Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able
to:
1. Differentiate sociology from other social and natural
sciences.
2. Explain the aims and scope of socialization as it affects the
development of the self.
3. Define normative behavior as it relates to cultural lifestyles.
4. Identify the causes and effects of social structure and social
stratification.
5. Describe the basic social institutions that regulate social
interaction.
6. Describe ministerial strategy and impact in the midst of
social change.
7. Compare and contrast biblical insights with various
sociological insights regarding the relationship of self to
society.
8. Exhibit keener spiritual sensitivity in personal ministry.
Table of Contents
UNIT ONE: Sociology: A Scientific Discipline
1 Sociology as an Academic Discipline...........................16
2 Sociology as a Scientific Endeavor...............................28
UNIT TWO: Socialization: Human Beings as Social Beings
3 Socialization and the Self.............................................48
4 Socialization as a Lifelong Process..............................66
UNIT THREE: Culture: The Fabric of Human Society
5 Culture: A System of Norms.........................................82
6 Cultural Diversity..........................................................100
7 Subcultures..................................................................114
UNIT FOUR: Social Organization and Social Stratification
8 From Folk to Mass Society...........................................130
9 Bureaucracy: Administration of Mass Society..............148
10 Social Strata: Methods of Study and Indicators.........162
11 Social Location and Social Mobility............................182
UNIT FIVE: Social Institutions and Social Change
12 Social Institutions: Marriage and Family.....................198
13 Education, Religion, Economics, and Politics............216
14 Collective Behavior and Social Change.....................232
Course Introduction
Introduction to Sociology
The basic premise of sociology is that no one is ever
totally independent. The Chinese language illustrates
this well in its character for the word man. This
character looks like two sticks leaning on each other,
refering to “one man leaning against another.” It means
that humanity cannot be humanity alone. A teacher
without students cannot be a teacher; a pastor without
a congregation is meaningless. You need someone,
and consequently someone needs you.
Sociology is the study of the interdependency that is
characteristic of humankind. Human relationships,
which are referred to as social interaction, are the very
center of life. They are the basis for society and all that
is stable and predictable in life, and they are the
source of all social change as well.
Christians are commissioned in God’s Word to take the
gospel to the ends of the earth. This action involves
relating to people in every society. Through the study
of this course, you will learn about the development,
structure, interaction, and collective life of organized
groups of human beings. You will come to understand
why people think and behave the way they do. This
can only enhance your personal relationships with
others. God’s command to love your neighbor as you
love yourself will take on new meaning in your life.
Course Description
Introduction to Sociology SOC2012/3 (Credit: 2 or 3 hours)
This course presents a general survey of the nature and scope of
sociology, including the basic methods and concepts such as
socialization, culture, social organization, social stratification, social
institutions, and social change. Emphasis is given to the principle that
our behavior is influenced by our relationships with others. These
concepts are related to Christian living and ministry.
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY