas.
· Sustainable cities: Cities that are designed to meet the needs of their residents without compromising the environment.
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Functionalism, in social sciences, theory based on the premise that all aspects of a society—Finstitutions, roles, norms, etc.—serve a purpose and that all are indispensable for the long-term survival of the society. The approach gained prominence in the works of 19th-century sociologists, particularly those who viewed societies as organisms. The French sociologist Émile Durkheim argued that it was necessary to understand the “needs” of the social organism to which social phenomena correspond. Other writers have used the concept of function to mean the interrelationships of parts within a system, the adaptive aspect of a phenomenon, or its observable consequences. In sociology, functionalism met the need for a method of analysis; in anthropology it provided an alternative to evolutionary theory and trait-diffusion analysis.
Functional theories in sociology see society as a system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain stability and order. Each part (like family, education, or religion) serves a function to benefit society as a whole.
Key Takeaways
• The functionalism perspective is a paradigm influenced by American sociology from roughly the 1930s to the 1960s, although its origins lay in the work of the French sociologist Emile Durkheim, writing at the end of the 19th century.
• Functionalism is a structural theory and posits that the social institutions and organization of society influence the running of society and individuals’ behaviors.
• Talcott Parsons expanded upon Durkheim”s idea of the society as a moral regulator to create a “grand” theory of sociology intended to explain all of human behavior in relation to institutions.
• According to both Parsons and Durkheim, societies undergo an evolution, and large, formalized structures (such as the family or education) evolve to serve the purpose that small communities once had. People become more interdependent.
What Is A Functionalist Theory In Sociology?
Functionalism examines how the social institutions that make up society, such as the economy, education, family, religion, and media, all perform a useful purpose, and also influence members of society.
Functionalism is a theory that views society as a complex but orderly and stable system with interconnected structures and social patterns that operate to meet the needs of individuals’ needs.
The main ideas of the Functionalist perspective are that:
1. There is a social structure that exists independently of individuals. This social structure consists of norms and values passed on through institutions that shape the individual.
2. Sociologists should study society scientifically in a way that looks for the general laws explaining human action on a macro level.
3. Socialization is important because individuals need to be regulated for everyone’s benefit. Thus, the integration and regulation of individuals are good.
4. Sociologists should analyze society as a system by looking at each social phenomenon and the contribution it makes to the whole of society. Talcott Parsons believed that society acts in a similar way to the human body, as social institutions interact in the same way as human organs. Both are interconnected and interdependent parts that function for the good of the whole.
Critics argue that functionalism can overemphasize harmony and consensus while neglecting social conflict and inequality. However, it remains a foundational perspective in sociology, influencing studies of institutions, social roles, and the mechanisms of societal change -
Definition:
Symbolic interactionism is a sociological theory that focuses on how people create and interpret symbols (like language, gestures, and objects) during social interactions. It emphasizes that reality is socially constructed through communication.
Main Idea:
Society is built and maintained through everyday interactions and the meanings people give to things. People's behavior depends on how they interpret the social world around them.
Key Thinkers:
George Herbert Mead, Herbert Blumer.
Important Concepts:
Symbols: Anything that carries meaning (like words, gestures, or objects).
Meaning: People act toward things based on the meanings those things have for them.
Interpretation: Meanings are not fixed; they are created and changed through social interaction. -
Definition:
Conflict theory is a sociological theory that sees society as a competition for limited resources. It focuses on the struggles between different social classes or groups for power and wealth.
Main Idea:
Society is shaped by conflicts between those who have power and those who do not. Change and social inequality come from these conflicts, not from harmony.
Conflict Theory
Key Thinkers: Karl Marx, Max Weber
Important Concepts:
Power and Inequality: Society is divided into groups that compete for resources like money, education, and political influence.
Class Conflict: Between the rich (bourgeoisie) and the working class (proletariat).
Social Change: Happens through conflict, not peaceful evolution.