Introducing Sociology

Mills said that when we develop a sociological imagination we begin to see how wider social forces connect with our personal biographies. For Mills, the sociological imagination is particularly powerful when we identify the society we live in, rather any personal or individual failings, as responsible for many of our problems.

Connell argues that there are a number of subordinate masculinities and femininities arranged hierarchically underneath the hegemonic masculinity. Among these subordinate forms is homosexual masculinity. If hegemonic masculinity is seen as the embodiment of manhood, then in our gender-ordered society, the gay man is seen as the opposite. Connell is not claiming that gay men are inferior, but he understands that homosexuality is a stigmatized identity and ranks at the bottom of the gender hierarchy for men.

I OFTEN SAY SOCIOLOGY IS A MARTIAL ART, A MEANS OF SELF-DEFENCE. BASICALLY, YOU USE IT TO DEFEND YOURSELF, WITHOUT HAVING THE RIGHT TO USE IT FOR UNFAIR ATTACKS.

It is far too easy to blame laziness for unemployment and fecklessness for poverty.

the sociological imagination is particularly powerful when we identify the society we live in, rather any personal or individual failings, as responsible for many of our problems.

are those relatively stable relationships between people that are shaped by institutions. Sociology maps out social structures so we can begin to see the social forces that act upon us.

SOCIETY IS ALSO THE SUM OF EVERYDAY INTERACTIONS BETWEEN PEOPLE SEEKING TO ATTAIN COMMON AIMS.

OUR VALUES AND OPPORTUNITIES ARE FORMED BY OUR POSITION WITHIN SOCIETY.

“sociology is a martial art”.

It can seem as though sociologists have a very pessimistic view of society. This is not necessarily true. Sociologists recognize that humans are social creatures and that when we cooperate this can lead to strong public institutions and a fa