Sociology Assignment: Social Institutions and Perspectives Report

This sociology report offers an introduction to the discipline, examining the differences between sociological understanding and common sense, as well as how sociology differs from other social sciences. It applies basic sociological concepts like norms, values, and culture to explain social phenomena. The report evaluates contrasting sociological perspectives, particularly focusing on social institutions such as the family, and analyzes the family as a key social institution in Britain. The analysis includes an examination of values, procedures, and how the family functions within the broader societal context, drawing upon the perspectives of various sociologists.

Introduction to
Sociology

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Distinctions between sociological and common sense understanding..................................1
1.2 The way sociological approach differs from other social science........................................1
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................2
2.1 Application of basic concepts in sociological explanation...................................................2
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................2
3.1 Evaluation of contrasting sociological perspectives.............................................................2
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................3
4.1 Analyse a specific social institution......................................................................................3
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................3
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................4
.........................................................................................................................................................4

INTRODUCTION
Sociology refers to a social science which enables mankind to understand dynamics and
structure of society. Sociologist can identify patterns as well as connections within behaviour of
human by using a scientific approach and critically analyse the society. It gives explanations of
the way culture of society affects people (Giddens, 2015). This report gives explanation about
understanding of social approach and its distinctions from other social science and common
sense in Britain. Furthermore, different perspectives related to specific social institution also
highlighted in present report.
TASK 1
1.1 Distinctions between sociological and common sense understanding
Sociological thinking is generally based on theories which have been tested by unbiased
research as well as attempt to take overall values into consideration. In general common sense
theories are based on naturalistic and individualistic assumptions as per different opinions.
Common sense ideas reflects a form of social perspective and defined as knowledge which is
shared by majority of people. In context with 'the family' an institution in Britain, it has
evaluated that common sense and sociological thinking are distinct in far manner. Common
sense of people are based on their personal experience and assumptions while sociological views
on evidence and rigorous research (Atkinson, 2014). Common sense also reflects social
traditions which reinforce the status quo as well as resist societal change also. While conflict
approaches in sociological thinking are raise questions on status quo.
1.2 The way sociological approach differs from other social science
Sociology refers to study of society, particular patterns of social relationship, culture and
way of interaction among people etc. It analyses the relationship between people and their
societies. In comparison with other aspects of human behaviour like psychology, anthropology
and more, there are many differences among these with social approaches. For example:
Psychology studies the mind of human beings and give perceptions accordingly. Therefore, it
can be said that psychology called as special science as it deals with individual behaviour. While
sociology as general science because it conducts study on group behaviour. In context with
Economics, it looks at economical activities and institution of people (Cohn, 2014). So, concept
of this social science is also differs from social science.
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TASK 2
2.1 Application of basic concepts in sociological explanation
Sociology refers to study of social behaviour which uses many methods of empirical
investigation as well as critical analysis for developing a body of knowledge about social pattern
or change (Lewis, 2015). It is filled with various sorts of sociological ideas like norms, values,
culture, gender and ethnicity. Here, norm describes a specific expectation that shows how people
should behave in society. For example: People should not allowed to speak loud or behave in
unethical manner with others. Similarly, concept of values is extracted from norms and related to
acceptable behaviours in society. It defines what aspires a society for example- being polite and
give respect to other religions is core value of society. Furthermore, culture of certain group of
people reflects beliefs, shared values and norms. Therefore, it binds or collaborate human beings
with each other and unite them also. Other concepts of sociology like gender and ethnicity shows
general perceptions of how male and female should behave.
TASK 3
3.1 Evaluation of contrasting sociological perspectives
Social institutions is itself a wider concept as it has integrated with set of norms that
revolves around the social values of environment (Neal and Murji, 2015). Social institutions,
according to Sumner and Keller, is an activity which are enclosed by the agglomeration of folk-
ways. Generally, there are five categories of social institutions and these are family, economics,
religions, education and state. All these primary institutions are furthermore operates in five
different basic areas of human life. In sociological theory, social institutions have three
prevailing interpretations and these are functionalist approaches, Marixt-inspired conflict
orientation explanations and no-institutionalist approaches. All these are connected with the
social institutions and its working. For instance: functionalist approaches given by Durkheim and
Parsons majorly focuses on social system so that social system can be maintained.
Therefore, social institutions comes under functionalist perspectives and attempts to
explain that social institution works in collaboration with the purpose of meeting all the need and
requirements of an individuals (Bridges and Pascoe, 2014). Furthermore, this perspectives
defines that societies are maintained and functions like an organism where all organs work
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together so that human body can function in a better manner. Thus, it can be said that social
institution perform their task just to maintain and form a stable system.
TASK 4
4.1 Analyse a specific social institution
The concept of social or 'the family' institution in Britain is considered as crucial aspect
in entire study of sociology. It constitutes major building blocks of society as well as lies at the
centre of attention of sociology (Adorno, 2018). As per perceptions of Summer and Keller, social
institution embodies with specific values and procedures which meet basic needs of human
beings. Here, common values refers to shared beliefs and goals and procedures as standardised
behaviour. Along with this, family involves a set of values about affection and love with
children. While common procedures with routine care of family members and a connection bond
between them.
CONCLUSION
It has been concluded from this assignment that sociology defines as systematic study of
all aspects of life such as human interaction and particular pattern of society. It helps in
understanding the patterns of social relationship, common belief of people, culture and shared
ideas. It is necessary to understand the concept of sociological perspectives which includes
recognising as well as evaluating effects of human relationship and social structures. It also
elaborate how human beings should behave with each other when live in a particular society on
the basis of norms, culture, values, ethnicity, gender and more. All these aspects help in bringing
collaboration among society members who belong to different religion.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Adorno, T. W., 2018.Introduction to sociology. John Wiley & Sons.
Lewis, S., 2015. Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five
approaches.Health promotion practice.16(4). pp.473-475.
Atkinson, P., 2014. Language, Structure and Reproduction (Routledge Revivals): An
Introduction to the Sociology of Basil Bernstein. Routledge.
Giddens, T., 2015. Introduction. InGraphic Justice (pp. 15-21). Routledge.
Cohn, S., 2014. From health behaviours to health practices: an introduction.Sociology of health
& illness. 36(2). pp.157-162.
Bridges, T. and Pascoe, C. J., 2014. Hybrid masculinities: New directions in the sociology of
men and masculinities.Sociology Compass. 8(3). pp.246-258.
Neal, S. and Murji, K., 2015. Sociologies of everyday life: Editors’ introduction to the special
issue.
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