SOC212H1 Lecture : SOC212 Lec 4
Document Summary
Theory: a way of viewing the social world. Use it to mean a guess or a hutch about something. Empirical proof => has to fit the facts, evidence. Has to sensitize you to make certain observations. Interconnected series of ideas (testable assertions) => scientific theory. Social scientific theory: interconnected series of testable assertions. Small town uniformity - complex patterns of urban life. Changed from coherent small town to a heterogeneity society. Multicultural => diff groups of people moving in. Evolution of industrialization => technology that can take over. Unemployment, housing problems, disease, crime, massive concentration. Seem to concentrate at certain regions but not others. Melting pot - weak ties, shared customs, social control. Facts are not self evident but vary from person to person. Knowledge is not a state, but a process. Acquire knowledge by understanding/doing research of these problems in practical reality. Task of soc is to explore social activity. Social activity is distinct from its setting.
