SOC 1001 University of Cincinnati Understanding Bullying in School
SOC 1001 University of Cincinnati An Analysis of Cyberbullying Sociologically
SOC 1001 University of Cincinnati Bullying Prevention and Social Change
SOC 1001 University of Cincinnati Final Project Milestone: Cyberbullying
SOC 1001 University of Cincinnati Impact of Cyberbullying on Youth
SOC 1001 University of Cincinnati Bullying Cultural Beliefs Social Roles Inequalities Analysis
SOC 1001 University of Cincinnati Sociological Insights on Alcohol Abuse
SOC 1001 University of Cincinnati Analyzing the Opioid Epidemic in Sociology
SOC 1001 University of Cincinnati Understanding the Impact of Bullying
SOC 1001 University of Cincinnati Understanding Bullying Dynamics
SOC 1001 University of Cincinnati Understanding Cyberbullying and its Impact
1. The Sociological Imagination
Definition (C. Wright Mills): The ability to connect personal experiences (“biography”) to larger social structures (“history”).
Key Idea: Personal troubles (e.g., unemployment) often reflect public issues (e.g., economic recession).
Importance:
Encourages critical thinking about society.
Helps identify how social forces shape individual choices.
Example: Divorce is not just a personal failure but linked to cultural norms, economic pressures, and legal systems.
2. Sociological Research Methods
Quantitative Methods
Surveys, experiments, statistical analysis.
Strength: Generalizable results.
Limitation: May miss depth of meaning.
Qualitative Methods
Interviews, ethnography, participant observation.
Strength: Rich, detailed insights.
Limitation: Smaller sample sizes, less generalizable.
Mixed Methods
Combines quantitative breadth with qualitative depth.
Ethical Considerations
Informed consent.
Confidentiality.
Avoiding harm.
Table: Research Methods Comparison
Method Strengths Limitations
Surveys Large sample, generalizable Limited depth
Experiments Control variables Artificial settings
Ethnography Rich detail Time-consuming, subjective
Interviews Personal insights Small sample size
3. Culture
Definition: Shared beliefs, values, norms, and material objects.
Components:
Material culture: Physical objects (clothing, technology).
Non-material culture: Ideas, beliefs, values.
Norms: Rules of behavior.
Folkways (casual norms).
Mores (serious norms tied to morality).
Taboos (prohibited behaviors).
Values: Standards of what is good or desirable.
Symbols & Language: Central to communication and meaning.
Cultural Relativism vs. Ethnocentrism:
Relativism: Understanding cultures on their own terms.
Ethnocentrism: Judging other cultures by one’s own standards.
4. Socialization
Definition: Lifelong process of learning norms, values, and roles.
Agents of Socialization:
Family (primary).
Education.
Peer groups.
Media.
Religion.
Theories:
Mead’s “I” and “Me” (self develops through interaction).
Cooley’s “Looking-glass self” (self-image shaped by others’ perceptions).
Resocialization: Learning new norms (e.g., military training, prison).
5. Social Structure and Institutions
Social Structure: Organized patterns of relationships and institutions.
Institutions: Stable systems meeting societal needs.
Family: Reproduction, socialization.
Education: Knowledge transmission.
Economy: Production/distribution.
Government: Order, regulation.
Religion: Meaning, moral guidance.
Roles & Status:
Status: Position in society (ascribed vs. achieved).
Role: Expected behavior tied to status.
Social Networks: Connections among individuals and groups.
6. Social Inequality
Definition: Unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges.
Dimensions:
Class (economic).
Race/ethnicity.
Gender.
Age.
Theories:
Functionalism: Inequality serves a purpose (motivates achievement).
Conflict theory: Inequality benefits elites at expense of others.
Symbolic interactionism: Inequality reinforced through everyday interactions.
Stratification Systems:
Caste (fixed).
Class (fluid, mobility possible).
Social Mobility: Movement up or down hierarchy.
7. Social Change
Definition: Transformation of culture, institutions, and social structures over time.
Drivers:
Technology.
Social movements.
Globalization.
Demographics.
Theories:
Evolutionary: Gradual development.
Conflict: Change through struggle.
Cyclical: Rise and fall of civilizations.
Examples:
Civil Rights Movement.
Feminist Movement.
Digital Revolution.
8. Major Theoretical Perspectives
Functionalism (Durkheim): Society as a system of interdependent parts.
Conflict Theory (Marx): Society marked by inequality and struggle.
Symbolic Interactionism (Mead, Blumer): Focus on micro-level interactions and meanings.
9. Key Terms Glossary
Sociological imagination
Culture, norms, values
Socialization, agents of socialization
Social structure, institutions
Social inequality, stratification
Social change, globalization