The main purpose of Sociology is to understand the structure and fabric of human societies and the mutually influential relationship between society and people. 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. , observational method participant and non-participant observation, Sociology provides knowledge and education, Relationship Sociology and Other Social Sciences, What are job opportunities for sociology students, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-8497.1962.tb01031.x, How to Write a Summary: Academic Writing Skills & Example, Why Hindu society lacks unity Dr. B R Ambedkar Perpective, 10 Pros and Cons of Technology in Society, An Interview with Award-Winning Author Angie Vancise, Exploring the Dark and Strange with L. Andrew Cooper: An Interview, Exploring Humanity Through Fiction: An Interview with Author Lee Hunt. Prior to the development of sociology, society was studied in an unscientific manner, and society had never been the center of any science. Also Read: What are job opportunities for sociology students. Except where otherwise noted, textbooks on this site Sociology provides critical insight and perspective to the solution of social problems. Cultural awareness and competence. They can track your browser across other sites and build up a profile of your interests. We use Sociology is of great importance to the understanding of international problems. This essay will seek to explore into ten reasons why it is important to study sociology. It was something I had always done on my own anyway, so may as well do it for college credit. Or, were they motivated by something else, something bigger than themselves? Together they make things more difficult for wouldbe criminals. But they also identified barriers to women benefitting from the changes, including harassment at the worksite. Why did the town elders of Birmingham, Alabama, suddenly concede to the demands of the Rev. Today nanotechnology and advances in medical research will have a significant impact on the way we live. The lack of a discipline such as sociology, makes it almost impossible to find viable solutions to these problems. I wanted to help people. Sociology aids in finding practical and innovative solutions to societal issues. (n.d.). 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. Follow along to learn about how to stay sane and organised as a student!Subscribe for videos where I share knowledge and inspiration: https://bit.ly/2W17CHA Joelle xx The study of sociology has made it possible to conduct a truly scientific analysis of society. A comprehensive study and research in the concerned field are indispensable for planning. We can learn about the influence of family, friends, peers, culture, and society on individual behavior. Different from Psychology, we are instead part of a whole rather than individuals. (Department of Sociology, University of Alabama, n.d.). 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. Sociology is an ideal major for pursuing a senior thesis, an internship through the Chicago Field Studies Program, or other capstone project. Sociology is important for the sustenance and enrichment of democracy as well, as the more informed and educated we are on the working and functioning of society, the better prepared we are to aid in its growth and contribute to our societys needs in fruitful ways. Furthermore, we are grateful to Dr. Stefanie Senbacher-Kessler for her support in the preparation of the project and to Dr. Amy Gillespie and Dr. Veronika Breunhlder for critical comments on drafts of the manuscript and . There are many fundamental theories of Sociology like structural functionalism, symbolic interactionism, and conflict theory. Salem State is committed to our liberal arts heritage, academic freedom, equity and access, affordability, inclusivity, social justice, student-centeredness, and a sense of community that gives it a small-college feel in a university setting. business careers (management, marketing and advertising, personnel and human relations); criminal justice careers (law enforcement, courts, corrections; juvenile justice); social service careers (social work; counseling, administration, drug rehabilitation; health administration; family services; disability services); careers in social policy, politics and law (attorney, legal investigator, legal assistant, policy advocate, policy analysis, urban planning, lobbying, philanthropy; public administration, polling, social research); educational careers (college professor; college administrator; university student services; social science teacher; school administrator. Sociology as an academic discipline is vital in analyzing the relationships that are ensued as a part of interacting with the environment, the different natures of these relationships, the origin of cultures and traditions, the relationship between economic, social and political power, etc. Student clubs and campus work are excellent ways to supplement the skills youre learning in class. So, what is sociology? And the advancement in the field of science and technology social changes occur rapidly in the world societies. Click the card to flip Definition 1 / 20 Endogamy Click the card to flip Flashcards Learn Test Created by Caitlin_Kelley21 Huntsville: University of Alabama. And if they werent around to analyse whats going on, would you miss them? Learning Objective. http://www.uah.edu/la/departments/. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License . all of the above. After scientific research he provides data. Rubayet Al Sami is the founder of StudyConnexion. That is not in the least bit inaccurate, but it is a bit general and abstract. OpenStax is part of Rice University, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. By studying societal behaviour, youll be able to make comparisons, attempt to solve issues and have a rational perception of some of society's more frustrating habits. Why might people of a single group exhibit different behaviors in the same situation? If you want to learn more about the differences between sociology vs. psychology or anthropology vs. sociology, follow the provided links! Its when people see unsafe work practices as unacceptable and take decisions as teams that workplaces become safer. Study Sociology and you could combine it with another course. Sociology provides knowledge and education about the various differences as well as similarities we possess across our various cultural and national backgrounds. Learning research methods as an undergraduate sociology student will be helpful for a future graduate program. There was no . 30 N. Brainard StreetNaperville, IL 60540, If you want to learn more about the differences between, Center for Career and Professional Development. One example is their work with the Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow to involve local communities and international visitors alike in engaging with exhibitions on a range of social justice issues from sectarianism to gay rights, through programmes including arts workshops and residencies. Law schools are Read more, Get Your 7000$ Scholarship In this article, you will know everything about top 15 cheapest engineering universities in Canada this article is very important for students who want to study engineering in Canada. Do children from more affluent families have access to better educational opportunities? In light of scientific knowledge and inquiry, the social phenomenon is now understood. But it isnt enough to rely on the scientists. Political divisions exist throughout the world, causing stress and conflict. Engaging in sociology offers career pathways in the fields of urban development and planning, public policy, nonprofit management, criminal and social justice, social activism, community outreach and many more. We all belong to many groups; youre 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; youre a citizen of your country, and you're a part of a generation. Adding variety to your degree can help to make your university experience extra vibrant, and sociology is a great fit for this. 4. Take a look at all the different research and teaching interest areas of our faculty to get an idea of how varied sociology is. The findings of sociologists are based on experience and observation. As a basic discipline it ought to have a part in the general education of everyone. 6. Social science helped people understand the consequences and application of the new technologies of the age, such as steam power. Asking better questions, not accepting easy explanations. THE LENSES OF ORGANIZATIONAL SOCIOLOGY 155 We then examine how the lenses of different theories about organizations have contributed to whether and how these questions are addressed. Society as a whole is in a constant state of flux. Social Science Sociology The concept of double consciousness can be empowering for African Americans. The study of societies is important as every society has their own unique characteristics and histories that define the lives of people that belong to them. 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. In todays world, people are Being confronted with many new and complicated social issues. As a white female, I knew there were some topics I couldnt quite grasp and the only way I would be able to learn was by listening to others. There is always a threat of conflict in the world, the nature of the world has always been so. For debates about feminism, peace, ecology, social movements, and much more, social science offers each of us new perspectives and new ways of understanding. 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. Without this kind of analysis we may feel like pawns in a global game of chess. By working with dealers in the scrap metal market, and persuading them to keep records, it then became too risky to buy what might be stolen lead. Career panels, sponsored each spring by the Department and the Sociology Club, provide updated information about employment and study opportunities. We are social creatures. at any time. Audrey Osler suggests 10 reasons why you need social science: 1. One reason to study sociology is simply because sociology is a fascinating and multifaceted discipline. 1. Sociology is a very important subject in our culture. To better understand human behavior Sociology can help us to better understand why people behave the way they do. Seek out a program that offers experiential learning (like volunteering in the community) and opportunities for sociological research and internships. Sociology helps understand various human and social perspectives in which individual lives are defined and shaped. Laura Zahn Pohl is an editorial director in higher education with 18 years of experience as a content writer, publications editor and speechwriter. Groups vary in their sizes and formalities, as well as in the levels of attachment between group members, among other things. Understanding the underlying causes and tensions can be aided by sociology. It cannot be understood simply as the aggregation of individual responses to the supply and demand of scare resources. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. cookies Rankings, reputation and awards. For more detailed information about the cookies we use, or how to clear your browser cookies data see our Many people ask the question why study sociology? Reasons for the differentials in group opportunities and outcomes. As a sociology major, most of the work for classes that I had to do involved writing. Understanding the fundamentals of sociology allows you to appreciate the situations of individuals who are not like you, which is a valuable skill in todays fast globalizing society. A dictionary defines sociology as the systematic study of society and social interaction. critical and impartial. Show Answer. As a college student, I knew that learning about law making and societal decisions would be an important part of my education. 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. Core classes include statistics, classical theory, contemporary theory, and research methods. 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. ). Studying sociology can help prepare you for this potentiality, as it has relevance across a variety of fields. Sociology is a science, and utilizes distinct and highly accountable methodologies for research. The study of sociology focuses on the structure of social groups, organizations and societiesand how people interact within these structures, according to the American Sociological Association. They work with government institutions, UN organisations, social services, funding agencies, and with the media.They are influencing the work of strategists, planners, teachers and programme officers in developing and growing economies, like India, to influence development so that it impacts on the lives of the poorest members of society. Subjects like International Relations, Anthropology, Political Science, History, Literature, Cultural Studies, etc., all have a give and take relationship with Sociology. Along with the multitude of intricacies and complexities in society, come the various social issues and disputes in society. As a sociology major, I learned exactly how the criminal system became what it is today, why those placed in authoritative positions tend to let power get to their heads, and how the history of mistreatment of minorities is still embedded into the society we still live in. On the other hand, this means that it is a challenging subject that will have . I just didnt know how. 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. 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. Got a spare 10 mins to make a difference? This article is very important for students who want to study Constitutional Law abroad. 2083 Lawrenceville Road The scientific study of human affairs can eventually give a body of information and principles that will allow us to manage and enhance the conditions of social existence. 5. Please check your user ID. Sociology allows you to gain a greater understanding of the complex and simple nature of humans and their societies. These cookies allow us to count visits and see where our traffic comes from, so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalised web experience. Sociology is very useful as a subject for those pursuing teaching careers in high school or higher education. 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. It assists us in determining the most efficient method of achieving the agreed-upon objectives. Then we will want to listen, read and find out more. In the eyes of sociologists, people are not simply automatons that are wired to maximize their utility or self-interest at every waking moment of their lives. No one can think of development in any sector without proper planning. Sociology is the scientific study of the big social institutions as well as the individuals relationship to each other. The broad range of topics and interests in sociology allows you to find a unique pathway to career opportunities (link here to what can I do with a sociology degree) that best suit your interests and abilitiesfrom social service, to criminal justice, to community outreach and nonprofit management, to ministry, to social activism, to higher education administration, to urban planning and more. Learn more about Sociology at Salem State. Sociology is the systematic study of social groups, and the basic premise of sociology is a powerful intuition about human life: Human beings are not islands unto themselves. Sociology teaches people how to understand the intricacies of life and how to cope with ever-changing circumstances. They as teachers are doing the same job. Each theory can be applied to most aspects of life, in this case sexual assault. By comparative study of societies and groups we are able to know our own weaknesses as well as of others. To illustrate this importance, let's pretend we find a 6-year-old child who has had almost no human contact since birth. Describe why socialization is important for being fully human. Senator Barbara Mikulski (Maryland), a social worker, Saul Alinsky, father of community organizing, Former First Lady Michelle Obama, Harvard-educated lawyer, Saul Bellow, Pulitzer-prize winning novelist, Stephanie Izard, Chicago-based chef and winner of Bravos Top Chef. Criminals are now treated as suffering human beings. An honors graduate of the University of Iowa School of Journalism, her experience includes corporate communications and freelance reporting for the Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald and Kalamazoo Gazette. Ever since I was a child, I saw those in need and felt the strong desire to do something in order to help them. Institutions such as Family, Marriage, Kinship, Religion, Education, etc. Sociology does not exist in isolation, people seeking to learn sociology can also learn and include other disciplines, as all facets that sociology covers are relevant in all aspects of life. A sociology student will study subjects like family interaction, religious traditions and organized crime, and better understand issues surrounding race, gender and social class. Three reasons to study Sociology: High level of student satisfaction: perhaps it is this wide range of topics covered by sociology that has students enjoy the subject so much. In class, we always had to discuss topics of injustice with students that came from different backgrounds and of different races. Sociology prepares you for making life and career decisions not only by providing you with a dynamic set of subject-specific and transferable skills, but rather by motivating you to consider ones own place in the world, how you ended up getting here, and what your life might become in the future. They are concerned with the social and economic advancement of humanity at large. It made any kind of analysis work that much easier to understand. 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. The house and family, as well as the school and education, are all important. each play distinct roles in shaping a persons life and their social interactions. If you choose to study sociology at an institution like North Central College, students like you will be engaged in fascinating coursework, social research and experiential learning opportunities. The study of human social behavior, relationships, and social systems is known as sociology. This article is very important for students who want to study Criminal Justice abroad. Make your university search faster and less stressful. We just need to listen to children, provide structured opportunities for them to give their views, and prepare adults to really listen. When choosing to be a sociology major, youre forced to take classes the entail a variety of topics. Wiley Online Library. They were able to identify patterns that regular police work had not picked up, so avoiding guess work and lost time. Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, Main: 609-896-5000 Sociology is a very important subject in our culture. Is Sociology Right for You? In the rapidly growing modern industrial world that is only becoming more and more complex, a discipline like sociology helps to understand and analyze the innate differences that lie within individuals and how the individual contributes to the whole. affect the way we treat other individuals and the way we receive and choose to act on social injustices, is key to creating a drive to seek solutions and raise awareness. They present us with a bewildering range of ethical, legal and social issues. As a result, they preserve and grow culture in a variety of ways, such as writing about it and teaching it to students in Sociology classes. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Audrey Osler suggests 10 reasons why you need social science: Social science can open up debate and give us a say in shaping our collective future. https://superpeer.com/joellephuaWell, if you have, you're in the right place! 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?. Awareness of how social sanctions, social institutions, our interactions, relationships etc. citation tool such as, Authors: Heather Griffiths, Nathan Keirns. Palgrave Macmillan publishes journals, monographs and reference books in print and online. 1.4 Why Study Sociology? Sociology helps us examine the way in which the individual contributes to the whole. Reasons for social differences, including differences in social behavior. Well talk about 10 good reasons to study sociology. We know that Britains social scientists are world leaders in their fields, but why do we need them? Data not found. Sociology contributes greatly to the understanding of international problems. There are a few reasons why our majors stand out. Those working in development studies are then able to support womens ability to benefit by looking for creative solutions to such problems. It simply recognizes that individuals are not always and everywhere the sole building blocks of human interaction. The Department of Sociology at Northwestern is a top-ranked program with world-class faculty committed to teaching all students to engage more effectively with the world around them. Sociology attempts to understand how things like society, social events, interactions, and patterns influence the way humans think, act, and feel. manage your preferences Employers look for people with great verbal and writing communication abilities, as well as teamwork and interpersonal skills, initiative, and a strong work ethic. Sociology investigates these institutions and their significance in individual development, as well as possible ways to strengthen them so that they can better serve the individual. Also Read: Sociological Perspectives on War, 7. They need to explain not only why social science is relevant but do it in a compelling way. common everyday life events. (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. However, blocking some types of cookies may affect your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer. Effective nutritional advice needs to be tailored to peoples everyday lives and contexts. 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. You can also discover how mental wellness can be enhanced, how to reduce stress, how to boost memory, and how to live a happier . Fallding, H. (2008, April 7). mental disabilities, and efforts are made to rehabilitate them as contributing members of society. Education, law, the ministry, medicine, journalism, radio and TV programming, librarianship, social casework, youth group work, agricultural extension, town and country planning, and administration in its now multitudinous fields of business, public service, local government, social service, colonial service, and hospital military and prison organization-professional training for any of these walks of life would be immeasurably the poorer without a coverage of general sociology (Fallding, 1962, p. 92). 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. Within a large group, smaller groups may exist, and each group may behave differently. Nor do sociologists think of people as creatures who merely follow the biological dictates of their genetic blueprints or merely act out the underlying tendencies of their individual psychologies. This is because society and the way it has formed into what it is today was done so by so many different influences. This will remove all cookies previously placed on your browser. Every day in this era of globalization, mans social life becomes more and more complicated. This put pressure on banks to ensure we all have access to machines that dont charge. Growing up, I knew there were parts of myself that were selfish, ignorant and inconsiderate of those around me. Social scientists have a duty to make their work interesting and engaging to the rest of us. Social science is not just important for the future but for whats happening now. They can provide insights into what is going on and present alternatives for social policies and social services. Want to cite, share, or modify this book? Sociology provides research skillsets that are both tangible and intangible, equipping the learner with a set of skills that can be used for most disciplines in their own respect research areas as well. These are some of the many questions sociologists ask as they study people and societies. Make your university search faster and less stressful. 1999-2023, Rice University. If this article, helps you to know about 10 good reasons to study sociology then share this article on any social media. Studying and Reading Sociology helps one gain a valid understanding about the various social forces that play a part in ones life, and this knowledge better equips one to deal with these social forces and make rational decisions for themselves. to apply statistics.