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Chapter 1: The Sociological Perspective Chapter Summary This chapter explains what sociology is. The sociological perspective focuses on the connection between biography and history. This chapter discusses the origins of sociology with a focus on European sociologists writing about the Industrial Revolution and how sociology came to exist in the United States. It also explores the contributions and debates of sociologists within the United States, including the debate between pure sociology and social reform. The first half of the chapter explains three main perspectives of sociology—symbolic interactionism, functional analysis, and conflict theory. The importance of thinking about theory and research working together is also highlighted. The second half of the chapter demonstrates a basic understanding of sociological research methods, starting with why it is important to study social behaviors even though some people consider these topics to be common sense. The chapter demonstrates and explains the stages and different types of research designs that sociologists can use. The author then provides a brief discussion on the considerations for gender in research and research ethics. The chapter ends with a discussion of the contention between research and social reform and also the influence of globalization on the field of sociology and how the author believes these two ideas could shape sociology in the future. Learning Objectives LO 1.1: Explain why both history and biography are essential for the sociological perspective. LO 1.2: Trace the origins of sociology, from tradition to Max Weber. 1.4 LO 1.3: Trace the development of sociology in North America, and explain the tension between objective analysis and social reform. LO 1.4: Explain the basic ideas of symbolic interactionism, functional analysis, and conflict theory. LO 1.5 Explain why common sense can’t replace sociological research. LO 1.6 Know the eight steps of the research mo
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