1/14/15What is Sociology?Sociology- the study of human behavior in society- A scientific way you to think about society and its influence on humans- Includes the study of social behavior and social changeThe Sociological Imagination- the ability to see the societal patterns that influence the individualas well as groups of individuals- Developed by C. Wright Mills (1959)- Developing the sociological perspectiveo Begins w/an interest in peopleo Develops into a study of how society influences human behaviorC. Wright Mills- Believed sociology reveals how society shapes our lives- In order to understand the historical and cultural context of his or her life What does Mills mean by this?The American Family as a Social InstitutionThe purpose of a family: To procreate and raise better people for the future To expand their family= love Social status Tax breaks More workers Support SocializationFamily- Any relatively stable group of people bound by ties of blood, marriage, adoption; or by any sexually expressive relationship; or who simply live together, and who are committed to andprovide each other w/an economic & emotional support.Families are…- A social institution - A major source of socialization- Shaped by their relationship to system of inequality- A place of continuous change and diversityTypes of families2/14/15- Isolated nuclear- Mom, dad + kids- Two-earner- Both working adults- Single parent- Childless/Post-childrearing family- Domestic partnerships- Chosen family- Blended family- Extended familiesFunctions of the Family (Today)*- Regulation of sexual behavior- Reproduction- Social placement- Socialization- Economic cooperation- Care, protection, & IntimacyModes of PowerPatriarchal Families- The male(s) is the head of the household- Most of the world is made up of patriarchal