1.7 Conclusion
In this chapter, you learned about the sociological perspective and how sociologists use this framework to understand society and human interactions. We can explore seemingly ordinary events, such as the Pendleton Round-Up, from a sociological perspective to learn about social institutions and social inequalities. For instance, we learned how economically important a rodeo can be for communities. However, while the economy is certainly an important institution, we also learned that we need to consider how it intersects with other important social institutions, such as health care.
The Round-Up also offers an opportunity to study representation to understand more about race and gender in this athletic event. Take the image in figure 1.22. Here we see a man participating in the Brahman bull riding event wearing a traditional Western hat rather than a helmet. You can compare this picture with the riders in figure 1.23 wearing helmets. The selection of a Western hat reinforces the boundaries of what it means to be “manly” and show power through displays of tough masculinity. You will learn more about gender and constructions of masculinity in Chapter 9. While we’ve explored the Pendleton Round-Up from a sociological perspective in this chapter, what other local events could you analyze with your newfound sociological imagination?
Sociologists are trained to use their sociological imaginations to examine social life and see things from different perspectives. This chapter has introduced you to many core concepts that you can apply to the world around you. You may notice that you are able to use your newly developed sociological imagination when you evaluate movies, music, and group interactions.
Now that you have a sense of what sociology is, it’s time to take a closer look at the different theoretical perspectives sociologists use to make sense of human behavior and identify patterns. The next chapter will explore how sociological theory developed and shaped the perspectives that we use to examine the social world. You will learn about the origins of social theory and how social theory has been shaped by events such as the Industrial Revolution, imperialism, and colonialism. Finally, you will learn how classical theory has helped inform contemporary sociological theory.
Review of Learning Objectives
Key Terms
- Agency: free will or the ability to make independent decisions. As sociologists, we understand that the choices we have available to us are often limited by larger structural constraints.
- Diversity: the presence of differences, including psychological, physical, and social differences, that occur among individuals.
- Macro-level analysis/macrosociology: the study of trends among and between institutions and societies. Macrosociology emphasizes the influence of structures, institutions, and systems.
- Micro-level analysis/microsociology: the study of small groups and individual interactions. Microsociology emphasizes context, m