Feb 9, 2022 OpenStax. Giddings have rightly pointed out, 'Sociology tells us how to become what we want to be.' We use cookies, which are small text files placed on your computer, to allow the site to work for you, improve your user experience, to provide us with information about how our site is used, and to deliver personalised ads which help fund our work and deliver our service to you for free. Groups vary in their sizes and formalities, as well as in the levels of attachment between group members, among other things. Reading, writing, and oral communication skills, Quantitative literacy and statistical reasoning skills, Research skills (e.g., literature review, data collection, and data analysis), Social skills (e.g., communication skills, ability to interact with people from different social backgrounds, cultural competence, and empathy). Describe why socialization is important for being fully human. They are concerned with the social and economic advancement of humanity at large. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and civil rights movement on the morning of May 7, 1963? With the multiple methods of research as mentioned above, a clear and comprehensive understanding of the social issue is formed, which allows the researchers to devise the most suitable and effective solution according to each problem. It was hard for me to count up numbers, to understand formulas in science or to think analytically. Seven Reasons Why Sociology is a Science 1. JavaScript is currently disabled, this site works much better if you It made any kind of analysis work that much easier to understand. One reason to study sociology is simply because sociology is a fascinating and multifaceted discipline. 1.4 Why Study Sociology? When I discovered just how impactful the study of our society would be on my own life, I couldn't have been happier with my decision of choosing it as my major and here are 10 reasons why. Additionally, sociology courses pair well with other disciplines you might want to study, like political science, gender and sexuality studies, anthropology and psychology. The sub topic in the study of sociology may involve one of the researchers who developed the theory. They can track your browser across other sites and build up a profile of your interests. Why are some countries in Latin American richer than other countries, and is the difference related to where liberally minded, commercially oriented townspeople tended to live in the Spanish Empire during the seventeenth century? These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. We can generally agree that world needs to be a safer place where all people can enjoy basic dignity and human rights. Who doesnt like to people watch? One of the reasons how is that according to W.E.B Du Bois, in 'Of Our Spiritual Strivings' of "The Souls of Black Folk", it is a gift that allows them to view society in a special and meaningful way. are licensed under a, Pop Culture, Subculture, and Cultural Change, Introduction to Society and Social Interaction, Introduction to Deviance, Crime, and Social Control, Global Implications of Media and Technology, Theoretical Perspectives on Media and Technology, Social Stratification in the United States, Introduction to Social Stratification in the United States, Social Stratification and Mobility in the United States, Theoretical Perspectives on Social Stratification, Theoretical Perspectives on Global Stratification, Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination, Introduction to Gender, Sex, and Sexuality, Theoretical Perspectives on Government and Power, Theoretical Perspectives on Health and Medicine, Population, Urbanization, and the Environment, Introduction to Population, Urbanization, and the Environment, Introduction to Social Movements and Social Change, Sociologists study how society affects people and how people affect society. This book uses the Sociology employs Empirical Method: Just like science, sociology employs observations to attain its result. Men have failed to bring peace to the world. Transferrable skills are a key character trait looked for in people as these are skills that have the potential to be applied in a variety of areas. Such harm can be quite severe in medical research unless certain precautions are taken. A range of social scientists not just economists but also psychologists, sociologists and political scientists, for example can help us understand the economic crisis and weigh up decisions we make for ourselves and those which governments make on our behalf. Qualitative data analysis also is a valuable skill that students acquire. A dictionary defines sociology as the systematic study of society and social interaction. She has always been driven to play a part in changing and correcting the social evils that exist in society. Sociology helps understand various human and social perspectives in which individual lives are defined and shaped. On the other hand, this means that it is a challenging subject that will have . Political divisions exist throughout the world, causing stress and conflict. Just like how you cant exercise properly without knowing the right techniques, or youll hurt yourselfyou cant help the system without actually knowing how and what needs help in the first place. 1 Introduction: Sociology is a vast and interconnected way of thinking about society. 5. Through a sociological perspective, you will see the familiar world in strikingly new waysfrom relationships, to family, to work, to crime, to social mobility, to social problems and many other social behaviors. I would get to sit in a cafeteria and take notes as I watched others walk by me, have intriguing conversations, and make gestures in order to find common patterns within the group as a whole. It's short, and worthwhile we promise! Why Study Sociology: Department of Sociology Interestingly enough, its topics of concern seem to be directly determined by current and common events of the world. In this article, you will know everything about 10 good reasons to study sociology. Sociology contributes so much to our understanding of human interaction, said Jennifer Keys, a scholar, published author and professor of sociology at North Central College. Even if you can only squeeze in one sociology course, it will stock your toolkit with critical thinking and research skills and challenge you to grapple with fascinating and complex social issues., Sociologists are highly attuned to how seemingly personal troubles might actually be public issues, Keys explained. Social media cookies enable you to share our content with your friends and networks. Studying sociology will allow you to learn about a wide range of topics that often represent major issues in American human society and across the globe. We also need social scientists to analyse and critique whats going on. Make your university search faster and less stressful. If you have more reasons social science matters, please do let us know on Twitter using '#SocSciMatters because '. Today nanotechnology and advances in medical research will have a significant impact on the way we live. Yet in our fast changing world, there is a place for the social scientist as public intellectual. Engineering schools Read more, Get Your 7000$ Scholarship In this article, you will know everything about top 10 best countries to study Criminal Justice. The Scope and Purpose of Sociology. Youll often find him helping others study abroad. Want to cite, share, or modify this book? There is always a threat of conflict in the world, the nature of the world has always been so. How individuals and groups are shaped by larger social forces. Lastly, sociological knowledge and understanding shapes us into informed and driven citizens, preparing us with the skillsets required to make and influence important societal decisions. Ever since I was a child, I saw those in need and felt the strong desire to do something in order to help them. The social sciences developed as a field of study during the nineteenth century. are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written Although, you're most likely asking yourself, why choose choose a sociology major, and what can I do with a sociology degree? Our mission is to improve educational access and learning for everyone. Studying social inequality and social problems often leads to the desire and motivation to change society for the better. Awareness of how social sanctions, social institutions, our interactions, relationships etc. Sociology has also become popular as a teaching subject in colleges and universities as a result of its importance. While around 64% of the 1.3 million people with a bachelor's in psychology say that their degree is directly related to their current career, the remainder put their knowledge of psychology to work in other professions. He loves to write about higher education and study abroad. Physical science advancements have brought the nations of the world closer together. 3. Make your university search faster and less stressful. Seek out a program that offers experiential learning (like volunteering in the community) and opportunities for sociological research and internships. This means that on the one hand, sociology is seen as rewarding and stimulating by students. 10 Places To Get Work Done That Arent Coffee Shops, Where to Find Dorm Essentials at Low Prices, Picking the Right Laptop for College (Mac vs PC vs Tablet). The study of these institutions helps in examining the formation of our primary and social identities and their interplay in shaping us into valuable members of society. A skill set in quantitative data analysis (statistics) and proficiency in a statistical software are especially valuable, as studies suggest that jobs and careers involving quantitative skills pay more than non-quantitative positions and are in greater demand. With a driving passion for breaking down harmful societal norms and social injustices, she seeks to learn and understand the different social institutions that exist in society like family, marriage, religion and kinship, and how they influence the workings and functioning of various concepts like gender, sexuality and various types of socializations in an individuals life. Sociology ensures the development of transferrable skills such as, an understanding of social systems and large bureaucracies; the ability to devise and carry out research projects to assess whether a program or policy is working; the ability to collect, read, and analyze statistical information from polls or surveys; the ability to recognize important differences in peoples social, cultural, and economic backgrounds; skills in preparing reports and communicating complex ideas; and the capacity for critical thinking about social issues and problems that confront modern society. Sociology is a very important subject in our culture. Angela Roy is currently pursuing her majors in Sociology and minors in International Relations and History, as a part of her BA Liberal Arts Honors degree in SSLA, Pune. The University of Manchester consistently ranks among the top universities in the UK and the world, thanks to its strong academic reputation, cutting-edge research, and innovative teaching. enable JavaScript in your browser. Most scientists start sociology research in an attempt to answer questions about the human condition, especially as it pertains to human interactions. The introduction of sociology as an academic discipline marked the advent of the study of human societies in distinct systematic ways. Improved critical faculties allow you to make rational and measured decisions in the interest of fairness, whereas synthesis of both group and independent projects provide you with skills of teamwork, self-dependence and autonomy. The courses we offer are relevant to our students' lives, as they tackle social issues in which our students have first-hand experience. When I tell people I was a sociology major in college, they usually look at me with dull eyes or ask the common question of What is that, exactly?. There was no . Broaden your skillset A Sociology degree will provide you with abilities that can be applied to a variety of jobs. Especially with the progress the world has reached so far thanks to industrial, scientific and technological development, there are possible tensions created between countries for the accumulation of resources. To illustrate this importance, let's pretend we find a 6-year-old child who has had almost no human contact since birth. We can learn about the influence of family, friends, peers, culture, and society on individual behavior. Sociology Sociology - Chapter 10 Quiz 5.0 (1 review) Term 1 / 20 Which term describes a marriage to someone with similar characteristics in terms of race, ethnicity, religion, education level, social class, and so on? Sociologists at Nottingham Trent University worked closely with police to reduce crime through a method involving scanning for crime patterns. The completion of a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in sociology can open up career opportunities for you at the local, state, and federal levels in several fields, including the following: social service. When studying sociology, I discovered the only way I could truly help others was by learning about how these injustices happened in the first place. objectively and understand the subjectivity. If youre in the process of completing your online college application for your top college or university, you may want to consider pursuing a degree in sociology. to preserve the cultural heritage. Majoring in sociology helped me better understand how laws are not only formed, but why they were formed in the first place. Why might people of a single group exhibit different behaviors in the same situation? In the final section of the paper, we address where we need to go next and ponder what roles the wearer of these lenses, other than that of The sociologists collect information about their culture. It never sounds like the most intriguing of subjects and even when I signed up for my first intro class, I was skeptical of whether or not I would enjoy it. The relevance of social hierarchies and social power in everyday life. cookies The only way I could face these problems was through my education. The findings of sociologists are based on experience and observation. To prepare our students for their careers, faculty advisors in the Sociology and Criminology Department at Riderwork closely with our majors to develop programs of study based on their interests and career goals. This is the case even when we cant always agree on what we should do to make this happen. Whether your idea of relaxation is visiting a museum, watching soaps, or chatting online, social science encourages a fresh look at our everyday activities and culture. Sociology provides knowledge and education about the various differences as well as similarities we possess across our various cultural and national backgrounds. Additional Funding Opportunities for Applicants. Judas took a bribe from the judges. Sociology aids in finding practical and innovative solutions to societal issues. Sociology students benefit from a variety of sociology electives in both general areas (e.g., social inequality and social problems) and more specialized areas (Afro-Latinos, gender and society, public sociology, race and ethnicity, social deviance, and urban sociology, to name a few of our electives). A comparative study of human societies enables us to understand that people in different societies have many different solutions to the universal human problems of making a living. Got a spare 10 mins to make a difference? And those same judges (which included the priests and the elders) were involved in the arrest of Jesus. The social sciences developed as a field of study during the nineteenth century. The discipline utilized well defined methods of enquiry such as, observational method participant and non-participant observation, survey method, interviews, archival method, field research, experiments etc. Learning Objective. We all belong to many groups; you're a member of your sociology class, and you're a member of your family; you may belong to a political party, sports team, or the crowd watching a sporting event; you're a citizen of your country, and you're a part of a generation. Do children from more affluent families have access to better educational opportunities? A sociology student will study subjects like family interaction, religious traditions and organized crime, and better understand issues surrounding race, gender and social class. Examples of combinations include Sociology with Mathematics, Music or a modern language. More tangible skills include research skills, particularly the ability to conduct data analysis. Adding variety to your degree can help to make your university experience extra vibrant, and sociology is a great fit for this. Check out our subject league table for Sociology and youll see that student satisfaction scores are notably high among students in UK universities. You can change your cookies preference at any time by visiting our Cookies Notice page. So its no good just giving people a booklet on healthy eating. I was able to see my place in the society I live in and how I personally can become a better person through my education. A sociology degree is a good option for you if youre curious about topics like social change, social movements and social justice, criminal justice, family dynamics, social class issues, and the consequences of human and social behavior. 5 These could include: Advertising. Sociological understanding of the conditions of marginalized communities and other social issues of the world allows individuals to understand these issues better even if they are not directly affected by them. This article is very important for students who want to study Criminal Justice abroad. Perhaps more social scientists will have to become active listeners, talking more often to the public, each other and to scientists. We just need to listen to children, provide structured opportunities for them to give their views, and prepare adults to really listen. As a college student, I knew that learning about law making and societal decisions would be an important part of my education. The discipline encourages one to view society more objectively and understand the subjectivity of every individuals life. Im Joelle and welcome to my channel.This is where I show you all about student life and the University of Bath (where Im studying). He should have never been arrested. I just didnt know how. Reproduced with kind permission from the Campaign for Social Science. The work brings together specialists in media and communications, sociology and politics. As a sociology major, I not only was able to learn about the world around me, but also had the opportunity to learn about myself in the process. Many college disciplines, actually, are not vocationally oriented, but this should not stop students from pursuing those majors. It encourages the researcher to device and accommodate innovative solutions to various societal issues. If you want to learn more about the differences between sociology vs. psychology or anthropology vs. sociology, follow the provided links! Salem State sociology majors takea core group of classesthat form the backbone of the discipline. Each theory can be applied to most aspects of life, in this case sexual assault. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. For its relevance to so many of the worlds problems, sociology is widely regarded as the finest approach to all social sciences. Sociology is the systematic study of the structures of human society and social interaction. Make your university search faster and less stressful. Speakers include Sociology graduates and representatives from businesses, government agencies, service organizations, and graduate schools. I knew from the moment I started learning, that I would always be a creative type. To better understand human behavior Sociology can help us to better understand why people behave the way they do. It will provide you with the background education you need to understand social issues like social inequality in class in addition to criminology and the criminal justice system and various other social and work settings. While you might not be interested in becoming a psychotherapist, studying psychology can help you better understand how psychological conditions are diagnosed and treated. We are social creatures. They are essential for you to browse the website and use its features. Sociology teaches people how to understand the intricacies of life and how to cope with ever-changing circumstances. 1. Many people ask the question why study sociology? The study of sociology helps us to know not only our society and man but also others, their motives, aspirations, status, occupations, traditions, customs, institutions, cultures etc. Social Science Sociology The concept of double consciousness can be empowering for African Americans. These are the institutions that allow society to function: the state and government, industry and work, community and association. Take a look at all the different research and teaching interest areas of our faculty to get an idea of how varied sociology is. Studying sociology helps people analyze data because they learn: interview techniques. Its when people see unsafe work practices as unacceptable and take decisions as teams that workplaces become safer. Book me to chat and see if Sociology is a good fit for you! The study of sociology has made it possible to conduct a truly scientific analysis of society. Social scientists at the University of Leicester are making an impact on museums across the world, with the goal of making them more inclusive, abler to challenge prejudices, inspire learning and be more relevant in contemporary society. However, the world has been left behind by sciences revolutionary progress in the social field. . Criminal justice. (Photo courtesy of Diego Torres Silvestre/flickr), https://openstax.org/books/introduction-sociology-2e/pages/1-introduction-to-sociology, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Social science is not just important for the future but for whats happening now. When thousands of Americans (many of them white) took to the streets last May and June in the midst of a global pandemic to protest the killing of George Floyd, were they motivated strictly by a desire to maximize their personal utility? A topdown imposed safety regime simply doesnt work. A comprehensive study and research in the concerned field are indispensable for planning. Sociology studies the role of social institutions (home, school, church and more) in the development of the individuals. Through sociology, you analyze everything from short contacts between anonymous individuals on the street to social topics on a global scale. common everyday life events. Let us know if you agree to all cookies. You may have a somewhat different role in each group and feel differently in each. Palgrave Macmillan publishes journals, monographs and reference books in print and online. Here are ten reasons why sociology is an important field of study: 1.