The Sociological Perspective and Research Process

His name was Josh Evans. He was 16 years old. And he was hot. “Mom! Mom! Mom! Look at him!” Tina Meier recalls her daughter saying. Josh had contacted Megan Meier through her MySpace page and wanted to be added as a friend. “Yes, he’s cute,” Tina Meier told her daughter. “Do you know who he is?” Not “No, but look at him! He’s hot! Please, please, can I add him?” Mom said yes. And for six weeks Megan and Josh—under Tina’s watchful eye—became Foracquainted in the virtual world of MySpace. Josh said he was born in Florida and recently had moved to O’Fallon [Missouri]. He was homeschooled. He played the guitar and drums. . . . Sale As for 13-year-old Megan . . . [she] loved swimming, boating, fi shing, dogs, rap music and boys. But her life had not always been easy, her mother says. She was heavy and for years had tried to lose weight. She had attention defi cit disorder and battled depression. . . . But things © AP Images/Tom Gannam © AP Images/Tom

▲ Tina Meier, the mother of Megan Meier, were going exceptionally well. She had shed displays photographs of her daughter, who committed suicide at the age of thirteen after 20 pounds, getting down to 175. She was 5 reacting to fake MySpace postings by the foot 5½ inches tall. . . . mother of one of her former friends. Studying sociology provides us with new insights on Part of the reason for Megan’s rosy outlook problems such as suicide by making us aware that much more goes on in social life than we was Josh, Tina says. After school Megan would initially observe.

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ch001.indd 2 24/09/10 5:11 PM rush to the computer. . . . It did seem odd, Tina says, that Josh never asked for Megan’s phone number. And when Megan asked for his, she says, Josh said he didn’t have a cell and his mother did not yet have a landline. And then on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006, Megan received a puzzling and disturbing message from Josh. Tina recalls that it said, “I don’t know if I want to be friends with you anymore because I’ve heard that you are not very nice to your friends.” Frantic, Megan shot back: “What are you talking about?” (Pokin, 2007) This and other hostile instant message exchanges set into In this chapter motion the fi nal, disturbing episode in the life of Megan Meier, ● Putting Social Life into Not Perspective as she was suddenly confronted with not only the anger and ● The Development of cynicism of a young man she thought she knew and trusted but Sociological Thinking ● Contemporary Theoretical also the bullying of other young people gathered on the social Perspectives ● The Sociological Research networking site MySpace who also sent a barrage of hate-fi lled Process For ● Research Methods messages that called Megan a liar and much worse. ● Ethical Issues in Sociological “Mom, they’re being Horrible!” Megan said, sobbing into Research the phone when her mother called. After an hour, Megan ran into her bedroom and hanged herself with a belt. “She felt there was no way out,” Ms. MeierSale said. (Maag, 2007) —the parents of Megan Meier recalling the events leading up to her suicide at only thirteen years of age

Chapter Focus Question How do sociological theory and research add to our knowledge of human societies and social issues such as suicide?

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PART 1 | STUDYING SOCIETY AND SOCIAL LIFE 4 aff is shaped by group life and how, inturn, group life is in order to develop theories of how human behavior study human interactions and social their societies to examinations behavior. of social Sociologists tives and research (or methods orderly approaches) applybecause sociologists boththeoretical perspec- interaction.ety andsocial It is a systematic Sociology into Perspective Putting Life Social ologists experience as they study asthey humanologists experience behavior. we willwrestle with some of thediffi to might answer used ods be complex questions, and and how theory will see research sociological meth- ingly individualistic of act one’s taking own life. We ories and research can help usunderstand seem- the environment social the we inwhich and live? society enon, or isit related to interactions our social and mit suicide?Is suicidepurely an individual phenom- larger question: sociological Why anyone does com- Megan’s life,brings tragicoccurrence usto this a or any other electronic medium. ment Internet, that the uses text messagingservices, in Megan’s hometown now prohibits any harass- sations at Megan and bullying her. ordinance Alocal exist—jumped into fray the and beganhurling accu- MySpace and—not knowing that Josh Evans didnot people. Subsequently, other members gathered on Megan would say about herdaughter and other for “Josh Evans” that so shecould fi reports, parent this created afake MySpace account was once Megan’s According friend. to some media creatededly hadbeen by daughter amother whose Josh Evans neverexisted: His fake persona alleg- weeks aft that hisMySpace account deleted. Six hadbeen nature destructive the of hisactions, only to learn instant messageto Josh Evans to inform himabout Megan’s tragicdeath, herparents to an tried send C ected byected individuals. In chapter, this we examine how the- sociological Although we willnever know of story thefull

er Megan’s death, herparents that learned

is thesystematic study of human soci- of cyber-bullying. In the aft raising many issuesabout problem the touched herparents while and friends learly, suicideof the Megan deeply Not Not

culties culties that soci-

nd out what For For of ermath study

Everyday Life box on page 6. Before and reading on, quiz the take Sociology inthe lightin the of conclusive to contrary. the evidence ally, to perpetuate or beliefs certain “theories” even may either used, intentionally be or unintention- myths. Amyth However, many commonsense notions are actually knowledge lives and other people’s behavior. to helppersonal experience usunderstand our daily of usrely on intuition or common gained sense from common and sense, ourMany personal experiences. ance by enabling eachof usto beyond look intuition, A wewhich belong we inwhich and live. society the how behavior islargely shaped by groups the to ourselves and world. our social It enables usto see helps usgain abetter understanding ofSociology Why StudySociology? understand that of each usisaff or Nigeria. Examining world the order helps us expectations, authority anddominant cultural same political to territory andissubject the same geographical logical insights to everyday life (see are employed inavariety of fi reason,this people with aknowledge of sociology problems and making decisions life. ineveryday For seem.” provides ways new Sociology of approaching that helps “things ussee inquiry are not what they Peter sociologist the (1963:23),sociological Berger own “world” and that of other people. According to greater awareness of theconnection between our gain insights new into ourselves and to develop a established ways of thus thinking, allowing usto enables usto movepersonal level. Sociology beyond an adverse eff air and water, place takes inone region, it may have such asremoving natural resources or polluting the sustains life. When environmental degradation, zonethe of Earth’s the and surface atmosphere that throughout world the share same biosphere— the Environmental problems are an example: People nation’s problems are of part alarger problem. global of allpeople are intertwined closely and any one interdependence Sale society Sociology promotesSociology understanding and toler- Individuals on canamore make of use sociology

is a large social groupingis alargesocial that shares the guidesordinary conduct life. ineveryday ect onect people around globe. the such United asthe States, Mexico, isapopular but notion false that —a relationship lives the inwhich eldsthat apply socio- etd by ected ▼ Figure 1.1). Commonsense global 24/09/10 5:11PM | 5 CHAPTER 1 THE SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE AND RESEARCH PROCESS 24/09/10 5:11 PM24/09/10 5:11 PM Public Public Many of our our of Many Law Law Criminal Justice are private problems problems private are C. Wright Mills’s term for for term Mills’s Wright C. ect large numbers of people of numbers ect large Personal troubles the systematic study of human society and the systematic a large social grouping that shares the that shares social grouping a large Academia Anthropology Economics Geography History Information Studies Media Studies/ Communication Political Science Psychology Sociology ect individuals and the networks of people of networks the and ect individuals en require solutions at thesocietal Wide- at level. solutions en require are problems that aff that problems are sociology social interaction. society territorysame geographical and is subject the to same political authority and dominant cultural expectations. sociological imagination individual between the ability see the relationship to society. and the larger experiences seemingly us place helps e sociological imagination distinguish between personal troubles and social and (or troubles personal between distinguish issues. public) Suicide as a Personal Trouble Trouble Suicide as a Personal issues and oft changes economic of as a result unemployment spread issue. a public of example an is closings as plant such Th feeling job or one’s as losing such troubles, personal social context, a larger into suicide, committing like personal how whether distinguish and can we where issues. public to be related may troubles that aff that those a result, As they regularly. whom associate with their within individuals by be solved must problems person one example, social For settings. immediate trouble. be a personal may unemployed being Sale our beyond be experiences largely may individual by society determined as a are ey Th control. own c — other Communication Broadcasting Public Relations Journalism ects of such such ects of is awareness awareness is Th ey use system- For sociological imagination Business Advertising Labor Relations Management Marketing ndings. Whereas some sociolo- some Whereas ndings. these actions. of er as a result e sociological imagination helps us helps e sociological imagination

FIELDS THAT USE SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH SCIENCE SOCIAL USE THAT FIELDS Not ects of suicide or other social other suicide or issues. ects of suff 1.1 people usually commit the acts and the acts and commit usually people c community for their methods and the pre- their methods and for c community FIGURE FIGURE By contrast, sociologists strive to use sociologists to scientifi strive contrast, By sociologists the multiple seek out Consequently, Counseling Education Medicine Nursing Social Work Health and Health Human Services only not the problem of the impact ey analyze the ability to see the relationship between see to the ability the relationship individual experiences and the larger society. per- the link between our understand us to enables in which experiences the sonal social and contexts Th occur. they Sociologist C. Wright Mills (1959b) described (1959b) Mills socio- Sociologist C. Wright as the logical reasoning The Sociological Imagination The ▲ 1991. Cook, and Crouch, Based on Katzer, Source: In many careers, including jobs in academia, business, communication, health and human services, and law, the ability to analyze the ability analyze to health and human services, communication, and law, academia, business, including jobs in careers, In many important is an research asset. social science sentation of their fi of sentation value sociology be that completely gists argue must or (personal subjective distorting from free—free objec- total think that do not bias—others emotional) when studying goal desirable or attainable is an tivity all sociologists attempt However, behavior. human in human commonalities or patterns discover to they example, for suicide, they study When behavior. though even behavior of patterns recurring for look individual atic research techniques and are accountable to the to accountable are and techniques research atic scientifi individuals eff and causes Th involved directly the people of the standpoint from but also from the standpoint of the eff all people. on behavior standards, not popular myths or hearsay, in study- hearsay, or myths popular not standards, Th social societying and interaction. ch001.indd 5ch001.indd 5 6 sociology and everyday life How Much Do You Know About Suicide?

True False T F 1. For people thinking of suicide, it is diffi cult, if not impossible, to see the bright side of life. T F 2. People who talk about suicide don’t do it. T F 3. Suicide rates in the United States are highest for Asian/Pacifi c Islanders because of pressure to achieve. T F 4. Rates of suicide are highest in the intermountain states located in the western and northwestern regions of the United States. T F 5. Females complete suicide (take their own life) at a much higher rate than that of males. T F 6. Over half of all suicides occur in adult women between the ages of 25 and 65. T F 7. Older women have lower rates of both attempted and completed suicide than older men. T F 8. Children don’t know enough to be able to intentionally kill themselves. T F 9. Suicide rates for African Americans are higher than for white Americans. T F 10. More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, infl uenza, and chronic lung disease combined. Not Answers on page 8.

whole—by its historical development and its orga- focused primarily on the United States to develop a nization. In everyday life, we do not defi ne personal more comprehensive global approach for the future

experiences in these terms. If a person commits sui- (see ▼ Map 1.1). In the twenty-fi rst century, we face cide, many people consider it to be the resultFor of his important challenges in a rapidly changing nation or her own personal problems. and world. Th e world’s high-income countries are nations with highly industrialized economies; Suicide as a Public Issue We can also use the technologically advanced industrial, administra- sociological imagination to look at the problem of tive, and service occupations; and relatively high suicide as a public issue—a societal problem. Early levels of national and personal income. Some sociologist Emile Durkheim refused to accept com- examples are the United States, Canada, Australia, New SaleZealand, Japan, and the countries of Western monsense explanations of suicide. In what is probably the fi rst sociological study to use scientifi c research Europe. methods, he related suicide to the issue of cohesiveness As compared with other nations of the world, (or lack of cohesiveness) in society instead of viewing many high-income nations have a high standard suicide as an isolated act that could be understood of living and a lower death rate due to advances in only by studying individual personalities or inherited nutrition and medical technology. However, every- tendencies. In Suicide (1964b/1897), Durkheim doc- one living in a so-called high-income country does umented his contention that a high suicide rate was not necessarily have a high income or an outstand- symptomatic of large-scale societal problems. ing quality of life. In contrast, middle-income coun- tries are nations with industrializing economies, The Importance of a Global particularly in urban areas, and moderate levels of national and personal income. Some examples Sociological Imagination of middle-income countries are the nations of East- Although existing sociological theory and research ern Europe and many Latin American countries, provide the foundation for sociological think- where nations such as Brazil and Mexico are indus- ing, we must reach beyond past studies that have trializing rapidly.

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Race Ocean Pacific Australia (sometimes referred to as to (sometimes referred nitions are in order. order. in are nitions (sometimes referred (sometimes referred (sometimes referred to to (sometimes referred West Bengal, India Bengal, West Asia Indian Ocean East Middle ) nations with industrializing countries developing particularly and moderate economies, in urban areas, of national and personal income. levels countries low-income ) nations with little countries as underdeveloped of national and levels industrialization and low personal income. high-income countries countries high-income ) nations with highly as industrial countries to advanced technologically economies; industrialized and service occupations; administrative, industrial, of national and personal high levels and relatively income. middle-income countries Arctic Ocean is a term used by many people to specify groups specify to people groups many is a term used by characteristics physical by distinguished people of racial no “pure” as skin color; are in fact,such there most by race is considered of the concept types, and this question, a few defi a few this question, Africa Europe Sale Antarctica Poland, Europe Ocean Atlantic South erent from us from erent America

For low- of Examples North are primarily agrarianare America Central America cult to make because there because there make cult to THE WORLD’S ECONOMIES IN THE EARLY TWENTYFIRST CENTURY EARLY THE IN ECONOMIES WORLD’S THE Ocean Pacific will con- this we text, roughout

New York, United States United New York, Not erences in income and standards of liv- of standards and in income erences MAP 1.1 ▲ High-income, middle-income, and low-income countries. middle-income,High-income, and low-income cation”). Th cation”). Low-income countries Developing a better understanding of diversity diversity of understanding a better Developing nations with little industrialization and low levels with industrialization little nations and personal income. national of are wide diff are income countries are many of the nations of Africa of the nations of many are countries income Repub- the People’s and India particularly Asia, and the land work typically people China, where lic of However, in the world. the poorest among are and diffi are generalizations 8, “Global (see Chapter nations many within ing Stratifi is important for our personal, social, and economic economic social, and personal, our for is important sex, class, race/ethnicity, your Whatever well-being. the thinking in your include to able you are age, or in dissimilar quite who are people perspectives of answering view? Before of experiences points and tinue to develop our sociological imaginations by by sociological imaginations our develop to tinue other and States social in the United examining life nations. diff who are people for tolerance and ch001.indd 7ch001.indd 7 8 sociology and everyday life ANSWERS to the Sociology Quiz on Suicide

1. True. To people thinking of suicide, an acknowledgment that there is a bright side only confi rms and conveys the message that they have failed; otherwise, they could see the bright side of life as well. 2. False. Some people who talk about suicide do kill themselves. Warning signals of possible suicide attempts include talk of suicide, the desire not to exist anymore, and despair. 3. False. Asian/Pacifi c Islanders had the lowest rates of suicide per 100,000 in the United States, whereas Native Americans (American Indian/Alaskan Natives) had the highest suicide rates. 4. True. Suicide rates are highest in the western and northwestern regions of the United States (see Map 1.2 on page 33). What sociological factors might help explain this trend? 5. False. Males complete suicide at a rate four times that of females. However, females attempt suicide three times more often than males. 6. False. Just the opposite is true: Over half of all suicides occur in adult men aged 25 to 65. 7. True. In the United States, as in other countries, suicide rates are the highest among men over age 70. One theory of why this is true asserts that older women may have a more fl exible and diverse coping style than do older men. 8. False. Children do knowNot how to intentionally hurt or kill themselves. They may learn the means and methods from televi- sion, movies, or other people. However, the National Center for Health Statistics (the agency responsible for com- piling suicide statistics) does not recognize suicides under the age of 10; they are classifi ed as accidents, despite evidence that young children have taken their own lives. 9. False. Suicide rates are much higher among white Americans than African Americans. 10. True. Suicide is a leading cause of death among teenagers and young adults. It is the third leading cause of death among young people between 15 and 24 yearsFor of age, following accidents (unintentional injuries) and homicide. Sources: Based on American Association of Suicidology, 2009; and National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009b.

sociologists to be a social construction that people observing how people lived, fi nding out what they use to justify existing social inequalities. Ethnicity thought, and doing so in a systematic manner that refers to the cultural heritage or identity of a group Sale could be verifi ed did not take hold until the nine- and is based on factors such as language or country teenth century and the social upheaval brought of origin. Class is the relative location of a person about by industrialization and urbanization. or group within the larger society, based on wealth, Industrialization is the process by which soci- power, prestige, or other valued resources. Sex refers eties are transformed from dependence on agri- to the biological and anatomical diff erences between culture and handmade products to an emphasis females and males. By contrast, gender refers to the on manufacturing and related industries. Th is meanings, beliefs, and practices associated with sex process occurred fi rst during the Industrial Revo- diff erences, referred to as femininity and masculinity. lution in Britain between 1760 and 1850, and was soon repeated throughout Western Europe. By The Development the mid-nineteenth century, industrialization was well under way in the United States. Massive eco- of Sociological Thinking nomic, technological, and social changes occurred Th roughout history, social philosophers and reli- as machine technology and the factory system gious authorities have made countless observa- shift ed the economic base of these nations from tions about human behavior. However, the idea of agriculture to manufacturing. A new social class of

ch001.indd 8 24/09/10 5:11 PM | 9 CHAPTER 1 THE SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE AND RESEARCH PROCESS 24/09/10 5:11 PM24/09/10 5:11 PM rst century? rst en under hazardous condi- en under hazardous the process by which societies by the process

the process by which an increasing which an increasing by the process ▲ the Industrial swept As Revolution

through the United States beginning in the beginning States the United through this became sights like century, nineteenth early automobile This common. increasingly of the factoryassembly line is emblematic that shifted the base of the U.S. system manufacturing. to agriculture from economy the transforming are What new technologies in the twenty-fi economy U.S.

© Hulton Archive/Getty Images Archive/Getty Hulton © industrialization industrialization on agriculture dependence from transformed are on an emphasis and handmade products to industries. manufacturing and related urbanization proportion in cities rather than in of a population lives rural areas. Early Thinkers: A Concern with Social A Concern Thinkers: Early and Stability Order grow- were problems urban time that the same At had been reason, scientists using natural worse, ing phys- of the laws discover to thinking, rational or Social the planets. think- of the movement ics and the methods applying starteders by believe to that sciences, dis- they might the natural by developed these apply and behavior human of the laws cover social solve problems. to laws forced to work, oft work, to forced these conditions As no job security. with and tions social of thinkers a new breed visible, became more and trying why to understand to attention its turned societyhow was changing. Sale ned social ed from being being ed from

For cities Although For example, fami- example, For ce well-defi is the process by which an Not to being consumers. to the led to conditions working and ese living Urbanization Th elated industries. Many people who had labored who had labored people Many industries. elated industrialists emerged in textiles, iron smelting, and and smelting, iron in textiles, emerged industrialists r relationships to seek employment as factory workers as factory workers seek to employment relationships of which became the centers cities, in the emerging work. industrial lives in a population of proportion increasing cities in rural than rather areas. on the land were forced to leave their tightly knit knit their tightly leave to forced were the land on sacrifi and rural communities existed long before the Industrial Revolution, the the Revolution, the Industrial before long existed the factory a rapid of led to system development the size and cities of in bothincrease the number very diverse from People their populations. of factory. in the same together worked backgrounds people shift many the time, same At producers lies living in the cities had to buy food with their food their with buy had to in the cities lies living their own grow because no longer theywages could resources. other for barter to or consume to crops their lodging for rent pay had to people Similarly, their ser- exchange because no longer they could shelter. vices for development of new social problems: inadequate inadequate new social of problems: development poverty, unsanitary conditions, crowding, housing, entire that so low were crime. Wages and pollution, children—were very young families—including ch001.indd 9ch001.indd 9 ch001.indd 10 10 PART 1 | STUDYING SOCIETY AND SOCIAL LIFE and stability) and containsocieties “founder the to be of sociology.” Comte’s that theory research,sociological Comte isconsidered by some society. Even though heneveractually conducted that science woulda new engage study inthe of others”) and Greek the ology Auguste Comte (1798–1857) coined term the Auguste Comte (Lenzer, 1998). a signifi wouldand play of that science sociology new the that consensus anew would emerge issues on social cies involved order and authority. He envisioned (Nisbet,of 1979).For society Comte, poli- best the (ascontrastedsecular with religious) priests” “high thatso intellectuals like himcould become thenew society. He sought to unlockthesecrets of society should appliedsciences be to objective the study of terms, exact incontemporarythese sociology. and change) continues although used, to be not in ▲ Comte stressed that of methods the natural the Auguste Comte from theLatin cant part inthereorganization of society

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gender, race, ethnicity, and age of allothers. ences of aprivileged few, to exclusion the by class, “natural model” science on and experi- the focused that Comte contributed to an overemphasis on the ever, anumber of contemporary argue sociologists thinking inspecifi social (such asfamily, religion, and government) and elements structural between thesocial of society and hisinsights of regarding sociology cacy linkages that oneso best the could chosen. be edge to predict thelikely results of diff andand of political—the (2)social use such knowl- knowledge to bothphysical and social phenomena— application(1) methodological—the of scientifi Harriet Martineau Harriet Martineau was also an inherownwas also active sociologist right. she translate and condense Comte’s works, but she dominated discipline and society. Not only did sociology, shewasawoman partlybecause inamale- Martineau received norecognition fi inthe Harriet Martineau (1802–1876).Until recently, eff the ars through more accessible for awidevariety of schol- eivd that positivism hadtwo believed be through scientifi understood positivism that best theworld—a belief can Sale analysts haveSocial praised Comte for hisadvo- Comte’s philosophy known became as ▲ Harriet Martineau orts of British the sociologist How-c historical periods. Comte’s works were made c inquiry. He c erent policies dimensions: ed of eld © Spencer Arnold/Getty Images c 24/09/10 5:11PM CHAPTER 1 | THE SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE AND RESEARCH PROCESS 11

24/09/10 5:11 PM24/09/10 5:11 PM © Hulton Archive/Getty Images Archive/Getty Hulton © ltered ltered awed because t” would be fi would t” Herbert Spencer’s belief that those Herbert Spencer’s ttest can easily be easily used justify can to ttest a term describing Auguste Comte’s belief Comte’s describing Auguste a term c inquiry. c Herbert Spencer Critics believe that his ideas are fl his ideas are believeCritics that positivism through can best be understood that the world scientifi social Darwinism best including human beings, species of animals, survive and prosper, their environment to adapted die out. those poorly adapted whereas out of society. of out systems; as biological the same not societies are the environ- transform and create to able are people the of the notion Moreover, in which they live. ment survival the fi of to and inequalities gender racial–ethnic,class, and harmful eliminate to action of the lack rationalize inequalities. such to contribute that practices the competition, and the “unfi and the competition, ▲ Sale Society in in Society tness” (for (for tness” en attributed to to en attributed For eory General of Spencer equated this equated Spencer with progress because because progress with Unlike Comte, who was Comte, Unlike Not those—the belief species that uenced by the upheavals of the French the French of the upheavals uenced by natural selection natural ttest” members of society would survive society of would members ttest” (1962/1837), she examined religion, poli- religion, she examined (1962/1837), ttest.” Because this phrase is oft ttest.” erers” (persons who are considered to be to crimi- considered who are (persons erers” Martineau advocated racial and gender equality. equality. gender racial and advocated Martineau Spencer believed that societies develop through a societies through believedSpencer that develop social Darwinism social Charles Darwin, Spencer’s view of society view of is known Darwin,Charles Spencer’s as best beings, human adapted animals, including of whereas survive environment their to and prosper, diethose out. poorly adapted of process only the “fi She was also committed to creating a science of a science of creating to also was committed She obser- in empirical be grounded would society that argued She people. to accessible widely and vations their in assess- be sociologists impartial should that to appropriate is entirely it that society of but ment society the of prin- with state the existing compare and (Lengermann founded was which it on ciples believed that Martineau 1998). Niebrugge-Brantley, men and if women emerge societya better would occurred, reform enlightened equally, treated were in all social people among existed cooperation and the middle class). led by classes (but nal, mentally ill, handicapped, poor, or alcoholic). or poor, handicapped, ill, mentally nal, America in the immigration and slavery, rearing, tics, child social to special attention paying States, United Her gender. and race, basedclass, distinctions on and children, women, of the status explore works “suff Martineau studied the social customs of Britain Britain of the social studied customs Martineau consequences the analyzing States, the United and In capitalism. and industrialization of Herbert Spencer strongly infl strongly social the British Herbert theorist Revolution, peace- (1820–1903) was born in a more Spencer history. period optimistic ful in his country’s and sociology to was an contribution major Spencer’s social and social on order perspective evolutionary theory explain to theory is “a Evolutionary change. (Haines, change” organic/social of the mechanisms Th Spencer’s to 1997: 81). According has organism, a biological like society, Evolution, the as the family, parts (such interdependent various ensure to work that the government) and economy, society. survival and the entire of the stability “fi and existence) (for “struggle” of process of as the “survival to survival), which he referred the fi ch001.indd 11ch001.indd 11 ch001.indd 12 12 PART 1 | STUDYING SOCIETY AND SOCIAL LIFE social change.social In mie ismostlikelyof during rapid to aperiod occur insociety.purpose According ano- to Durkheim, of andof of ofvalues asense result theloss shared control social ineff in which becomes and to adramatic increase in in traditional organization, values, and authority strains and amore division specialized of labor produce rather than to individual attributes. facts—by referencesocial structure to social the must facts that explainedbelieved be social by other control person. social overeach exert Emile Durkheim Emile Durkheim ing that exist are patterned ways andfeel- of acting,thinking, that are societies built Social facts. on social facts important contributions idea the to sociology: forth one set (1964a/1895), Durkheim of hismost socially thatbelieved limits the of human potential are individual behavior cannot fully interms understood of be productthe environment of social their and that (1858–1917)stressed thatDurkheim people are Durkheim observed that rapid observed changeDurkheim social In hiswork ▲ insociety. 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Durkheim’s theorizing 1997). (Zeitlin, andbeliefs actions of actors the involved) inmuch of resulted inacorresponding of neglect structure work, and suicide. From view, this overemphasis on individuals give phenomena to social such asreligion, cohesiveness—obscured the can establishsociety and maintain stability social and stability,on societal or “problem the of order”—how tant contributions, somenote critics that hisemphasis functionalist theoretical tradition. 187). Hefounding asthe isdescribed fi of imagination” thesociological 1978: (Tiryakian, demic discipline [and as]one of roots deepest the fi nifi class. Th class. capitalist the between struggle class and working the Revolutiontrial (Marx and Engels, 1967/1848). inLondon atobserved of beginning the Indus- the responsible for that poverty he overwhelming the concluded that capitalist the economic system was Marx, mostimportant the changes are economic. He produce change social and abetter society. For class conflespecially ing and ideas forces. He that believed confl isacontinuoushistory clash confl between philosopher Karl Marx (1818–1883)stressed that on stability the of society, economist German and Stability VersusChange Stability Differing Views ontheStatus Quo: twenty-fi and suicide, aconcept that remains important inthe the relationship between anomic conditions social Karl Marx Karl Marx microlevel analysis of society. change and at then insocieties Georg Simmel’s Weber’s divergent thoughts about confl sociology.ern We willlook fi Simmel, established course the of Durkheim mod- Together with Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Georg the tools, land,the factories, and money for investment own who those and control means the of production— gure development inthe asan aca- of sociology Sale cant that he has been referred to as “ Although acknowledge they Durkheim’s impor- Durkheim’s contributions are sig- so to sociology In theMarxian framework, ecapitalist class, or rst century (see “Sociology Works!”).rst “Sociology century(see and determining the power of “society” In contrast sharp to Durkheim’s focus inorder to necessary ict—is subjective meaning subjective bourgeoisie, at Marx’srst and class confl ict and ict social gure of the agency comprises the ict crucial crucial is the isthe ict— (the (the that ict- 24/09/10 5:11PM 13 sociology works! Durkheim’s Sociology of Suicide and Twenty-First-Century India

The bond attaching [people] to life slackens because the Rapid urbanization and fast-paced changes in the economy bond which attaches [them] to society is itself slack. and society are weakening social ties that have been very im- —Emile Durkheim, Suicide (1964b/1897) portant to individuals. Social bonds have been weakened or dissolved as people move away from their families and their Although this statement described social conditions community. Life in the cities moves at a much faster pace than accompanying the high rates of suicide found in late- in the rural areas, and many individuals experience loneliness, nineteenth-century France, Durkheim’s words ring true today sleep disorders, family discord, and major health risks such as as we look at contemporary suicide rates for cities such as heart disease and depression (Mahapatra, 2007). In the words Bangalore, which some refer to as “India’s Suicide City” (Guha, of Ramachandra Guha (2004), a historian residing in India, 2004). Durkheim’s sociology of suicide remains highly relevant to At fi rst glance, we might think that the outsourcing of jobs fi nding new answers to this challenging problem: “The rash of in the technology sector—from high-income nations such suicides in city and village is a qualitatively new development as the United States to India—would provide happiness and in our history. We sense that tragedies are as much social as job satisfaction for individuals in cities such as Bangalore and they are individual. But we know very little of what lies behind New Delhi who haveNot gained new opportunities and higher them. What we now await, in sum, is an Indian Durkheim.” salaries in recent years as a result of outsourcing. News sto- ries have focused on the wealth of opportunities that these outsourced jobs have brought to millions of men and women refl ect & analyze in India, most of whom are in their twenties and thirties and How does sociology help us to examine seemingly private who now earn larger incomes than do their parents and many acts such as suicide within a larger social context? Why are of their contemporaries. However, the underlying story of some people more inclined to commit suicide if they are what is really going on in these cities stands Forin stark contrast: not part of a strong social fabric?

that form the economic basis of a society. Th e work- ing class, or proletariat, is composed of those who must sell their labor because they have no other Salemeans to earn a livelihood. From Marx’s view- point, the capitalist class controls and exploits the masses of struggling workers by paying less than the value of their labor. Th is exploitation results in workers’ alienation—a feeling of powerlessness

social facts Emile Durkheim’s term for patterned ways of acting, thinking, and feeling that exist outside any one individual but that exert social control over each person.

anomie Emile Durkheim’s designation for a condition in which social control becomes ineff ective as a result of the loss of shared values and of a sense of purpose © North Wind Picture Archives. All rights reserved. in society. ▲ Karl Marx

ch001.indd 13 24/09/10 5:11 PM ch001.indd 14 14 PART 1 | STUDYING SOCIETY AND SOCIAL LIFE Max Weber interests are important inshaping human action. change,social Weber acknowledged that economic Marx’s that idea economics isthe Industrial Revolution. Although he disagreed with aboutcerned changes the brought about by the (pronounced VAY-ber) con- (1864–1920) was also ethnicity and gender. oft tions, his analysis places much too emphasis on class rela- through lens the of race, gender, and class believe change.radical social Scholars examine who society with Marx’s advocacy should value be free aresociology uncomfortable of what somegroup of wealthy people. Th perceive to be oppressionthe of mostof population the by asmall quo status studiedbe but changed, should be also the because should that not belief wasthe society justhis view among generations scientists. of to Central social nomic analyses have inspired also heated debates thinkers;sociological however, and hissocial eco- capitalists, and establish a free and classless society. awarebecome of its exploitation, overthrow the Marxself. predicted that working the class would and estrangement from other people and from one- Marx is regarded as one of the most profound profound most the of one as regarded is Marx ▲ en to exclusion the of issuesregarding race/

Max WeberMax (the existing (the state involved of society)

German social scientist Max social German Weber Not Not ose who believe that believe who ose

central force in © Hulton Archive/Getty Images For

stressed should that employ they that cannot sociologists totally be value free, Weber as temperature or weight. Although herecognized objective criteria that weto measure use such things ized that behavior social cannot analyzed be by the Beeghley, and Powers, 2002).However, Weber real- personal values and economic interests (Turner, entifi value free cess, Weber emphasized should be that sociology ues could not separated be from research the pro- Georg Simmel has hadafar-reaching impact. and Organizations”), Weber’s work on bureaucracy ests insociety. inChapter As discussed 5(“Groups to maintaincan used be (capitalist) powerful inter- Fromsocieties. view, this bureaucratic domination relationsing thesocial between people inindustrial mostsignifi isthe struggle, ing to Weber, rational bureaucracy, rather than class destructive to human vitality and freedom. Accord- divisionspecialized of labor, were hebelieved which ingly oriented toward routine administration and a nizations (bureaucracies) were becoming increas- chapter).earlier inthis concept ofimagination sociological the (discussed sociology,rary Weber’s isincorporated idea into the ity world the to see it. asothers In see contempo- for “understanding” or “insight”) to gain abil- the heavily infl Even so, hethought that economic systems were nounced ZIM-mel)(1858–1918)wastheorizing France, Georg Simmel sociologist German (pro- the was developingDurkheim fi the twentieth century (Roth, 1988). women’sthe movement inGermany early inthe wife, Marianne Weber, wasan important fi ness at partially resulted least from that fact the his many of scholars the of hisday. Perhaps hisaware- ings, Weber wasmore aware of women’s issuesthan cracy, religion, and many other topics. In hiswrit- insights on process the of rationalization, bureau- world. the others see He provided also important and necessity the ofinquiry understanding how by emphasizing sociology ern goal the of value-free Sale Unlike many early analysts that believed who val- Weber madesignifi Weber concerned that wasalso large-scale orga- c manner and should exclude researcher’s the —research should conducted be inasci- uenced by other factors inasociety. At about the same time that cant contributions to mod- cant factor indetermin- in eld of sociology verstehen (German (German gure in gure 24/09/10 5:12PM CHAPTER 1 | THE SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE AND RESEARCH PROCESS 15

24/09/10 5:12 PM24/09/10 5:12 PM © Simon Jarratt/Cardinal/Corbis Simon © - rst department of of department rst of uenced a wide array e fi e uence on social life by social by on uence life Th rst departments of sociology of departments rst e fi e According to the sociologist Georg Simmel, society is a Simmel, Georg the sociologist to According Simmel’s contributions to sociology to signifi are contributions Simmel’s

The Beginnings of Sociology The States in the United sociology in the Europe, spread Western From thrived as a it where States, the United 1890s to rate the rapid and climate the intellectual of result Th socialof change. Chicago School The ▲ of University the at located were States in the United African then an University, Atlanta at and Chicago American school. web of patterned interactions among people. If we focus on If focus interactions we of patterned people. among web miss the underlying may we only, of individuals the behavior of social life.” “geometry that make up the forms cant. He wrote more than thirty than numer- books and more wrote He cant. to critics some leading topics, diverse on essays ous is fragmentary piecemeal. his work and that state has infl his thinking However, sociologists, including the members of the “Chicago the “Chicago of the members sociologists, including States. in the United School” sociology in the United States was established at at was established States sociology in the United was the faculty where Chicago, of the University Sociological the in starting American instrumental Sociological as the American Society known (now (1864–1944), a mem- Robert E. Park Association). urbaniza- asserted that faculty, the Chicago ber of infl has a disintegrating tion in racial and in the increase crime rate an producing © The Granger Collection, New York New Collection, Granger The © Sale

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Not members, two with a social group a social group with three members. members. three with a social group dyad, in modern pronounced ict more was becoming Georg Simmel Georg Like the other social thinkers of his day, Simmel Simmel his day, socialLike the other of thinkers mong people. In Th In people. mong about society as a web of patterned interactions interactions patterned society of as a web about a ▲ social how interac- (1950/1902–1917), he analyzed the social vary the size of group. on depending tions diff patterns interaction that concluded He a between a triad,and sociology, formal developed He social recurring the universal on focuses attention social of underlie the varying that content forms as the these to forms referred Simmel interaction. social of life.” “geometry urban- and industrialization of the impact analyzed class that concluded He lives. people’s on ization confl also the in increase societies. linked industrial He the group, for concern to as opposed individualism, cross-cutting had many the people now to fact that orga- of in a number spheres”—membership “social than associations—rather voluntary and nizations the past. ties of community the singular having ch001.indd 15ch001.indd 15 ch001.indd 16 16 PART 1 | STUDYING SOCIETY AND SOCIAL LIFE Philadelphia’s American community African and Study classic work, established arecord of valuable publications. His ferences on research, founded two journals, and founded and conducted regular con- sociological ology, instituted aprogram of systematic research, Atlanta University. He created alaboratory of soci- was founded by W. E.B. (1868–1963)at DuBois United inthe departmentsecond of sociology States Prize for herassistance to underprivileged. the years (Deegan, 1988).She awarded wasalso aNobel technique employed by for sociologists nextforty the a ground-breaking that book amethodological used Hull-House of authors Maps the of andone Papers, lished anumber of articles and Addams books. was Society, ofber American the Sociological and pub- lectured at numerous colleges, wasacharter mem- was actively engaged endeavors: insociological She areaerished of Chicago. Th of mostfamous the settlement houses, inan impov- United States shefounded because Hull House, one of best-known the early women inthe sociologists W. E. B. andAtlanta DuBois University Jane Addams ▲ this chapter.this laterinteraction in isdiscussed which perspective, ofber thefaculty at Chicago, founded thesymbolic George Herbert Mead (1863–1931),another mem- gation and isolation of (Ross,1991). neighborhoods and class antagonisms that contribute to segre- the Jane Addams (1967/1899), was based on hisresearch (1967/1899),wasbased into

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© AP Images color. He calledthis duality that adual heritage creates confl lems. wasone DuBois of fi the munity wrestling prob- with social overwhelming stressed strengths the and of weaknesses acom- related statements that attempts explain, to describe, way. a uses Each eff about life how isorganized social and represents an same phenomena. on general isbased Each ideas represents views these of amethod examining the day, routine interactions among individuals. of Each resources; still others it on describe based the every- it interms of many groups competing for scarce as basically astable and ongoing entity; others view it contemporary see Some society? view sociologists infl Given many the and and varied ideas trends that Perspectives Contemporary Theoretical that result from (Benjamin, them 1991). of conflvictims these group discrimination. Americans African are the freedom, and equality, accept also they racismand such country espouse valuesin this asdemocracy, pointedAmerican. DuBois out that although people the identity confl ort to linkspecifi Sale developmentuenced the of sociology, how do ▲ W. E.B. DuBois ofict ablack both being and an theory inameaningfulc observations icting values and theactions —a set of logically inter- of logically —a set double-consciousness rst scholars to note note to scholars rst forict people of

— © Bettmann/Corbis 24/09/10 5:12PM CHAPTER 1 | THE SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE AND RESEARCH PROCESS 17

24/09/10 5:12 PM24/09/10 5:12 PM Estate of Robert K. Merton, photo by Sandra Still Sandra by photo Merton, K. Robert of Estate Talcott Talcott uential uential ese institutions institutions ese the sociological approach approach the sociological which involve leadership and and leadership which involve the performs e husband/father a set of logically interrelated statements statements interrelated a set of logically Robert Merton theory explain, and (occasionally) describe, to that attempts predict social events. functionalist perspectives system. orderly societythat views as a stable, properly. functions no longer the system ected, and

Parsons (1902–1979), perhaps the most infl (1902–1979), perhaps Parsons the per- functionalist of advocate contemporary for provide all societies must that stressed spective, survive. to Parsons socialmeeting needs in order of a division that example, for (1955) suggested, (distinct, specialized between labor functions) stability family for is essential wife and husband Th socialand order. instrumental tasks, and in thehome responsibilities decision-making include the family, education, government, religion, religion, government, education, the family, include to happens adverse anything If the economy. and are parts all other parts, or these institutions of one aff a part in helping society survive. Th a part in helping and Robert Parsons Merton Talcott ▲ Sale York New Collection, Granger The © societal societal Each the- Each are based on on based are

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by is characterized system is stable t neatly into any of these perspectives. of any into t neatly Th Talcott Parsons Talcott retical perspectives have been predominant in U.S. in U.S. been predominant perspectives have retical sociology: confl the functionalist, perspectives. Other perspectives, such interactionist accep- gained and as postmodernism, emerged have recently. social some more thinkers among tance the specifi to turning Before do theories and theorists some that note should we fi not to or viewpoint on some subject. Th subject. some on viewpoint or to ory helps interpret reality in a distinct way by pro- by distinct in a way reality ory interpret helps be in which observations may a framework viding this theoreti- to Sociologists refer ordered. logically as a cal framework and (occasionally) predict social events. ▲ Functionalist Perspectives Functionalist functionalism as known Also tionalism, sys- society that orderly is a stable, the assumption tem. whereby the majority of members share a share members of the majority whereby consensus, expec- behavioral beliefs, and values, set of common this to perspective, a society is According tations. serves which of each parts, interrelated of composed the overall to contributes (ideally) and a function Societies social develop struc- the society. of stability persist because theyplay that institutions, or tures, ch001.indd 17ch001.indd 17 ch001.indd 18 18 PART 1 | STUDYING SOCIETY AND SOCIAL LIFE a society to adapta society (Merton, and survive 1968). ties. Such dysfunctions may threaten capacity the of the perpetuation of gender, racial, and class inequali- ety. Adysfunction of education intheUnited States is undesirable consequences of any element of asoci- not functional at be alltimes; Merton noted that allfeatures system of may asocial establishmentthe relations of social and networks. from one generation to next;alatent the is function education isthetransmission of knowledge and skills participants. that are hidden and re contrast, unit. inasocial bytheparticipants recognized Manifest functions Manifest manifest and latent functions institutions. of social Merton distinguished (1910–2003),who between (Parsons, 1955). work together tosystem the preserve over time to family assistthe and that allinstitutions must ing church, school, and government, must function ily. Parsons that believed other institutions, includ- and providing emotional support for entire the fam- tasks, including housework, caring for children, the ily. Th employment outside home the to support fam- the Functionalism wasrefi ewife/mother isresponsible for the

latent functions

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Suicide Applying aFunctional Perspective to ing to Gaines, not fatalistic suicidedoes completely to commit suicide(Gaines, 1991: 253).But, accord- ofsense meaningful choices—the only way out was feltthey trapped, and to them—without having a were of fearful world the faced. In they other words, lackedbecause they confi “Th get out, but couldn’t. they As one young man noted, together inashared predicament: Th took lives their inBergenfi 253). According to Gaines, four the teenagers who havethey ability lostthe to dream” (Gaines, 1991: suicide, people sometimes commit suicide“because suicidesofthe some teenagers. In regard to fatalistic fatalisticboth and anomic suicidecould applied be to Jersey, sheconcluded that Durkheim’s description of ofsuicide pact four teenagers inBergenfi about or not whether life their hasmeaning. may more become about uncertain how and to act ditions occur, moral values may erode, and people When rapid change social or other disruptive con- ety of shared moral values functionalists emphasize importance the to asoci- problem of suicideamong young people?Most Sale wereey beaten down could asfar asthey go” In Donna Gaines’s sociologist (1991)study of the How might functionalists analyze the

© Bob Daemmrich/The Image Works adrift To anomic be isto feel disengaged, bonds are weak, or loose, absent. group isn’t strong enough; social glue that to holds the person the as Gaines (1991:253)notes, “the connected to thesociety. In fact, where individual the not does feel engagealso inanomic suicide, young people. Young people may ofexplain suicidal experiences the in anywhere, there isnoplace for

in shoppingmallsaround theglobe. havefood courts proven to beaboon visit friendsandeat.For thisreason, communal area inwhichpeoplecan maylatent beto function provide a to shoppers;however,and services a of ashoppingmallisto sellgoods consumer society. Amanifest function

Shoppingmallsare arefl▲ ofa ection , alienated. Like you don’t fi dence inthemselves and and strong bonds. social eld were boundclosely ey wanted to eld, New New eld, t 24/09/10 5:12PM CHAPTER 1 | THE SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE AND RESEARCH PROCESS 19 24/09/10 5:12 PM24/09/10 5:12 PM ned ict in ed the- gure gure in as other ict theory, is is approach cials. Mills’s power power Mills’s cials. A feminist theoreti- A feminist and prestige as a positive or negative negative or as a positive a system in which men a system the sociological approach that approach the sociological prestige functions that are intended and/ functions intended that are unintended functions unintended that are patriarchy, —a small clique composed of top cor- top of composed —a small clique ict unifi perspective one is not ict perspectives ict as the ability of a person within a social within rela- a person of as the ability e confl e power elite power views groups in society as engaged in a continuous groups views resources. of scarce control struggle for power manifest functionsmanifest the participants by in a social or overtly recognized unit. functionslatent unacknowledged participants.hidden and remain by confl Th C. Wright Mills (1916–1962), a key fi a key (1916–1962), Mills C. Wright

The Feminist Approach Approach Feminist The based on the belief that “women and men are equal men are and “women based the belief that on equal have as well as valued equally be should and theo- feminist to 1992). According (Basow, rights” in a live rists, we cal to attention directs “feminism”) (or approach gender of experiences the importance and women’s social Th of structure. element as an ory but rather encompasses several branches. One several branches. encompasses rather ory but which views approach, is the neo-Marxist branch struggle as and between the classes as inevitable A second branch social of change. source a prime the contin- and racial–ethnic inequalities focuses on racial–ethnic some of members of ued exploitation perspective, is the feminist branch A third groups. which focuses issues. gender on conditions in producing inequality and confl and inequality in producing conditions power he added but society, confl contemporary of the development in social involved sociologists get to encouraged everyone look beneath to encouraged Mills reform. observe to the major in order everyday events exist in society. that inequalities power and resource in the decisions the most important believed that He behind the scenes by made largely are States United the military offi and political, porate, and theory 13 (“Politics elite is discussed in Chapter in Global Perspective”). the Economy sources of inequality. Weber (1968/1922) defi (1968/1922) Weber inequality. of sources power resis- will despite her own carry his or to out tionship and others, from tance 1968/1922). (Weber, honor of social estimation Sale Images Archive/Getty Hulton © cantly cantly to As previ- ict may take ict may

groups in soci-groups For Confl nancial matters. Sim- matters. nancial

ict perspectives, Not ict perspective view social as a continu- life ict Perspectives ict C. Wright C. Wright Mills you: in your family, your school, your town—in the town—in your school, your family, your in you: social order.” ▲ the form of politics, litigation, negotiations, or or negotiations, litigation, politics, of the form fi about discussions family mel, Marx, and Weber contributed signifi contributed Weber and Marx, mel, this perspective by focusing on the inevitability of of the inevitability on focusing this perspective by of advocates Today, social between clashes groups. the confl social groups. competing struggle power among ous Max Weber and C. Wright Mills Wright and C. Weber Max ety are engaged in a continuous power struggle engaged in a continuous ety are scarce of resources. control for Confl confl to According ously discussed, focused Marx ously the exploita- Karl on (the workers) the proletariat of oppression and tion class). capitalist or (the owners the bourgeoisie by economic of the importance recognized Weber Max ch001.indd 19ch001.indd 19 ch001.indd 20 20 PART 1 | STUDYING SOCIETY AND SOCIAL LIFE likely to attempt suicide, whereas malesare more Gender Gender Class Social suicide among teenagers and young people? How might advocates of aconfl Applying Confl among affl among young people teenage occur because suicidesalso inequality alone cannot explain suicidesamong powerless people insociety. However, class-based grounds may that believe are they among most the from low-income or working-class family back- little hope for future. the As aresult, young people tunities inour technologically oriented and society havethey few educational or employment oppor- cide among young perceive people they when that present, class pressures social may aff cussed inChaptercussed 10(“Sex and Gender”). are feministwhich several perspectives, dis are - feminism isnot one single, unifi the patriarchal system becomes obsolete. However, argue that women’s subordination can endonly aft tial without on limits gender. based feminists Some in order for people to achieve human their poten- biological inheritance, and that change isessential created,is socially rather than determined by one’s inine.” Th valued than considered those to “female” be or “fem- sidered “male” to be or “masculine” are more highly dominate women and things inwhich that are con- e feminist perspective assumesthat efeminist gender perspective uent young people (Colt, 1991). In North females America, are more

Although many other factors may be Perspectivesict toSuicide Not Not

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whole societies, large-scale social structures, social large-scale societies, whole level analysis. A criticized forbeen focusing primarily on macro- some suicides.( that tend to adversely aff adversely to tend that employment, politics, and other areas life of social shows that there are persistent gender gaps inU.S. of powerlessness and alienation. Recent research ment opportunities that may contribute to feelings unequal educational experience also and employ- family,the education, and workplace. the Women women and what multiple their roles should in be behavior—for example, cultural assumptions about young women and how may these contribute to their Th Symbolic Perspectives Interactionist Race and racialdiscrimination on suicidalbehavior. framework on focus eff the suicide; however, analysts using arace-and-ethnic tic reasons why young Native Americans commit 2009). Most research on individualis- hasfocused (National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, percent of Native American suicidesinvolve fi owned and reservations high, almost60 isespecially young Native American maleson government- of theU.S. population. Th Native Americans, constitute who about 1percent refl in terms of raceand Th sex.) e confl e Sale extremely inthe ected rate high of suicideamong

Racial subordinationRacial may afactor be in © AP Images/Denis Farrell have andict perspectives functionalist tural pressures that are brought toon bear thatbelieve we must struc- examine social lover, or husband, feminist analysts relationships, such aslossof aboyfriend, uted to problems interpersonal intheir behavior hastraditionally attrib- been Despite that fact the women’s suicidal likely to actually take theirown life. Leadership Academy for Africa. GirlsinSouth many theOprah causes, includingstarting Winfrey her success andprestige to dogoodworks for positive estimate ofhonor. Ms. Winfrey hasused example ofMax Weber’s concept ofprestige—a intheworld,entertainers Oprah Winfrey isan

As oneofthewealthiest andmost-beloved ▲ ▼ Figure 1.2displays U.S. suicides macrolevel analysis ect womenect more than men. erate of suicideamong ect of inequalities ect social is fact is most glaringly ismostglaringly isfact

examines rearms rearms 24/09/10 5:12PM CHAPTER 1 | THE SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE AND RESEARCH PROCESS 21 24/09/10 5:12 PM24/09/10 5:12 PM from that that from nition of a 8.8 the Hispanics 1.8 en assume that what we subjective reality 21.4 an approach that examines an approach sociological theory sociological and research st). en incorrect. Subjective reality reality Subjective en incorrect. 5.6 (Non-Hispanic) 7. 9 whole societies, large-scalewhole societies, and social structures, social systems. analysis microlevel large-scale rather than on on small groups that focus social structures. perspectivessymbolic interactionist society that views as the sum of approach sociological the interactions of individuals and groups. macrolevel analysis analysis macrolevel Symbols are instrumental in helping people derive derive people in helping instrumental are Symbols 3.4 Male voice, and other symbolic gestures (such as a hand- (such gestures symbolic other and voice, fi a clenched or shake meanings from social interactions. In social In encoun- social from interactions. meanings interpretation or defi ters, each person’s given situation becomes a situation given oft We viewpoint. person’s however, others; by is shared be to “reality” consider is oft this assumption sym- agreed-upon through shared and is acquired in “Fire!” shouts a person If bols, especially language. Sale language that example, for theater, movie a crowded escape) to (attempting response the same produces When it. understand those who and in all of hear — 9.4 1.4 Female microlevel microlevel lls this void lls this void interaction For symbolic inter- this using eorists 18.3 us, symbolic inter- us, symbolic Th 5.1 is anything that meaningfully meaningfully that is anything instead of looking at impor- looking at of instead SUICIDE RATES BY RACE AND SEX AND RACE BY RATES SUICIDE 18.0

1.2 Not society is the sum of the interactions society the interactions is the sum of

All RacesAmericans Native Americans African Americans Asian Whites 4.5 symbolic interactionist interactionist symbolic to According which rather focuses small on groups

FIGURE FIGURE 5 0 Source: National Center for Health Statistics, 2008. Health Statistics, for National Center Source: ▲ Rates are for U.S. suicides and indicate the number of deaths by suicide for every suicide for people in each category 100,000 deaths by the number of 2006. suicides and indicate for U.S. for Rates are 25 20 15 10 ned as immediate reciprocally oriented commu- oriented reciprocally ned as immediate We can trace the origins of this perspective to the this to perspective of trace the origins can We and social systems analysis, than large-scale social structures. Mead Herbert School, especiallyChicago George (1900–1986), the sociologist Blumer Herbert and the term coining with who is credited actionism. perspectives, individualsof and groups. tant social dynamics in individuals’ lives. Our third Our third lives. social in individuals’ dynamics tant fi interactionism, perspective, symbolic by examining people’s day-to-day interactions and and interactions day-to-day people’s examining by Th in groups. their behavior based a on are approaches actionist defi the part people—and more or two between nication com- human to meaning in giving play symbols that A symbol munication. represents something else. Examples of symbols symbols of else. Examples something represents shared and language, written gestures, signs, include occurs whenpeople interaction Symbolic values. symbols—for the use of through communicate engagement. a couple’s indicate to a ring example, occurs in a variety communication symbolic But of tone posture, facial gestures, including forms, of perspective focus on the process of of perspective the process focus on ch001.indd 21ch001.indd 21 22 sociology in global perspective Postmodern Problems in France: Worker Stress and Suicide Rates

When I started as a psychiatrist, 35 years ago, my patients rest of the world to have it made when it comes to work? For were talking about their personal lives. Now it’s all about many years, workers in France have had excellent job security, their jobs. People are suff ering in the workplace. They a thirty-fi ve-hour workweek, and lengthy, paid vacations. shouldn’t be, from the logic of management. After all, they Applying a postmodern perspective, what might contrib- have a good job, a nice vacation. But they are suff ering. ute to an increase in the number of suicides in France? If we —Marie-France Hirigoyen, a psychiatrist in France, think of the postmodern perspective regarding risk, it is pos- describing how workers who many believe should feel sible to envision how some people who have a good job and secure are complaining about rapid economic changes benefi ts might remain fearful. People who already think of and job-related stress (qtd. in Jolly and Saltmarsh, 2009) themselves as somewhat powerless may have an increase in feelings of depression, fear, and ambivalence when they are Although social scientists and health care professionals be- constantly exposed to increasing levels of personal risk. Ac- lieve that many factors contribute to an increase in the num- cording to one labor union offi cial, “Stress has become a na- ber of suicides that occur in a region or a nation, there is some tional sport. We need employers to modify the way that they consensus that an increase in the suicide rate in France might organize work, but we don’t have the impression that any- be attributed to stress in theNot workplace. Some of the suicides thing will happen soon” (qtd. in Jolly and Saltmarsh, 2009: B3). in France have drawn widespread media attention, including Although job security is somewhat guaranteed in France, a male worker who stabbed himself hara-kiri style in the mid- numerous companies are now facing competition in the dle of a meeting and a female employee who leaped to her global marketplace, and some of them are cutting jobs death from her fi fth-fl oor offi ce window (Jolly and Saltmarsh, through voluntary departures, early retirement, and other 2009). Suicides such as these have brought about a question: mechanisms short of actually giving workers “pink slips” that What is going on in a nation that is assumed by muchFor of the terminate their employment. As current workers see this

people in a group do not share the same meaning for a cry for help and personal acceptance—rather than a a given symbol, however, confusion results: People move toward death (Colt, 1991). People may attempt who do not know the meaning of the word fi re will to communicate in such desperate ways because other not know what the commotion is about. How people formsSale of communication have failed. For example, interpret the messages they receive and the situations a thirteen-year-old Illinois girl slashed her wrists they encounter becomes their subjective reality and shortly before she knew her mother was expected to may strongly infl uence their behavior. come into her room; she wanted to show her parents how upset and unhappy she was about their pend- Applying Symbolic Interactionist Perspec- ing divorce. As the girl later said, “I didn’t really want tives to Suicide Social analysts applying a to die. I just hoped and prayed that if Mom and Dad symbolic interactionist framework to the study of knew how upset and unhappy I was, Dad would move suicide would focus on a microlevel analysis of the back in” (qtd. in Giffi n and Felsenthal, 1983: 19). people’s face-to-face interactions and the roles they played in society. In our eff orts to interact with oth- ers, we defi ne the situation according to our own Postmodern Perspectives subjective reality. Th is applies to suicide just as it According to postmodern perspectives, existing does to other types of conduct. theories have been unsuccessful in explaining From this point of view, a suicide attempt may be social life in contemporary societies that are char- a way of moving toward other people—in the form of acterized by postindustrialization, consumerism,

ch001.indd 22 24/09/10 5:12 PM 23

going on around them, many of them are apparently becom- with a rate of 26.4 per 100,000 for men and a rate of 9.2 per ing concerned about their own future. Despite the ability to 100,000 for women (Jolly and Saltmarsh, 2009). Countries keep their jobs, some employees are being asked to change with higher rates of suicide than France (in order from fi rst to jobs internally, change work locations, or both. When work- seventh) are Lithuania (68.1 for men, 12.9 for women), Russia ers have a sense that constant upheaval is going on around (58.1 for men, 9.8 for women), Hungary (42.3 for men, 11.2 for them, they become insecure even if they are reminded that women), Japan (34.8 for men, 13.2 for women), Belgium (31.2 they have job security. for men, 11.4 for women), South Korea (29.6 for men, 14.1 for When we look at current economic issues from a global women), and Poland (27.8 for men, 4.6 for women). The rates perspective, particularly in light of a postmodern theoretical for men and women are listed separately so that you can see approach, we can see that rapid social change (as suggested the diff erences based on gender. This brings us to several im- by Durkheim) may be a factor in why some nations have a portant questions not only about the reasons for suicide but higher rate of suicide than others. However, we can also see also the pronounced gender diff erences in rates of suicide. that factors such as risk and the increasingly fragmented na- ture of contemporary society may lead to feelings of stress and ambivalence regardless of what the true nature of the refl ect & analyze situation might be. In the words of Xavier Darcos, France’s em- How is it that we can feel high levels of stress when we are ployment minister, “WeNot are in a transforming economy. . . . For placed in situations where everything is supposedly all us, unemployment is the absolute failure. We prefer to have right? Why do some workers in France feel as much stress people who don’t feel totally happy at work, or to work part when they are asked to move from one position to another time, rather than people being unemployed” (qtd. in Jolly and as workers feel in the United States when they are laid off Saltmarsh, 2009: B3). or fi red? How might the postmodern perspective on the According to the World Health Organization, France as a relationship between risk and the class structure be applied nation has the eighth-highest suicide rate perFor 100,000 people, to the problem of an increasing rate of suicide in France?

and global communications. Postmodern social people at risk come to believe that social and eco- theorists reject the theoretical perspectives we have nomic chaos looms before them and that no safety previously discussed, as well as how those theories net is provided by families, peers, and the larger were created (Ritzer, 2000b). Salecommunity. According to one theorist, there is a Postmodern theories are based on the assumption relationship between risk and the class structure: that the rapid social change that occurs as societies “Wealth accumulates at the top, risks at the bottom” move from modern to postmodern (or postindus- (Beck, 1992: 35). Social inequality and class diff er- trial) conditions has a harmful eff ect on people. One ences increase as people in the lower economic tiers evident change is a signifi cant decline in the infl u- are exposed to increasing levels of personal risk ence of social institutions such as the family, reli- that, in turn, produce depression, fear, and ambiva- gion, and education on people’s lives. Th ose who live lence. Problems such as these are found in nations in postmodern societies typically pursue individual throughout the world, as discussed in the Sociology freedom and do not want the structural constraints in Global Perspective box. that are imposed by social institutions. However, the collective ties that once bound people together postmodern perspectives the sociological approach become weakened, placing people at higher levels of that attempts to explain social life in modern societies risk—“probabilities of physical harm due to given that are characterized by postindustrialization, technological or other processes”—than in the past consumerism, and global communications. (Beck, 1992: 4). As social institutions grow weaker,

ch001.indd 23 24/09/10 5:12 PM ch001.indd 24 24 PART 1 | STUDYING SOCIETY AND SOCIAL LIFE diffi thatabstract it ishard to understand and more even it attempts to answer and for vagueand so being criticized for been also raising more questions than systems.belief However, has theory postmodern and questions askspertinent about our current even asit challenges other theoretical perspectives itbecause opens up broad avenues new of inquiry, enhancesPostmodern our theory study of sociology present to help fi them shouldaction and they take there because isnoone are they because about uncertain course which of toleads feelings of ambivalence among individuals brought about by constant change, asituation that fragmentedthe nature of contemporary society Suicide Applying Postmodern Perspectives to men is the absenceofmen isthe educational and employment major problem for American someyoung African at society. inother risk ways inapostmodern A statistical category are among mostlikely the to be theorization)on postmodern people because inthis males appear to at be greater for risk suicide(based and sometimes depression, young American African feelings of marginality, rates high of unemployment, factors risk certain for isolation, suicide, such associal males (Willis etal., 2002). a rate of suicidecomparable to that of young white fi young American ages the malesbetween African of the pasttwo decades,particularly inthecategory of Frison, 2002).However, pattern this changed over cidal behavior (Willis, Cockerham,and Coombs, support that protected Americans African from sui- ars attributed to levels higher of religiosity and group groupsethnic United inthe States—a that fact schol- income levels had lower rates of suicidethan other nineteen? Historically, Americans African at all American ages the malesbetween of fi increase insuiciderates among young African Why inrecent asignifi decadeshasthere been Consider,ries. for example, research this question: particularly among catego- people ethnic incertain can help usunderstand diff theory that believe some sociologists postmodern orists have issue, not suicideasasocial addressed ft een and nineteen, astatistical group that now has cult to apply (Ritzer 2004). and Goodman, In sum, postmodern theories tendIn to emphasize sum,postmodern Although youths across categories ethnic share

Although most postmodern social the- social Although mostpostmodern Not Not gure out this (Bauman, 1992).

ering rates of suicide, For ft For en and een cant

Th tionship and theory research? between sociological or generatingtheory one. anew What rela- isthe information for of testing purpose the an existing Research Process The Research Sociological lenses through world. our to which view social as perspectives using we these willbe book, this marizes allfour Th of perspectives. these and questions current systems. belief challengesmodernism allof other the perspectives tions and shared meanings life. ineveryday Post- interactionism primarily examines people’s interac- tensionsocial and change. In contrast, symbolic and order, confl Whereas functionalism emphasizes cohesion social ofent reality aspects are of focus the eachapproach. and world the to view somewhat diff sequently, usto askdiff leads each have examined involves diff 2002). ity without any place inwhich to turn (Willis etal., utes to personal stress and heightened vulnerabil- facean “individualistic”they that contrib- society cans lived acommunity-oriented existence; today, and suicidaltendencies. In Ameri- past,African the would have cope them with helped fear, depression, supportto lossof systems the social that previously hasleft society past: Th suicide among American youths African than inthe helps explaintheory why there are rates higher of et al., 2002). tradeand ofdrug inpossession fi exacerbated further bybeen adramatic inthe rise in other high-income nations. Th vast inequalities that existintheUnited States and the growing infl importance of American church, African the and a breakdown incommunity values, diminished the issues, such weakening asthe of family the structure, opportunities. Th erelationship and between theory research has Th Sale ofEach thefour perspectives we sociological According topostmodern some sociologists, e Concept Quick Review for eConcept Quick chapter Review this sum- etransition fromto apostmodern amodern istheprocess of systematically collecting them at them greater than risk others due uence of themediainrevealing the approachesict focusprimarily on isproblem iscombined with other erent assumptions. Con- ese problems ese have erent questions erent ram (Willis rearms erently. Diff er- roughout 24/09/10 5:12PM CHAPTER 1 | THE SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE AND RESEARCH PROCESS 25 24/09/10 5:12 PM24/09/10 5:12 PM Quan- ey have have ey c ne a ne e Understanding Understanding e concluded e study at some groups t quantitative research, quantitative sociological research research sociological c objectivity, and the focus is c objectivity, methods that are based on the goal of scientifi methods that are objectivity on data that can be and that focus numerically. measured quantitative research research quantitative ects of church membership, divorce, and migra- and divorce, membership, church ects of in quantitative research, whereas others engage in engage others whereas research, in quantitative With research. qualitative the goal is scientifi can be that measured data numerically. on sta- complex emphasizes typically research titative sociological on studies Most tistical techniques. Th research. used quantitative suicide have compared rates of suicide with almost every suicide with of con- rates compared sex, race/ethnic- age, including variable, ceivable For sports even participation. and education, ity, the examined study in one researchers example, eff various at States in the United suicide rates on tion Sale 1980. Th 1933 and times between rates divorce higher where were suicide rates that member- church and higher, migration higher, were 1986). (Th (see Breault, lower ship to how explains box Presentations Data Statistical the data interpret to how tables, numerical read ratios calculate to how and conclusions, draw and rates.) and Society is composed of interrelated parts to Society together of interrelated that work is composed by stabilityThis is threatened maintain stabilitywithin society. dysfunctional acts and institutions. Society social inequality; by is characterized a struggle is social life Social arrangements benefi resources. scarce for the expense of others. people defi is learned in interaction with other people; how situation becomes the foundation for how they behave. how for the foundation situation becomes global communication bring into question existing assumptions bring into global communication of reality. and the nature about social life Society is the sum of the interactions of people and groups. Behavior Behavior Society interactions is the sum of the and groups. of people

ForHypotheses Macrolevel Macrolevel Macrolevel Macrolevel Macrolevel/Microlevel Macrolevel/Microlevel and consumerism, postindustrialization, Societies characterized by Analysis Level Level Analysis of Society View Theories Observations INDUCTIVE SCIENCE NotDEDUCTIVE SCIENCE THE THEORY AND RESEARCH CYCLE RESEARCH AND THEORY THE 1.3 ict

Figure 1.3 (Wallace, 1971). 1.3 (Wallace, Figure Generalizations ▼ FIGURE FIGURE Not all sociologists conduct research in the research all sociologists conduct Not concept quick review 1.1 ] 1.1 review quick [ concept Perspectives Theoretical Major The Perspective Functionalist Confl Symbolic Interactionist Symbolic Microlevel Postmodernist same manner. Some researchers primarily engage engage primarily Some researchers manner. same been referred to as a continuous cycle, as shown as shown cycle, as a continuous to been referred in New York: York: New of Science in Sociology. The Logic Wallace, Walter from Adapted Source: 1971. Aldine de Gruyter, ▲ The theory and research cycle can be compared to a relay a relay to theory cycleThe can be compared and research although all participantsrace; start do not necessarily or stop examine goal—to a common at the same point, they share of social life. all levels ch001.indd 25ch001.indd 25 ch001.indd 26 26 PART 1 | STUDYING SOCIETY AND SOCIAL LIFE 5. 4. 3. 2. small space; tables convey alarge amountofinformation inarelatively tistical tablesasaconcise way to present databecausesuch be answered innumericalterms. usesta- Sociologistsoften suicide rates increasing or decreasing? Suchquestionscan A Understanding StatisticalDataPresentations 1. table, follow thesesteps: a. drawn from Table 1. patterns, someconclusions canbe Draw conclusions. for Bylooking compare groups ofdiff hundred. Percentages allow usto given item there one are inevery shows howproportion, many ofa Apercentage,cides reported). or for 39.1percent ofallfemale sui- ple, in2005,poisoningaccounted 2,632) andpercentages (for exam- suicides by poisoningin2005was femaletotal numberofreported merical counts (for example, the used. In Table 1,thefigures are nu- units ofmeasurement have been examine thedata,determine what Examine andcompare thedata.To indicate suicidemethods. horizontally. Here, therow headings tically. The rows present information tion (usuallynumbers)arrangedver- two groups: 1984and2005. The columns present informa- “ Females.” These lasttwo column headingsare dividedinto column headingsin Table 1are “Method,” “Males,” and Read theheadingsforeachcolumn andeachrow. The main whatisincludedineachcategory.actly fi the percentages inacolumn may nottotal 100.0%. The States. footnoteThe next refl the tableincludesonlypeoplewhoreside intheUnited reliability andtimeliness. The fi Control, thesource helpsdetermine 2006.Checking its the source Prevention isNationalCenter forInjury and notes.Check thesource andotherexplanatory for two different timeperiods:1984and2005. alsoindicatescide used.thatthetablecontains data It tionships between two variables:sex and methodofsui- Used, 1984and2005,” tells usthatthetableshows rela- Read thetitle. The title, “U.S. Suicides, by andMethod Sex re menorwomen more likelyto commit suicide?Are nal two footnotes provide more information aboutex- arms increased from 14,504to malesuicidesby fi reported crease. theincrease orde- Determining

■

Between 1984and2005,

Table 1gives anexample. To understanda erent sizes. Not

ects that,dueto rounding,ects rst footnote indicates that re- For U.S. Suicides, Used, by andMethod Sex 1984and2005 table 1 For (% oftotal) Source: Prevention NationalCenter for Injury andControl, 2006. d c b a (% oftotal) 1,504 Other (% oftotal) Suff Poisoning (% oftotal) Firearms 14,504 Total 22,689 1984 Method Males Females Includes solids,Includes liquids, andgases. Excludes deathsofnonresidents oftheUnited States. Includes hanging andstrangulation. Includes Due to rounding, thepercentages inacolumn may notaddupto 100.0%. In thiscase,In ocation

c 3,203 b b b b d (6.6) (15.3) (14.1) (64.0) 3,478 Sale b. the rangeof39–41percent annually). most common methodofsuicidefor females (usuallyin percent annually)whilepoisoningcontinues to bethe of suicideamongmales(usuallyintherange56–58 time: Firearms remain themostcommonly usedmethod we compare dataonsuicideby sexandmethodover answers to thesequestions exist,onethingisevidentas self becamemore acceptable? Althoughseveral possible women hadaccess to gunsin2005? That poisoning one- themselves in2005than1984.Doesthatmeanfewer preferred poisoningover fi rearms asameansofkilling about 9.4percent. We mightconclude thatmore women 1984 and2005;thenumberfor poisoningincreased by suicides by firearms decreased about20percent between Drawing appropriate conclusions. total decrease (523)by theearlier(higher)number. 20 percent lower in2005,calculated by dividingthe number. Total female suicides by fi viding thetotal increase (422)by theearlier(lower) about 2.9percent higher in2005,calculated by di- a percentage: Total malesuicidesby fi The cides by fi increase (for males)anddecrease (for females) insui- fi by 14,926—an increase of422—whilefemale suicides rearms decreased by 523. This represents atotal amount ofincrease ordecrease canbestated as rearms for thetwo years beingcompared. 14,926 25,907 (22.7) (12.0) (13.0) (57.6) (36.5) (39.5) 3,112 1,992 5,887 863 2005 (7.7) (10.9) The number of female The numberoffemale 2,609 2,406 6,597 1984 rearms were about 719 rearms were rearms (20.2) (39.1) (30.9) 2,086 2,632 1,361 6,730 2005 (9.8) a 651 24/09/10 5:12PM CHAPTER 1 | THE SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE AND RESEARCH PROCESS 27 24/09/10 5:12 PM24/09/10 5:12 PM Sometimes, c theory (Babbie, c theory (Babbie, en we will describeen we the data literature Review the Develop the Develop sociological research methods research sociological research design research Collect and analyze ne the research problem. research the ne (Inclusive) c experience such as knowing someone someone c experience as knowing such report the findings Generate hypotheses INDUCTIVE METHOD INDUCTIVE ll gaps or challenge misconceptions in exist- misconceptions challenge or ll gaps draw conclusions, and for theory construction, a specifi interest trigger your suicide can who committed select topics might Other times, you in a topic. to fi a specifi test to or research ing 2004). Emile Durkheim selected suicide because of theimportance demonstrate to he wanted Select and defi Select and qualitative research research qualitative rather than description (words) that use interpretive underlying meanings analyze statistics (numbers) to of social relationships. and patterns in the “conventional” research model, which focuses research in the “conventional” Th research. quantitative on qualitative emphasizes modelthat alternative an research. 1. the data literature Review the Review

Develop the Sale research design research Collect and analyze c problem problem c Select and define the research problem the research define Select and For interpretive descrip- interpretive

STEPS IN SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH SOCIOLOGICAL IN STEPS 1.4 An example of qualitative qualitative of An example the data literature (Classic) hypothesis Review the Review Develop the Formulate the research design research report the findings Draw conclusions; Collect and analyze FIGURE FIGURE DEDUCTIVE METHOD DEDUCTIVE

Not ▲

Figure 1.4. We will now trace the steps trace the steps will now 1.4. We Figure ▼ qualitative research, With The “Conventional” Research Model Research “Conventional” The the specifi to tailored models are Research being investigated and the focus of the researcher. the researcher. the focus of and being investigated Both quantitative research and qualitative research society human of and knowledge our to contribute as a series steps of involve and social interaction, in shown research is a study in which the researchers system- in which the researchers is a study research look to suicide notes of the contents analyzed atically or despair of feelings as recurring themes (such for patterns determine if any to notes in such failure) in understanding help would that becould found 1988). (Leenaars, kill themselves people why tions (words) rather than statistics (numbers) are (numbers) are than statistics rather (words) tions used analyze underlying to meanings and patterns socialof relationships. ch001.indd 27ch001.indd 27 ch001.indd 28 28 PART 1 | STUDYING SOCIETY AND SOCIAL LIFE

3. 2.

the proposed explanation. investigate whetherthedatasupport them inmeasurable terms) andthen operationalize thevariables(defi social scientistswould needto of suicide. To test these hypotheses, three hypotheses aboutthecauses variable. The diagram illustrates variables withadependent(aff or more independent(causal) A causalhypothesis one connects VARIABLES RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ▲

FIGURE of the expected relationship relationship of theexpected late ahypothesis applicable). You may formu- Formulate the hypothesis (1975/1881). including Morselli Henry moralseveral philosophers, ever, hestudied works the of how-ture existed to review; little litera-very sociological hisstudy, began Durkheim note mistakes to avoid. When mine where gaps existand topic.the You should deter- about have written others it isimportant to analyze what Before beginning theresearch, Review previous research. eff status, andtal sex, age hadan factors such asreligion, mari- ent rates of suicide—whether to know why there were diff Moreover, wanted Durkheim group regardless of culture and social structure. year) sameeach for the should be every selves relative(the number of people killthem- who purely an individual rate the then act, of suicide acts better explanations for suicidethan doindividual emphasizedDurkheim that was auniquely individualistic However, act. topic it because that waswidely believed suicide by acts individuals.trary Suicide wasasuitable society ect on social cohesion. onect social of suicide. He reasoned that ifsuicidewere insituations that might appear arbi- to be 1.5 HYPO

—a statement THESIZED Not Not ected) ected) (if (if ne er-

suicide rates

b. c. a.

explanation Multiple-cause (Durkheim) relationship Inverse causal relationship Causal

For For provide Sale variable(s) pendent variable ofthe cause therelationship; the more independent variables (see adependentesis isbetween variable and one or Th time, situation,person, to another. or society fromacteristics that change one or can vary orany char- traits concept measurable with two or more variables. Avariablebetween Th emostfundamental relationship inahypoth- e independent variable

is assumed to be caused bytheinde- to caused be is assumed (Babbie, 2004).Durkheim’s

is presumed to be . ▼ Figure 1.5).

. dependent dependent .

is

24/09/10 5:12PM CHAPTER 1 | THE SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE AND RESEARCH PROCESS 29 24/09/10 5:12 PM24/09/10 5:12 PM c Soci- altruis- Egoistic er collecting collecting er interviewers get erent is the process through through is the process individuals at one erent erent individuals at one individuals one erent at in an experiment, the variable in an experiment, the variable is the extent to which to a study is the extent Analysis a statement of the expected relationship of the expecteda statement relationship occurs among individuals who are who are individuals occurs among in sociological research, the extent to research, in sociological in sociological research, any concept with concept any research, in sociological in sociological research, the extent which to research, in sociological Reliability occurs among people who are isolated isolated who are people occurs among the interviewers themselves? uenced by Once you have collected your data, the data the data data, your collected have Once you erent answers from the people being inter- the people from answers erent between religious beliefs and suicide is whether suicide beliefs and between religious of indicator accurate is an membership” “church person fact, one beliefs. In religious a person’s a specifi to belong benot yet verymay religious church, whereas another person may be a mem- person may another whereas church, very hold not religious deep yet a church ber of beliefs. hypothesis hypothesis variables. or more two between variable or characteristics that can change traits measurable or vary situation, or society to one person, time, from another. variable independent between of the relationship be the cause assumed to variables. variable dependent the independent variable(s). be caused by assumed to validity measures accurately instrument a study or research measure. what it is supposed to reliability instrument yields consistent which a study or research diff when applied to results time. the same individuals over time or to or researchor instrument yields results consistent when diff applied to same individuals the to over time. time or ologists have found that diff that found have ologists diff interviews might with how example, For viewed. suicide contemplated who have students college be infl data from vital statistics for approximately 26,000 approximately for statistics vital from data according his data suicides, Durkheim analyzed suicide. of categories distinctive four to must be analyzed. be analyzed. must can comparisons so that organized are which data Sociologists use drawn. conclusions be made and Aft data. analyze to techniques many suicide contrast, By social group. any from tic suicide example, society (for into integrated excessively Sale is ve sample A recurring recurring A

is being studied is beingstudied For You must decide must You You must determine must You observed or questioned questioned observed or or whom is the extent to which to a study is the extent

is what ect relationship), you will likely likely will you ect relationship), Not the student total from students ve Validity with the degree of social integration. In In social of integration. degree the with is a selection from a larger population population a larger from is a selection Validity and reliability may be problems in be problems may reliability and Validity Not all social research uses hypotheses. If you you If uses hypotheses. all social research Not that has the essential characteristics of the total the total of characteristics has the essential that interviewed fi if you example, For population. soci- your from selected haphazardly students of beology representative not they class, would if contrast, By body. student total school’s your fi selected you be closer they would sample, a random body by sam- a random (although being representative to tooto yield be would small ve students fi of ple useful data). much research. research measures instrumentor accurately it is supposedwhat measure. to the relationship analyze that issue in studies the people who are selected from the popula- selected from who are the people accurately should the be sample to studied; tion A representative population. the larger represent sample hypothesis stated that the rate of suicide varies suicide varies of the rate that stated hypothesis inversely social of integration degree a low words, other “be or “cause” may variable) (the independent (the suicide dependent of a high rate to” related variable). (showing study explanatory an conduct to plan a cause-and-eff to hypotheses more or one formulate to want a descrip- conduct to plan you If theories. test do to will be less likely you however, study, tive describe to only social desire may so because you facts. provide or reality design. Develop the research A be to used in the study. analysis of the unit unit of analysis indi- social In 2004). science research, (Babbie, cities, as families, (such socialviduals, groups as (such organizations regions), geographic or parties), and political or unions, labor clubs, wed- or social books, as artifacts (such paintings, unit Durkheim’s analysis. of be units may dings) individuals, not was social groups, analysis of individual of the study because he believed that of the rates explain not suicide would cases of countries. European suicide in various data. the analyze and Collect will be population what A select a sample. then carefully and 4. 5. ch001.indd 29ch001.indd 29 ch001.indd 30 30 PART 1 | STUDYING SOCIETY AND SOCIAL LIFE tative research? alternative approach on based induction and quali- tive research). But what steps might inan taken be research process on (based deduction and quantita- 6. question and asmallernumber of cases. oft approach As compared to aquantitative model,aqualitative ily lenditself to numbers and statistical methods. research the when used be question not does eas- ously stated, qualitative research ismore likely to ferent (King, Keohane, and Verba, 1994).As previ- research, styles the in both quantitative and qualitative sociological Although same the underlying logicisinvolved A Qualitative Research Model We have steps tracedthe “conventional” inthe nifi conditionsthat social are inasociety amore sig- of individuals. Instead, hisfi not explained be interms of personality the traits the suiciderate of agroup that fact can- isasocial Suicide journals and In books. reporting hisfi fessional meetings and publish intechnical them generally present theirfi that it wasoriginally conducted. scientists Social of investigation the insubstantially same the way studythe available for replication research inthe taken process inorder to make report generally includes of areview eachstep unable to measure. had nocontrol, or variables that your study was sample, infl the tations of study, the such asproblems with the addressed. Atbeing stage, you this note limi- the toboth hypothesis the and to larger the issues research objective to how clarify thedata relate conclusions isto return to your hypothesis or analyzing thedata, your fi Draw conclusions and report the fi pline (for example, slaves). from excessive regulation and oppressive disci- regulation,social whereas in battle). leaders killthemselves who military aft cant infl Reporting the fi the Reporting (1964b/1897), Durkheim concluded (1964b/1897),Durkheim that en involves adiff

Anomic suicide uence indetermining rates of suicide.

uence of variables over you which of are twodif- models these very Not Not ndings fi isthe ndings inpapers at pro- results from alack of erent of type research fatalistic suicide fatalistic rst step indrawing

ndings suggested suggested ndings

—the repetition Th stage. nal ndings. For For in ndings er defeat er results Aft er e

tative approach may engage in crises. men and women rather than purely interpersonal with about beliefs and cultural expectations for in suicidalbehavior are more closely associated According to Canetto’s analysis, gender diff andself-esteem are independence threatened. that menare more likely their suicidalwhen to be on performance and their foundsuicides focused larly with men.By contrast, moststudies of men’s problems personal intheir relationships, particu- most studies linked suicidalbehavior inwomen to Analyzing previous research, Canetto that learned that shewould explore alternate explanations. gender diff research provided an adequate explanation for tioned existing whether theories and quantitative psychologistsocial Silvia Canetto (1992)ques- suicide among women and men,for example, the suicidal behavior? In studying diff the persons studied,the not researcher. the and analysis the draws heavily on language the of lection and analysis frequently concurrently, occur in alaboratory or other research setting. Data col- such aswhere person lives the or works, rather than tive approach tend to gather data innatural settings, tion of theresearch. Researchers pursuing aqualita- starting proposition. Data gathering founda- isthe ing and analyzing data validity the to assess of the women’s and men’s suicidal behavior are justifi ing from existing data that alternate explanations of study, shereevaluated existing research, conclud- studiedbe (Reinharz, 1992). design process, not just treated aspassive objects to which theparticipants are brought into theresearch- design might develop acollaborative approach in viduals have who attempted suicide. Ourresearch causes. Next, we might indi- decideto interview women’s and men’s suicidal behavior to wrong the with proposition the that studies have attributed research designfor Canetto’s study, we might start pating intheresearch (Reinharz, 1992).To create a questions of concern and interest to people partici- to theresearch clarify question and to formulate Sale As inCanetto’s study, researchers using aquali- How might qualitative research to study used be In aqualitative approach, nextstep the iscollect- Although Canetto didnot gather data inher erences insuicidalbehavior and decided problem formulation problem erent rates of erences ed.

24/09/10 5:12PM CHAPTER 1 | THE SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE AND RESEARCH PROCESS 31 24/09/10 5:12 PM24/09/10 5:12 PM e e Census e representa- is a printed is a printed en in the form en in the form are people who people are gures are also used are gures les feature: “How People People “How les feature: or techniques c strategies Respondents specifi e population count determines count e population e purpose count this is to census of among polls are Harris and e Gallup respondents, and a “long form” that that form” a “long and respondents, of about one in six respondents. Statis- in six respondents. one about of a poll in which the researcher gathers facts or a poll in which the researcher all research methods research conducting research. systematically for survey among facts. the relationships determine to attempts Unlike many polls that use various methods of methods of use various polls that many Unlike Survey data are collected by using question- using by collected are Survey data

provide data for analysis through interviews ques- through or analysis for data provide Th tionnaires. surveys; large-scale however, known the most widely Census Bureau as the such U.S. agencies government surveys of a variety as well. conduct popu- the larger of sample a representative gaining infor- gain to attempts the Census Bureau lation, Th States. in the United all persons from mation observable—such as people’s attitudes and beliefs— and attitudes observable—such as people’s observe to too large describe to a population and select frequently 2004). Researchers (Babbie, directly respon- of small group (a sample a representative of group (the total population a larger from dents) their attitudes, about questions answer to people) behavior. or opinions, occurs decennial census every in the years 10 years, Th in “0.” ending the entire of units housing and the population Th States. United are Representatives of House in the U.S. seats how fi census however, apportioned; and policy in planning and public in formulating Th sector. in the private making decision Bureau attempts to survey population U.S. the entire questions of form” “short forms—a two using by asked of a of asked questions additional contains sample tive information provide the Census Bureau tics from is An example sociologists usethat in their research. in the Census Profi shown Note Race.” as to Self-Identify States in the United in the methods used changes recent because of that information Bureau, the Census by data collect to compa- directly is not the census 2000 race from on censuses. earlier from data with rable interviews. and A questionnairenaires research instrument containing a series of items to a series items of containing instrument research oft are Items respond. which subjects Sale Newman/PhotoEdit Michael ©

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Conducting surveys and polls is an important means of survey experiments. and eld research, ▲ Survey Research A Research Methods Research method which research do sociologists know How a particular best for approaches some use?to Are problem? conducting systematically gies techniques for or research. data, statistical existing of survey analysis research, fi gathering data from respondents. Some surveys take place respondents. gathering data from such surveys are however, increasingly, corners; on street Internet, or other means. telephone, done by facts or attempts to determine the relationships the relationships determine to attempts facts or facts. among research method in the socialresearch sciences because they directly not are that things study possible to it make ch001.indd 31ch001.indd 31 ch001.indd 32 32 PART 1 | STUDYING SOCIETY AND SOCIAL LIFE as racism—that might otherwise lead to suicide. lead as racism—that might otherwise AmericansAfrican against harsh forces—such social Early’sported hypothesis that church the buff ofbers American churches sixAfrican inFlorida sup- church. Data from questionnaires fi white Americans due to infl the are lower among Americans African than among questionnaires to test hishypothesis that suiciderates data collected through survey E. Early (1992)used samethe time. For example, Kevin sociologist the groups of respondents gathered at same the place at mailed torespondent’s the home or administered to is the by telephone, but mostcommonly the technique used istered by inface-to-face interviewers encounters or “agree” or “disagree.” Questionnaires may admin- be of statements respondent withthe which isasked to African Americanonly (1.48 percent ofthepopulation)inUnited States thatin2003approximatelyreports 4.3millionpeople (seebelow), theCensus Bureau onlyonecategory select category. ofrespondents Althoughthevastmajority tions regarding theirrace to markmore thanoneracial made itpossiblefor peopleresponding to census ques- Beginning withCensus 2000,theU.S. Census Bureau has astoSelf-Identify Race How People intheUnited States self-administered questionnaire, iseither which

Asian Americanonly

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based onthenumberofracial categories theylisted. ply stated, someindividualsare counted atleasttwice, 100 percent ofthetotal population.How canthisbe?Sim- if you lookatthefi self-identifi Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2007. An tions andrecords theanswers. askstherespondent ques- aninterviewer which interview each personinterview inthat population. In recent acteristics of alarge population without having to reinforces values and that beliefs discourage suicide. extentthe American church to African the which churches to pastors’ determinethe opinions about withducted pastors interviews of American African congregationsurveying members, Early (1992)con- by diff replicable data that can elicited be timeaft Structured tend to produce interviews uniform or asks questions from astandardized questionnaire. uses uses Sale Total 101.5 or more otherraces alone orincombination withone Native Hawaiian orotherPacifi with oneormore otherraces Native Americanaloneorincombination with oneormore otherraces Asian Americanaloneorincombination with oneormore otherraces African Americanaloneorincombination or more otherraces White aloneorincombination withone PopulationRace of Percentage Survey dataSurvey may collected by be also interviews. Survey research indescribingSurvey char- the isuseful interview structured interviews, structured erent For interviews. example, inaddition to ed asbeingofmore thanonerace. As aresult,

gures as set forth, theytotalgures more assetforth, than is a data-collection encounteris adata-collection in in which the interviewer interviewer the inwhich c Islander Survey research oft 81.8 13.3 Total 0.3 1.5 4.6 er time time er en en 24/09/10 5:12PM CHAPTER 1 | THE SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE AND RESEARCH PROCESS 33 24/09/10 5:12 PM24/09/10 5:12 PM collected by by collected Suppressed/undefined raw data a research method in which method in which a research

18.20–83.76

Map 1.2, “National Suicide Sta- Suicide 1.2, “National Map cial reports of organizations or or organizations of cial reports ▼ a research method using a data- method using a research 15.90–18.19 researchers use existing material and analyze data and analyze use existing material researchers others. collected by originally that were interview in which an interviewercollection asks the encounter the answers. questions and records respondent secondary analysis public records, offi records, public and agencies, government other researchers. For example, Durkheim used example, For researchers. other originally were that records) (death statistics vital purposes the rela- other examine to for collected marital status, as age, such variables among tionship sui- the person’s surrounding the circumstances and suicide use studying researchers many Today, cide. Disease for Centers the National by compiled data (CDC) the National and Prevention and Control For Control. and Prevention Injury for Center look at example, Sale the by compiled data based on a Glance,” tistics at 14.31–15.89 —research —research

For uences suicide 13.09–14.30 is variable each uential researchers use existing

suicidal on religion uence of ects of age, sex, income level, level, sex, income age, ects of multivariate analysis Not11.82–13.08 NATIONAL SUICIDE STATISTICS AT A GLANCE A AT STATISTICS SUICIDE NATIONAL 5.42–11.81 secondary analysis, secondary MAP 1.2 behavior among African Americans, a researcher a researcher African Americans, among behavior the eff look at might determine which to once all at variables other and infl variables these independent of involving more than two independent variables. For For variables. independent two than more involving assess to the infl example, infl how leastthe and most or relative to the a weakness others. However, of survey this questions; standardized is the use of research categories into respondents force to tends approach Moreover, belong. not may in which or they may information, self-reported on survey relies research particu- truthful, be less than may people some and as suicide. issues such charged emotionally on larly material and analyze data that were originally were that and analyze data material include collected sources data Existing by others. years, computer technology research- has enhanced computer years, do to ability ers’ Secondary of Existing Data Analysis In Source: www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/suicide/statistics/suicide_map.html Source: ▲ ch001.indd 33ch001.indd 33 ch001.indd 34 34 PART 1 | STUDYING SOCIETY AND SOCIAL LIFE atic observations while being part of the activities of the activities part being while atic observations observation interactionsocial asit may occurs use verbally rather than numerically. qualitative events. to Researchers generate methods these use tions, face-to-face discussions, and participation in understanding candeveloped through be observa- ior studied canbest by be there”; “being afuller live,they work, and play. kindsof Some behav- and people where interviewing setting: observing research Field Field Research areas? explanation of why rates inthese might higher be South,the and Florida. Central Canyou provide an rates among some counties central inthe Midwest, United States. note Also patterns the of suicide high westernest inthe and northwestern regions of the cal explanations for why suiciderates are high- the to develop plausible several try sociologi- and CDC, incomplete, unauthentic, or inaccurate. researcherthe not does always know data ifthe are analysis hasinherentary problems. For one thing, which to locate original research. However, second- points intime)to provide ahistorical context within place over of timeor aperiod at diff several sible to analyze longitudinal data (things that take In addition, of use the existing sources makes it pos- data personally, thechances of bias may reduced. be that researcher the because oft are readily available and inexpensive. Another is a topic on television shows. talk regular patterns, such of frequency asthe suicideas garbage). In content analysis, researchers for look and material culture (such asmusic, and art, even sion shows, advertisements, and greeting cards), narratives and visualtexts (such asmovies, televi- records and diaries, poems, (such graffi asbooks, life.social thematic dataextract anddraw conclusions about or variousformsartifacts of communication to analysis Sociologists who are who Sociologists interested inobserving Secondary analysis includes also Secondary One strength analysis of isthat secondary data

—the systematic examination of cultural

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en does noten does collectthe participant For content erent ti),

people from thecentral city. taxes, and eventual the exodus of middle-income despitejobs, decreases incity increases in services lives brought about abuse, by drug lossof increased was able to document changes inresidents’ everyday streets,the talking and listening to people, the he and white. As Anderson spent numerous hours on but becoming increasingly middle-to upper-income American and low-income, other the racially mixed a study intwo areas of amajor city—one African Elijah Anderson sociologist the (1990)conducted place over alonger of time. For period example, pant ethnographic observation, studies usually take (Feagin, and Orum, Sjoberg, 1991).Unlike partici- ofmay that years livewith group overaperiod who of byresearchers agroup of people activities ethnography decisions adeath asasuicide. to rule intuition and guesswork play alarge insome part discussions and coroners askthe questions because important around” to “be that so hecould listen to stages of investigation, Taylor that learned it was from theinitial report of death through thevarious six-month As hefollowed period. anumber of cases in participant at observation acoroner’s offi Steve sociologist tistics, the Taylor (1982)engaged of “offi hasona ruling accuracy the with adeath and to analyze what (ifany) eff coroners make of aruling “suicide” inconnection outside.the For example, to more learn about how tion than simply asking questions from or observing ipant generates observation more “inside” informa- of thegroup that isstudying. theresearcher An Experiments the infl the ideally undercontrolled circumstances, inwhich iments are designedto create “real-life” situations, variables on subjects’ attitudes or behavior. of certain studiestheimpact theresearcher which mental group and acontrol group. Th that divided subjects be into two groups: an experi- and measured. Conventional experiments require to variable (theexperimental anindependent tal group Sale approach fi to Another experiment uence of diff

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is a carefully designed situation in designed is acarefully erent variables canmodifi be eld research isthe cial” suicide sta- e experimen- ce over a ect ect such Exper- Partic- ed

24/09/10 5:12PM CHAPTER 1 | THE SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE AND RESEARCH PROCESS 35

24/09/10 5:12 PM24/09/10 5:12 PM Cover used by permission of W. W. Norton & Company, Inc. Cover photo © Camilo Jose Vergara. Jose Camilo © photo Cover Inc. Company, & Norton W. W. of permission by used Cover a research method in a research in an experiment, the group in an experiment, the group the systematic examination of culturalthe systematic in an experiment, the group that in an experiment, the group a detailed study of the life and a detailed study of the life a research method involving a carefully a carefully method involving a research a relationship that exists when two that exists when two a relationship

designed situation in which the researcher studies the studies the researcher situation in which designed attitudes or impact of certain variables on subjects’ behavior. group experimental an the subjects exposed to that contains who are to independent variable (the experimental condition) ect on them. study its eff group control the the subjects to not exposed contains who are independent variable. correlation than could frequently more associated variables are be expected chance. by content analysis analysis content artifacts extract to of communication or various forms about social life. conclusions thematic data and draw participant observation collect data while being partwhich researchers of the being studied. activities of the group ethnography who researchers of people by activities of a group a period of years. over with that group live may experiment © Addison Geary Addison © Sale lm control control e Th

For ect relationship ed: (1) a correlation ed: (1) a correlation For example, the soci- example, For erent Philadelphia erent ect them. on suicide neither lm containing (the a third and violence, lm about Not evidence some found e research exists when associ- are two variables

ects of media violence and depictions of of depictions and media violence ects of contains the subjects exposedcontains who not are

Elijah Anderson (shown above) conducted an above) Elijah Anderson (shown Researchers may use experiments when they want use when they experiments want may Researchers ated more frequently than could be frequently expected more ated by ologist Arturo Biblarz and colleagues (1991) exam- colleagues and Biblarz Arturo ologist ined the eff to the independent the variable. to one showing suicide by toward attitudes suicide on a fi experimental group) (an subjects of group group experimen-while suicide, a second (another about a fi saw tal group) a fi saw group) control Th violence. nor a cause-and-eff that demonstrate to a that show to order In exists between variables. in another, a change causes variable in one change be satisfi must conditions three exist to be shown must variables between the two (correlation that people exposed to suicidal acts or violence in exposed people violence suicidal acts to or that an demonstrate to likely be more the media may par- suicidal behavior, to favorable state emotional suicide. for risk” “at already if theyticularly are condition) to study its eff study to condition) ▲ ethnographic study of two very study of two ethnographic diff his landmark neighborhoods that became the basis for learn from What can researchers of the Street. Code study, if they that might be less apparent research ethnographic human behavior? study used other methods to ch001.indd 35ch001.indd 35 ch001.indd 36 36 PART 1 | STUDYING SOCIETY AND SOCIAL LIFE Code ofCode Ethics basic forth certain (1997)sets and confi sent”? Andhow doresearchers protect identity the study—butthey what constitutes “informed con- “informed consent” statements from persons the research. Researchers are required to obtain written questions about concerns ethical insociological Th Researchin Sociological Ethical Issues not same the asreal-life occurrences. or that place take inalaboratory setting are oft processes thatcial: Social are up set by researchers est limitation of experiments isthat are they artifi groups of subjects (Babbie, 2004).Perhaps thegreat- cate an timesby experiment several using diff of subjects, it for ispossible researchers to repli- money and canconducted be with limited numbers many experiments require relatively little timeand ability to isolate variable. experimental the Because researcher’s control over environment the and the stated hypothesis. due tobeen an extraneous variable—one outside the any change dependent inthe variable must not have prioroccurred to dependent the variable, and (3) independentchance), (2)the variable must have test thishypothesis. violent tendencies intheirusers?Experimentsare oneway to ▲ estudy of people (“human subjects”) raises vital

Th Th Do extremely violentvideogamescauseanincreaseDo extremely in e American Sociological Associatione American Sociological (ASA) e major advantage of an experiment isthe

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4. Researchers must acknowledge research4. collab- blood” of sociology. Th human behavior. Th research work together to provide uswith insights on he misrepresent reasons the for hisstudy? research questions: Was hisresearch Did unethical? well. However, Zellner’s research raised important killedortimes also critically injured other people as crashes were suicides—and crashessome- that these that at 12percent least of fatal the single-occupant or lovedfriend one. From hisdata, concluded Zellner “autocide” might have of case inthe their occurred future.in the He didnot mention that hesuspected would reduce number the of automobile accidents dents, told Zellner that them research the hehoped deaths were possiblyintentional. To recruit respon- persons killedinsingle-car crashesto determineifthe family, the interview and acquaintances friends, of suicide. To examineissuefurther, this hesought to determine ifsome drivers were actually committing atlook fatal single-occupant automobile accidents to Williamthe sociologist (1978)wanted Zellner to inconductingcal issuesarise research. For example, to protect research participants; however, many ethi- areSociologists obligated to adhere and tocode this Researchers must protect3. confi 2. Researchers must safeguard theparticipants’ Researchers must endeavor to maintain objectiv- 1. following: ducting research. Among standards these are the standards that must sociologists follow incon- Sale and allsources disclose of fi oration and receive assistance they from others information. ent) and legalpressure isapplied to reveal this tor and patient and between attorney and cli- (legally protected, between doc- asisthecase information isnot considered “privileged” to be tion provided by participants, even this when In this chapter, we have looked at how theory and and theory how at looked have we chapter, this In fromthem harm. right to privacy and dignity protecting while viewpoints). interpretationsthese donot support own their interpretationspossible of data the (evenwhen researchtheir fi ity and integrity research intheir by disclosing ndings and infull including all eory and eory research are the“life- eory provides eory theframework nancial support. dential informa- dential 24/09/10 5:12PM 37 you can make a diff erence Responding to a Cry for Help

Chad felt that he knew Frank quite well. After all, they had The possibility of suicide must be taken seriously: Most peo- been roommates for two years at State U. As a result, Chad ple who commit suicide give some warning to family mem- was taken aback when Frank became very withdrawn, sleep- bers or friends. Instead of attempting to argue the person ing most of the day and mumbling about how unhappy he out of suicide or saying “You have so much to live for,” let the was. One evening, Chad began to wonder whether he needed person know that you care and understand, and that his or to do something because Frank had begun to talk about “end- her problems can be solved. Urge the person to see a school ing it all” and saying things like “The world will be better off counselor, a physician, or a mental health professional imme- without me.” If you were in Chad’s place, would you know the diately. If you think the person is in imminent danger of com- warning signs that you should look for? Do you know what mitting suicide, you should take the person to an emergency you might do to help someone like Frank? room or a walk-in clinic at a psychiatric hospital. It is best to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, a na- remain with the person until help is available. tional nonprofi t organization dedicated to funding research, For more information about suicide prevention, contact education, and treatment programs for depression and sui- the following organizations: cide prevention, suggests that each of us should be aware of ● American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (www these warning signs ofNot suicide: .afsp.org), 120 Wall Street, 22nd Floor, New York, NY ● Talking about death or suicide. Be alert to such state- 10005. (888) 333-2377. AFSP is a leading not-for-profi t ments as “Everyone would be better off without me.” organization dedicated to understanding and prevent- Sometimes, individuals who are thinking about suicide ing suicide through research and education. speak as if they are saying good-bye. ● Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (www.save ● Making plans. The person may do such things as giving .org) is a resource index with links to other valuable away valuable items, paying off debts, and otherwise resources, such as “Questions Most Frequently Asked “putting things in order.” For on Suicide,” “Symptoms of Depression and Danger ● Showing signs of depression. Although most depressed Signs of Suicide,” and “What to Do If Someone You Love people are not suicidal, most suicidal people are Is Suicidal.” depressed. Serious depression tends to be expressed ● Befrienders Worldwide (www.befrienders.org) is a as a loss of pleasure or withdrawal from activities that website providing information for anyone feeling a person has previously enjoyed. It is especially impor- depressed or suicidal or who is worried about a friend tant to note whether fi ve of the following symptoms or relative who feels that way. It includes a directory of are present almost every day for several weeks: change Salesuicide and crisis helplines. in appetite or weight, change in sleeping patterns, speaking or moving with unusual speed or slowness, loss of interest in usual activities, decrease in sexual drive, fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and indecisiveness or inability to concentrate.

for analysis; research provides opportunities for us about social life and how it is shaped by gender, to use our sociological imagination to generate new race, class, age, and the broader social and cultural knowledge. Our challenge today is to fi nd new ways context in which everyday life occurs (Cancian, of integrating knowledge and action and to include 1992). Each of us can and should fi nd new ways to all people in the theory and research process in integrate knowledge and action into our daily lives order to help fi ll the gaps in our existing knowledge (see the You Can Make a Diff erence box).

ch001.indd 37 24/09/10 5:12 PM ch001.indd 38 38 PART 1 | STUDYING SOCIETY AND SOCIAL LIFE der. Symbolic interactionist on focus perspectives groups, oft is acontinuous among power struggle competing consensus. Confl a stable, orderly system characterized by societal is Functionalist assumethat society perspectives of patterned interactions among people. groups and asaweb argued seen isbest that society asawhole, Simmel exploredsociety smallsocial Whereas on primarily other sociologists focused aware of role the that bureaucracies play indaily life. should value be free and people should more become labortheir to others. According to Weber, sociology tion and workers, the have who nochoice but to sell clash owners the between of means the of produc- stressed that there withinisacontinuous society can to lead aconditionpurpose of anomie. Marx in society, and that lossof the shared values and thatfacts, rapid change social produces strains arguedDurkheim that are societies built on social between individual and experiences thelarger society. forces.social It istheability therelationship to see troubles, such assuicide, are actually related to larger nation helps usunderstand how personal seemingly According to C.Wright Mills, imagi- thesociological between our personal lives and thelarger world. pushes usto considerogy more complex connections culture tends to emphasize individualism, and sociol- turn, how group life isaff how human behavior isshaped by group life and, in interaction.social We to understand study sociology systematic isthe study of humanSociology and society chapter review ● ● ● ● ● perspectives? What are themajorcontemporary sociological of otherearlysociologists? How didSimmel’s diff perspective Weber? and Marx, sociologists suchasDurkheim, What are themajorcontributions ofearly What isthesociologicalimagination? understand ourselves andothers? What issociology, andhow canithelpus

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35 Not 34 34 28 35 (running time 2:25), available through through (running time 2:25), available 2010 the CBS video Census Watch reports the eff and the purpose of the census and consider “Stand up and be counted,” think about the saying the video, watch included in this text.) you As 12 ict perspectives ict that the sociological imagination helps us “to us “to helps the sociological imagination that be- the relations and biography grasp history and society”? 1959b: 6). within (Mills, the two tween you Would see it? others as world see the still yet when trying under- to decisions subjective make the stand perspectives others? of and go to your My Home page. your and go to log in at CengageBrain.com user, a returning If are you a fi If are you its complimentary locate title to resources. this book’s by search may you Alternatively, ● ● ● the ways in which your community may be aff ected by the results of the census. After you’ve watched the video, consider consider the video, watched you’ve After the census. of ected the results by be aff community may in which your the ways you? or weren’t you were Why in the 2010 Census? counted you Were these questions: CourseMate, which include a searchable, interactive eBook version of the text and more! eBook version interactive which include a searchable, CourseMate, Go to Go to turning to video turning to 1. What does C. Wright Mills mean when he says when mean he says Mills 1. does C. Wright What 2. objective remain you would a sociologist, how As questions for critical thinkingquestions for key terms key anomie confl functionalist perspectives countries high-income hypothesis variable independent industrialization experimental group group experimental correlation correlation dependent variable experiment control group group control ethnography content analysis analysis content ch001.indd 39ch001.indd 39