SOC103H1 Lecture Notes - Macrosociology, Microsociology, Industrial Revolution
Document Summary
Sociology = systematic study of societies: types of people, types of relationships, types of groups. Social institutions are organized structures involving various social relationships to solve social problems. A relatively stable, shared pattern of behaviour based on relatively stable values. Meets people"s most important needs (eg for order, belief, and reproduction) It includes the structural components through which most needs are met (laws, religions, and families) Social institutions are stable patterns of behaviour created and maintained through social interaction. Herbert spencer argued that institutions are like plants. Marx says all institutions are machines of oppression except the proletariat institutions. Social institutions perform both manifest and latent functions: manifest. Intended and easily recognized (eg universities transmit knowledge) Unintended and often hidden (eg universities are a marriage market) New questioning of religious belief and tradition. Science and sociology believe in the same things.
