SOCIOLOGY

Sociology
• The study of the development, structure and functioning of
the human society
TERMS USED IN SOCIOLOGY
• Social being: Is defined as sharing, developing and sustaining
of meaningful relationships with others
• Culture: It is described as the combination of the body of
knowledge, a body of belief and a body of behavior
• Value: The material or monetary worth of something
• Socialization: The process of learning beliefs, values and
norms that are expected of as members of a particular social
group
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• Institution: An established order or custom or building for
the recipients of public help
• Society: a large number of people living in an area sharing a
common culture
• Norm: a rule of conduct that specify how people should
behave in a specific situation
• Community: A number of people living in a geographic area
under the same government
• Folkways: Refers to less serious and less important
customary prescriptions e.g. dress code to be followed,
rules of etiquette
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• Social mobility: Movement of individuals, families or
groups through a system of social hierarchy or
stratification
• Gender: Refers to attitude, behavior, norms and roles
that a society or culture that associated with
individual‘s sex
• Social change: A way human interactions and
relationships transform cultural and social institution
overtime having a profound impact of society
HISTORY OF SOCIOLOGY
• It is a discipline that was developed in 1789
• The pioneer of sociology is Augustine Comte, he was
French
• He was triggered to develop sociology when he released
the social changes after the emperor of
France( Napoleon and Bonaparte)was defeated and
arisen sociology disorganization
• Comte gave sociology and coined this term from Latin
Words socius meaning society and Greek word logos
meaning knowledge, rational, discourses, study or
science
SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS
• Family: Serves to reproduce society biologically procreation and
socially through socialization of children, grandparents, families
l, neighbors and friends participate
• School: it is a social institution through which society’s children
are taught basic academic knowledge learning skills and
cultural norms
• Government: It is that controlled of interrelated organization
exercise over constant society
• Economic institutions refer to the established systems,
organizations, and frameworks that shape economic activity,
influence the distribution of resources, and govern production,
trade, and consumption
Purposes of Sociology
• Addressing Social Inequality:
Sociology helps identify and analyze issues related to race,
class, gender, and other forms of inequality, contributing to
efforts to reduce discrimination and promote social justice.
• Informing Public Policy:
Sociological research provides insights into social problems,
helping policymakers design effective interventions for issues
such as poverty, crime, and
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• Understanding Social Behavior : Sociology explores the
reasons behind individual and collective actions, considering
cultural norms, values, and social expectations.
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• These institutions play a critical role in structuring how
economies function
• RELIGION INSTITUTIONS are organizations and
structures that support the practice, dissemination, and
governance of religious beliefs and traditions
• These institutions shape the religious, moral, and often
social lives of their adherents, and they come in various
forms across different faiths
Impact of Social Institution on
Health and Socialization
• Family Institutions
Provide emotional and practical support for its members , helps
regulates sexual activity and sexual reproductive provides members
with social identity and contribute to social inequality
It can also be source of conflict including physical violence and
emotional cruelty
• School Institutions
Children learn punctuality , time management human rights and how
they exercise this rights
Teaches children how to operate a house hold and encourage
technological advancements
Teaches children how to be good citizens
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• Government Institutions
Free primary education experience it’s fundamental by
guaranteeing that everyone has access to education
Free health services aims to reduce the financial barriers
that people may experience when trying to access health
services
Impact of family on health
• Having a positive family Environment could support
good mental and emotional health
Types of Family
• Nuclear family: It consists of husband, wife, and their unmarried children.
This form of family is universal, found in all societies at every age. A nuclear
family is economically independent. Nuclear families are symbol of female
emancipation and empowerment. In the absence of the moralizing influence
of a joint family system, there is an erosion of religious and cultural values
in nuclear families.
• Joint family: A joint family comprises two or more couples united by bonds
of blood of patrilineal descent.
Joint families usually originate as two generation families in situations
where sons do not separate even after marriage. The merit of the joint
family system is that it is based on the motto "union is strength". There is a
sharing of responsibilities practically in all matters which gives the family a
greater economic and social security.
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• Three generation family: It occurs usually when young couples are
unable to find separate housing accommodation, and continue to live
with their parents and have their own children. Thus, representatives of
three generations related to each other by direct descent live together
Functions Of Families
• Home or comfort: Family creates the home and provides a homely life.
A family is sanctuary for comfort, relief, relaxation and satisfaction. A
home is the most cherished possession of man, a personal property,
identification and an address that denotes an appropriate placement of
an individual in his society.
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• Economical security: Family provides an ideal security for its
members which appear to be based on a socialistic philosophy
"from every member as per his capacity and to every member
as per his needs". Family provides economic security to its
productive as well as nonproductive members.
• Procreation and rearing of children: Bearing of children is an
important function of the family to perpetuate race This function
is achieved through affection and se between husband and
wife. Both parents participate in rearing of children.
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• Physical and emotional care: Family is committed to meet
physical an emotional need of its members by providing food,
shelter, clothing, healthcare, love and emotional environment
provides member's sense of security and confidence, helps
them build their self-concept, self-esteem and emotional
stability.
• Education: A family is the first school for toddlers who learn the
most elementary lessons from their parents at home. An
educated family provides an ideal setting for learning
experiences of preschool children in an atmosphere of loving,
care and personalized attention.
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• Socialization: The process of socialization first starts in the family.
The family transmits the knowledge of its cultural practices which
includes customs, traditions, religious virtues and rituals, behavior
pattern, dressing up, speech, language relationship with people, etc.
• Division labor: Every member in the family has defined status, roles,
functions and responsibilities to carry on various functions and tasks
of the family. There is • increasing sharing responsibilities between
the partners especially related to earning for living and support due
to industrialization inflation increasing individual and family needs.
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• Social care and control: The family function to regulate and
control the social behavior of members within the acceptable
norms and family and society. It regulates behavior of members
with reference to their daily routine personal and social habits,
martial activities, sex relations through incest and taboo, etc.
ADVANTAGES OF FAMILIES
• Provide primary source of learning
• Gives stability in various ways
• Makes us have responsibilities for our duties
DISADVANTAGES OF FAMILIES
• Shortage of resources
• The extended family has too much responsibilities
• Different opinions may lead to quarrels amongst members
• Lack of privacy as there are too many people around all the
time
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• Advantages of a Nuclear Family:
• Economic Efficiency: The nuclear family often has a more
streamlined household budget, with two parents sharing
financial responsibilities and resources. This can lead to more
economic stability.
• Focused Parenting: With both parents directly involved, child-
rearing responsibilities can be shared, allowing for focused and
consistent parenting.
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• Disadvantages of a Nuclear Family
• Limited Support Network:
Nuclear families may lack the extended support systems that
extended families offer, such as help with child-rearing,
household tasks, or financial support.
• Isolation: Members of a nuclear family might experience
isolation from broader family networks, which can limit social
interaction
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Advantages of a Joint Family:
• Support System: A joint family provides a built-in support
network. Members can share responsibilities for childcare,
household chores, and eldercare, reducing the burden on
individual members.
• Shared Resources: Financial and material resources are often
pooled together, which can help in managing expenses and
providing a better standard of living for all members.
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Disadvantages of a Joint Family:
• Conflicts and Tensions: With more people living together, there
is a higher likelihood of conflicts and disagreements over
household management, parenting, and personal space.
• Lack of Privacy: Individual privacy can be limited in a joint family
due to the close quarters and the presence of multiple
generations or extended family members.
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Advantages of a Three-Generation Family:
• Shared Caregiving:
Grandparents can assist with childcare, allowing parents to
balance work and family responsibilities more easily. This
support can reduce childcare costs and provide more stability
for children.
• Emotional and Social Support:
The presence of multiple generations can offer a strong
emotional support network, fostering a sense of belonging and
stability for all family members.
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Disadvantages of a Three-Generation Family:
• Generational Conflicts:
Differences in values, lifestyles, and expectations between
generations can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings.
• Privacy Issues: Living with multiple generations can limit
personal privacy and space, potentially leading to tension and
discomfort among family members.
Impact of Family on Health
• The family plays a crucial role in influencing the health and wellbeing
of its members in various ways. The impact can be both positive and
negative
Positive Impacts:
• Emotional Support: Families provide emotional support and stability,
which can reduce stress and improve mental health.
Emotional well-being contributes to better overall health and
resilience against illness.
• Health Behaviors: Families often influence health behaviors such as
diet, exercise, and sleep patterns. A supportive family can encourage
healthy eating, regular physical activity, and good sleep hygiene.
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Negative Impacts:
• Conflict and Stress: Family conflicts, such as marital disputes or
intra-family disagreements, can increase stress levels, negatively
impacting mental and physical health. Chronic stress is linked to
various health problems, including cardiovascular disease and
weakened immune function.
• Health Risks: Unhealthy family environments, such as those
involving substance abuse or neglect, can expose members to health
risks. This can lead to physical and mental health issues, including
higher risks of addiction, abuse, and chronic conditions.