Note
|
A different way of thinking... This "different way of thinking" can be expressed in two specific ways Firstly, there is frequently an "internal conflict" or tension over the use of sociological ideas that have passed into everyday language (the concept of culture being a good case in point - it's everyday meaning is substantially different to its sociological meaning). That is, students become familiar with a particular (culturally-created) way of thinking about some aspect of society and, when they start to study Sociology they find sociologists either define everyday concepts in a different way or - as is more often the case - they question, develop and qualify "everyday meanings" whilst, at the same time, accepting the significance of everyday interpretations Secondly, in our everyday lives we grow used to trying to think about things in a relatively simple and straightforward manner. In basic terms, we try to make our lives as simple and uncomplicated as possible by not worrying too much about definitions, arguments, interpretations and the like. In basic terms, we "work ideas out" to our internal satisfaction, since to do otherwise would mean spending all your time worrying over minute differences and interpretations rather than "getting on with the important things" like earning a living, coping with families and friends or going down the pub with your mates... |