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1st Year Sociology Gnm Notes
Nursing (01)
Kerala University of Health Sciences
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Table of
CONTENTS
Introduction
Individual
01
02
03 The Family
04
05 The Community
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Society
UNIT- 1
Introduction
Definition and scope of sociology:
- Sociology is the systematic study of society, human behavior, social interactions, and social institutions.
- It examines how societies are organized, how individuals and groups interact within them, and how social structures shape human behavior.
- Sociology explores a wide range of topics, including social stratification, culture, family dynamics, healthcare systems, education, religion, gender roles, and globalization.
- Sociologists use both qualitative and quantitative research methods to analyze social patterns, processes, and phenomena.
- The scope of sociology extends from micro-level interactions within small groups to macro-level analyses of entire societies and global dynamics.
- It seeks to understand social phenomena such as social change, social inequality, socialization, deviance, and collective behavior.
- Sociology plays a crucial role in informing policies, interventions, and social movements aimed at addressing social issues and improving societal well-being.
- Sociology informs nurses about the impact of social determinants such as housing, education, and employment on health outcomes, prompting holistic interventions.
- Collaborating with Multidisciplinary Teams:
- Sociology encourages nurses to collaborate with professionals from diverse fields to address complex health issues comprehensively.
- Contributing to Public Health Initiatives:
- Nurses can leverage sociological knowledge to develop and implement public health programs, policies, and community interventions aimed at improving population health.
Unit - 2
Individual
Review of Human Growth and Development:
- Introduction to Human Development:
- Human growth and development refers to the series of progressive changes that occur from conception to death, encompassing physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development.
- Stages of Human Development:
- Prenatal Development: Begins at conception and continues until birth, characterized by rapid physical growth and the formation of major organ systems.
- Infancy: The first stage of life, spanning from birth to around two years, marked by significant physical growth, motor development, and the formation of attachments.
- Early Childhood: Extending from toddlerhood (around two years) to approximately six years, characterized by rapid language development, socialization, and exploration.
- Middle Childhood: Occurring from around six to twelve years, characterized by continued physical growth, cognitive development, and the acquisition of social skills.
- Milestones vary across domains (physical, cognitive, social, emotional) and may occur at different ages depending on individual differences and cultural contexts.
- Developmental Challenges and Risks:
- Developmental challenges such as learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, and mental health issues can impact individuals' well-being and functioning.
- Environmental risks such as poverty, abuse, neglect, and exposure to toxins can have long-term consequences for development and health outcomes.
- Promoting Optimal Development:
- Supporting healthy development requires a holistic approach that addresses physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs across the lifespan.
- Strategies for promoting optimal development include providing nurturing environments, access to education and healthcare, positive parenting practices, and community support systems.
The Socialization Process:
- Definition of Socialization:
- Socialization is the lifelong process through which individuals learn and internalize the norms, values, beliefs, and behaviors of their society or culture. It occurs through interactions with family, peers, educators, media, and other social institutions.
- Key Components of Socialization:
- Primary Socialization: Occurs during early childhood and involves learning basic social norms, language, and values from family members and caregivers.
- Secondary Socialization: Continues throughout life and involves learning roles, behaviors, and norms associated with specific social contexts, such as school, work, and community settings.
- Agents of Socialization: Include family, peers, schools, religious institutions, mass media, and social media platforms, which influence individuals' attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.
- Processes of Socialization:
- Observation and Imitation: Individuals observe and imitate the behaviors of others, particularly significant role models such as parents, siblings, and peers.
- Role Modeling: Role models exemplify desirable behaviors and serve as sources of inspiration and guidance for individuals as they navigate social roles and expectations.
- Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement (reward) or negative reinforcement (punishment) from socializing agents reinforces certain behaviors and encourages conformity to societal norms.
- Socialization Institutions: Social institutions such as family, education, religion, and media transmit cultural values, beliefs, and practices to successive generations.
- Outcomes of Socialization:
- Formation of Identity: Socialization contributes to the formation of individual and collective identities, including self-concept, self-esteem, and group affiliations.
- Development of Social Skills: Socialization fosters the development of social skills, communication abilities, and interpersonal relationships necessary for functioning in society.
- Internalization of Cultural Norms: Individuals internalize cultural norms, values, and ideologies, which shape their perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors.
- Maintenance of Social Order: Socialization reinforces social cohesion and maintains social order by promoting conformity to societal norms and expectations.
Effect of Environment on Human Growth and Development:
Environmental Influence:
- The environment encompasses physical, social, cultural, economic, and ecological factors that shape human growth and development from conception to adulthood.
- Environmental influences interact with genetic predispositions to determine individual characteristics, behaviors, and outcomes.
Physical Environment:
- The physical environment includes factors such as housing, climate, geography, pollution, and access to resources, which can impact physical health, safety, and well-being.
- Exposure to environmental toxins, pollutants, and hazards may increase the risk of health problems, developmental delays, and chronic diseases.
Social Environment:
- The social environment comprises social relationships, family dynamics, peer interactions, community networks, and cultural norms, which influence socialization, identity formation, and psychosocial development.
Right to Life and Liberty:
- Every individual has the inherent right to life, liberty, and security of person, as enshrined in democratic constitutions and international human rights instruments.
Right to Equality and Non-discrimination:
- Individuals are entitled to equal treatment under the law and protection against discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, or other grounds.
Right to Privacy:
- Individuals have the right to privacy and protection against unauthorized intrusion into their personal lives, homes, communications, and data.
Right to Fair Trial and Due Process:
- Every person accused of a crime is entitled to a fair and impartial trial, including the presumption of innocence, legal representation, and access to justice.
Right to Education and Healthcare:
- Individuals have the right to access quality education, healthcare, and social services to fulfill their potential and lead dignified lives. Responsibilities:
Respect for the Rule of Law:
- Individuals have a responsibility to obey the laws of the land and respect the authority of democratic institutions, including the judiciary, legislature, and executive branches of government.
Civic Engagement and Participation:
- Citizens have a responsibility to actively engage in civic life, including voting in elections, participating in community activities, and staying informed about public issues.
Respect for Human Rights and Dignity:
- Individuals should uphold the human rights and dignity of others, treating everyone with fairness, respect, and empathy, regardless of differences.
Promotion of Social Justice and Equality:
- Citizens have a responsibility to work towards the promotion of social justice, equality, and inclusion, advocating for the rights of marginalized and vulnerable groups.
- Respect for Democratic Values and Institutions:
- Individuals should uphold democratic values such as tolerance, pluralism, accountability, transparency, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
- Environmental Stewardship:
- Citizens have a responsibility to protect the environment, conserve natural resources, and promote sustainable development for present and future generations.
- Contributing to the Common Good:
- Individuals should contribute positively to society by respecting the rights of others, fulfilling their civic duties, paying taxes, and engaging in acts of volunteerism and philanthropy. In a democratic society, the balance between individual rights and responsibilities is essential for fostering social cohesion, democratic governance, and the realization of human dignity and well-being for all.
- Roles and Responsibilities: Each family member typically assumes specific roles and responsibilities within the family structure, such as caregiver, breadwinner, nurturer, or decision-maker.
- Socialization: Families play a crucial role in socializing children, transmitting cultural values, norms, and traditions, and teaching essential life skills.
- Interdependence: Family members rely on each other for emotional, financial, and practical support, fostering interdependence and mutual reliance.
- Dynamic and Evolving: Families evolve over time in response to internal and external changes, such as births, deaths, marriages, divorces, migrations, and socio-economic shifts. Types of Family:
- Nuclear Family:
- Consists of a married couple and their biological or adopted children living together in a single household.
- Often perceived as the traditional family structure in many societies.
- Extended Family:
- Includes additional relatives beyond the nuclear family, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, living together or in close proximity.
- Provides a broader support network and often plays a significant role in childcare and eldercare.
- Single-Parent Family:
- Headed by one parent (either a mother or father) who is responsible for raising and supporting the children.
- Single-parent families may result from divorce, separation, death of a spouse, or choice.
- Blended or Stepfamily:
- Formed when two individuals with children from previous relationships marry or cohabit, creating a new family unit.
- Involves the integration of children from different biological parents into a single household.
- Childless Family:
- Comprises a married or unmarried couple without children by choice or due to infertility.
- Childless couples may focus on career advancement, personal fulfillment, or other interests.
- Same-Sex Family:
- Consists of a same-sex couple (e., two men or two women) raising children together, either through adoption, assisted reproductive technologies, or previous relationships.
- Same-sex families face unique legal, social, and cultural challenges but provide nurturing environments for children.
- Fictive Kin or Chosen Family:
- Includes individuals who are not biologically or legally related but share close emotional bonds and consider themselves as family.
- Fictive kin relationships may include close friends, mentors, neighbors, or community members.
Family Cycle and Basic Needs of Family:
Family Cycle: 1. Formation: Begins with the formation of a family through marriage, cohabitation, or other forms of partnership. 2. Expanding: Involves the birth or adoption of children, expanding the family unit and adjusting to the demands of parenthood. 3. Parenting: Focuses on the nurturing, socialization, and education of children, as parents assume caregiving responsibilities and guide their children's development. 4. Launching: Occurs as children reach adulthood and leave the family home to pursue education, careers, or independent living. 5. Empty Nest: Marks a transition phase when children have left home, and parents adapt to an empty household, renegotiate roles, and pursue new interests. 6. Aging or Retirement: Involves adjustments to retirement, aging, and potential changes in health and living arrangements, as older adults navigate the later stages of the family life cycle. 7. Later Life and Legacy: Focuses on the later stages of life, including issues related to health care, long-term care, end-of-life decisions, and the passing on of family legacies and traditions. Basic Needs of Family: 1. Physical Needs: Include access to adequate food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and other essential resources necessary for survival and well- being. 2. Safety and Security: Encompass protection from physical harm, violence, abuse, and environmental hazards, as well as financial stability and social safety nets.
family unit, contributing to the fulfillment of individual and collective needs across the family life cycle.
Important Functions of Family and Their Problems:
Functions of Family: 1. Provision of Care and Nurturance: Families provide physical care, emotional support, and nurturance to their members, ensuring their well- being and development. 2. Socialization: Families play a vital role in transmitting cultural values, norms, beliefs, and behaviors to the next generation, shaping their social identity and worldview. 3. Education and Skill Development: Families serve as the primary context for learning essential life skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal relationships. 4. Economic Support: Families contribute to the economic security of their members through income generation, resource pooling, and financial assistance during times of need. 5. Emotional Support and Intimacy: Families offer emotional support, companionship, and intimacy, fostering a sense of belonging, love, and connection among members. 6. Role Allocation and Social Roles: Families assign roles and responsibilities to their members based on age, gender, and social status, facilitating the division of labor and social integration. 7. Reproduction and Continuity: Families ensure the continuation of the human species through reproduction, childbirth, and the socialization of children into adulthood. Problems Associated with Family Functions: 1. Role Conflict and Stress: Balancing multiple roles and responsibilities within the family can lead to role conflict, stress, and burnout for individual members. 2. Communication Breakdown: Poor communication patterns, conflict avoidance, and misunderstandings can undermine effective communication within the family, leading to tensions and unresolved issues. 3. Financial Strain: Economic hardships, unemployment, and financial instability can strain family resources and lead to financial stress, conflicts, and material deprivation. 4. Interpersonal Conflicts: Differences in values, expectations, and personalities among family members can lead to interpersonal conflicts, tension, and relationship breakdowns.
- Family Violence and Abuse: Domestic violence, child abuse, and elder abuse are serious problems that can occur within families, causing physical, emotional, and psychological harm to victims.
- Substance Abuse and Addiction: Substance abuse and addiction issues within the family can disrupt family dynamics, impair functioning, and lead to relational breakdowns and health problems.
- Family Disintegration: Divorce, separation, and family breakdown can disrupt family cohesion, stability, and support networks, affecting the well- being of all members.
Types of Marriage and Their Medical and Sociological Aspects:
Types of Marriage: 1. Monogamy: Marriage between two individuals, typically characterized by exclusivity, commitment, and legal or social recognition. 2. Polygamy: - Polygyny: Marriage of one man to multiple wives simultaneously. - Polyandry: Marriage of one woman to multiple husbands simultaneously. 3. Same-Sex Marriage: Marriage between two individuals of the same gender, gaining legal recognition in many countries in recent years. 4. Arranged Marriage: Marriage arranged by families or intermediaries, based on cultural, religious, or social considerations, rather than individual choice. 5. Love Marriage: Marriage based on mutual affection, attraction, and personal choice between the partners, rather than familial or societal arrangement. Medical Aspects of Marriage: - Marriage has implications for health and well-being, affecting physical, mental, and social aspects of individuals' lives. - Married individuals often enjoy better health outcomes, including lower mortality rates, improved mental health, and greater access to social support. - Marriage can influence health behaviors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and diet, as couples may influence each other's lifestyle choices. - Marital relationships can serve as sources of stress or support, depending on the quality of the relationship and the level of interpersonal conflict.
Unit – 4
Society
Definition and Meaning:
Definition: A definition provides clarity and understanding of a concept by outlining its essential characteristics and boundaries. Meaning: The meaning of a concept refers to its significance, interpretation, and implications within a given context or field of study.
Social Groups:
Types of Social Groups: 1. Primary Groups: Small, intimate groups characterized by close, enduring relationships, emotional bonds, and frequent interaction (e., family, close friends). 2. Secondary Groups: Larger, more impersonal groups formed for specific purposes or tasks, with less emotional attachment and more formalized structures (e., workplace teams, professional associations).
- Reference Groups: Groups to which individuals compare themselves, seek approval, or aspire to emulate, influencing their attitudes, behaviors, and self-concept (e., peer groups, role models).
- In-Groups and Out-Groups: In-groups are social groups to which individuals belong and identify with, while out-groups are those perceived as different or inferior, often leading to stereotyping and prejudice.
- Formal Groups: Officially recognized groups with established roles, rules, and responsibilities, often organized around specific goals or functions (e., committees, clubs, organizations).
- Informal Groups: Spontaneous, unofficial groups that emerge based on shared interests, affiliations, or social networks, often influencing organizational dynamics and informal communication channels. Structure of Social Groups:
- Social groups exhibit diverse structures, including size, composition, roles, norms, and hierarchies, shaping interactions and relationships among members.
- Group structure influences cohesion, communication patterns, decision-making processes, and power dynamics within the group. Intergroup Relationships:
- Intergroup relationships refer to interactions, perceptions, and dynamics between different social groups, ranging from cooperation and collaboration to competition and conflict.
- Factors such as competition for resources, social identity, stereotypes, and prejudice can influence intergroup relations and contribute to ingroup favoritism and outgroup bias. Group Cycle:
- The group cycle refers to the stages of development that social groups typically experience over time, including formation, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning (or mourning).
- These stages involve initial formation, conflict resolution, establishment of norms and roles, task accomplishment, and eventual dissolution or transition. Group Behavior:
- Group behavior refers to the patterns of actions, interactions, and dynamics exhibited by members within a social group, influenced by factors such as roles, norms, cohesion, leadership, and situational context.
1st Year Sociology Gnm Notes
Course: Nursing (01)
University: Kerala University of Health Sciences
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