Sociology
What is Sociology?
The American Sociological Association, (ASA) describes “sociology as the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior.”1 The ASA contends that “sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts.”1
Topics of Study
Subject areas are as varied as society itself. Sociologists can study very small social relationships involving only a few people (such as the family). They can also explore relationships in much larger social collectivities such as organizations and institutions. Sociology may be concerned with issues revolving around social class, poverty, gender, race and ethnicity, or religion as well as social mobility and education. Other topics may include culture, socialization, conflict, power, and deviance. Very large social relationships such as those between nation states are also the domain of sociology as are the characteristics of the economy and political system. In fact, the whole topic of globalization is relevant to sociologists.
The Relationship Between People and Structure
Within the vast field of sociology, the common denominator is people. Sociology explores the “forces that influence people and help shape their lives … Society shapes what we do, how we do it, and how we understand what others do.“2 Options in life are determined in the past and are molded by currently existing structures that provide well-established guidelines for how individuals conduct their lives. To quote Macionis and Plummer, “In the game of life, we may decide how to play our cards, but it is society that deals us the hand”2.
Critical Thinking
An important aspect of sociology is critical thinking. Peter Berger argues that students of sociology should acquire a healthy skepticism regarding overly simplified (or commonly accepted) conceptions of human affairs. According to Berger, it's the job of sociology to debunk commonly accepted notions about society.
Multiple Perspectives
“Sociology provides many distinctive perspectives on the world, generating new ideas and critiquing the old.”1 Sociology, as a matter of course, utilizes multiple perspectives when critiquing social phenomena. It, likewise, employs a wide range of methodological techniques to answer questions that have social relevance.
ONLINE Sources Used:
1. American Sociological Association
2. University of Limerick Web Page
3. World Wide Learn (an on-line Education Guide)
4. University of Johannesburg Web Page