SOCA01H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 06: Interpersonal Communication, September 11 Attacks, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Document Summary
Although sociology is the scientific study of society, it is important to recognize that societies are defined by boundaries. This chapter takes a macrosociological focus, examining the differences and relationships among regions, nations, and empires and noting how they shape the lives of the people who are living in them. Although people may be scattered throughout the world, they are increasingly linked through the forces of globalization, which seemingly shrink boundaries. It is noted that advanced technology overcomes the obstacles created by temporal and spatial distance and plays a significant role in establishing and maintaining relationships among people. Thus, relationships are forged among people who, if it were not for the availability of communications technology, would not have a chance to know each other. The blurring of distance increases familiarity and in so doing, increases the chances of co-operation among separate geographic units.
