Except where otherwise noted, textbooks on this site Sociology is the scientific study of the big social institutions as well as the individuals relationship to each other. The skills developed during a Sociology degree are applicable to many areas of work. We are social creatures. Sociology plays a major role in raising awareness about the nature of livelihoods of marginalized communities. 10 Reasons Why it's Important to Study Sociology and Scope by Angela Roy Sociology is an academic discipline that is vital to be studied in our rapidly progressing and changing world. Social science offers multiple perspectives on society, informs social policy and supports us in holding our politicians and our media to account. Seven Reasons Why Sociology is a Science 1. One common myth is that if you take measures to reduce crime in one neighbourhood the criminals simply move on, leading to increased crime in another area. To Read more, 10 Cheapest European Countries to Study Abroad, 5 Best European Countries to Study Masters Degree, 15 Cheapest Engineering Universities in Canada, 10 Best Countries to Study Criminal Justice. And if they werent around to analyse whats going on, would you miss them? 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. As a sociology major, most of the work for classes that I had to do involved writing. It was both upsetting and revitalizing. If you have more reasons social science matters, please do let us know on Twitter using '#SocSciMatters because '. But it is of particular importance in the occupational training of those whose work will be concerned with the ordering and regulation of human affairs. Studying for a degree in Sociology will help you not only understand what is going on, but it will also assist you in adapting or coping with societal change. For example, in one area there was a serious problem of lead being stolen from community building roofs. We all do it and as a sociology major, its basically your job to sit back and observe others in order to educate yourself. Some apparently unhealthy choices may seem rational: if the person doing the shopping knows that others will simply not eat the healthy option and it will just go to waste, they may simply not buy it. 1.4 Why Study Sociology? 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. Get notified about exclusive offers every week! The courses we offer are relevant to our students' lives, as they tackle social issues in which our students have first-hand experience. She has always been driven to play a part in changing and correcting the social evils that exist in society. Book me to chat and see if Sociology is a good fit for you! 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). 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. 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. There are a few reasons why our majors stand out. No one can think of development in any sector without proper planning. I wanted to help people. The discipline of sociology studies numerous societies, their cultures, traditions and behaviors; and it is this very nature of the discipline that helps human beings create a clearer understanding and acceptance of each others differences. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and civil rights movement on the morning of May 7, 1963? to apply statistics. According to Lowie most of us think that our way of doing things is better and superior to all others. You become open minded to all these other influences and you learn to not judge them so quickly. The study of sociology has made it possible to conduct a truly scientific analysis of society. There was no . Psychologists at the University of Liverpool spent time in a steel factory to work out what needs doing to create a safer environment. 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. There are many fundamental theories of Sociology like structural functionalism, symbolic interactionism, and conflict theory. Five Reasons to Choose the University of Manchester. 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. Wiley Online Library. We are group animals, as the phrase goes. They help us to know which pages are popular and see how visitors move around the site. Request information to learn more about studying sociology at Rider University. 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. Sociology helps understand various human and social perspectives in which individual lives are defined and shaped. Sociology is the systematic study of the structures of human society and social interaction. Our majors have gone on to work in in law, medicine and public health, consulting, finance, non-profit and public administration, social network research, culture, and the arts. Get a personalised shortlist by selecting what matters to you. Since the world is highly divided politically, chances of resource and economic conflicts also rise. Additionally, sociology courses pair well with other disciplines you might want to study, like political science, gender and sexuality studies, anthropology and psychology. This essay will seek to explore into ten reasons why it is important to study sociology. Whether it be discussing theories through essays or wiring pages of notes involving observations I had to make, I enjoyed being able to use my favorite outlet to do so. 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. Department of Sociology, University of Alabama. 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. Berger describes sociologists as concerned with: monumental moments in people's lives. Many people ask the question why study sociology? Our eating habits are influenced by a whole range of circumstances. Sociology provides you with the abilities that 21st-century employees require: critical and analytical thinking, writing ability, cultural competency, and self-awareness. The sub topic in the study of sociology may involve one of the researchers who developed the theory. The house and family, as well as the school and education, are all important. Sociology provides knowledge and education about the various differences as well as similarities we possess across our various cultural and national backgrounds. If you do not allow these cookies, you will still see ads, but they wont be tailored to your interests. Together they make things more difficult for wouldbe criminals. 10. 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. These principles have also been shown to work in crowd control. Social science helped people understand the consequences and application of the new technologies of the age, such as steam power. Why did the town elders of Birmingham, Alabama, suddenly concede to the demands of the Rev. I confirm I am over 16 and I agree to the. Education research shows that many parents, particularly parents of younger children, are more concerned that their children enjoy school, than that they are academic stars. When those responsible for crowd management at football matches are trained in techniques which take this into account, theres virtually no trouble. She envisions herself to play a vital role in building safe places for todays marginalized communities and creating a world that is characterized by equity and inclusiveness, free of discrimination and exploitative behaviors. You may have a somewhat different role in each group and feel differently in each. For example, social scientists from the Delhi School of Economics are cooperating with colleagues at SOAS, University of London to explore the impact of legislation in India to guarantee minimum wages for rural unskilled manual labourers on the loves of women. 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. It has Further taught us to be objective. This is where sociology plays its part, where it helps understand, analyze and mediate these tensions and aid in avoiding conflicts in ways such as foreign policymaking, public policymaking, creation of international laws, trade laws, etc. Our students want a more just, a more equitable, and a healthier world. We just need to listen to children, provide structured opportunities for them to give their views, and prepare adults to really listen. 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. 1. IN-DEPTH BLOG POST: https://blogs.bath.ac.uk/students/2020/11/30/my-pros-and-cons-of-studying-sociology/Are you deciding whether or not to study Sociology at. Want to cite, share, or modify this book? Every personal and social interaction we have, from the moment we are born to the end of our lifetimes, continue to have an effect on the creation of our individual identities. Five reasons to study Sociology If you're interested in studying the popular degree of Sociology, discover five reasons why you should consider it, what career options are available and if it's the best course for you. 4. Social Science Sociology The concept of double consciousness can be empowering for African Americans. Business. As we have witnessed, when people band together to challenge persistent inequalities, they can be a powerful force of positive social change.. This doesnt have to be a succession of boring grey talking heads, such as you can find on French TV any night. Fallding, H. (2008, April 7). The knowledge acquired through sociological reading, learning and understanding can be used to educate our fellow citizens, and also be to contribute to social organizations for the enrichment of the society. 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. For its relevance to so many of the worlds problems, sociology is widely regarded as the finest approach to all social sciences. 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. They are essential for you to browse the website and use its features. Luckily, most people find the information easy to understand. Social media cookies enable you to share our content with your friends and networks. Sociology has changed our outlook with regard to the problems of crime, its causes and consequences. 30 N. Brainard StreetNaperville, IL 60540, If you want to learn more about the differences between, Center for Career and Professional Development. I witnessed people close to me that were of other races or sexualities be mistreated and wanted nothing more than to stand up for them. From sports sociologists to public health experts, from those interpreting medical statistics to those evaluating policies for our care in old age, social scientists are working hard to make sure that our health, leisure and social care services work to best effect. 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. 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. Along with the multitude of intricacies and complexities in society, come the various social issues and disputes in society. Learn more about Sociology at Salem State. Get in touch with us with any questions about our academic programs, campus life or applying. The "sociological imagination" allows students to recognize that their own experiences and circumstance are not unique; rather, there are patterns in behaviors, processes, and opportunities that lead to differences in people's lived experiences, in turn leading to disparities in outcomes. 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. Sociology teaches people how to understand the intricacies of life and how to cope with ever-changing circumstances. (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. The Scope and Purpose of Sociology. 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. 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). at any time. If you do not allow these cookies, then these services may not function properly. Judas took a bribe from the judges. Got a spare 10 mins to make a difference? Huntsville: University of Alabama. Is Sociology Right for You? From urban living, to gender, to psychologysociology entails more than just its basic definition of studying society as a whole. ). These research methods are engaged in very professionally and often guarantee optimal results. Hi besties, in this video I talk about reasons why you should study sociology and why you should major in it #sociology major and I give you some tips and tr. Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, Main: 609-896-5000 Social geographers at the University of Sheffield, for example, have shown that those of us who dont follow eating advice are not simply weakwilled or ignorant. The introduction of sociology as an academic discipline marked the advent of the study of human societies in distinct systematic ways. 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. The work brings together specialists in media and communications, sociology and politics. Through sociology, you analyze everything from short contacts between anonymous individuals on the street to social topics on a global scale. The first term I ever learned was sociological imagination, which entails making connections between personal challenges and larger social issues. then you must include on every digital page view the following attribution: Use the information below to generate a citation. Then we can get all the disciplines around the table together. This is the case even when we cant always agree on what we should do to make this happen. And this work is done by a sociologist. Was it concern about the bad publicity generated by the violent response of the police force to mass protest in the streets, or was it the fact that protestors were able to bring economic life in Birmingham to a virtual standstill with no end in sight? 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. Cultural awareness and competence. Growing up, I knew there were parts of myself that were selfish, ignorant and inconsiderate of those around me. Employers look for people with great verbal and writing communication abilities, as well as teamwork and interpersonal skills, initiative, and a strong work ethic. 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. At a rock concert, for example, some may enjoy singing along, others prefer to sit and observe, while still others may join in a mosh pit or try crowd surfing. As the broadest of all of the social sciences, Sociology provides a wide range of practical and marketable skills, including critical analysis, statistical methods, theory, and field research. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-8497.1962.tb01031.x. Majoring in sociology helped me better understand how laws are not only formed, but why they were formed in the first place. 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. Bristol, University of the West of England, Tuition fees & financial support in Northern Ireland, Tuition fees & financial support in Scotland, Tuition fees & financial support in Wales, Tuition fees & financial support in England. Sociology has also become popular as a teaching subject in colleges and universities as a result of its importance. 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. The lack of a discipline such as sociology, makes it almost impossible to find viable solutions to these problems. The social sciences developed as a field of study during the nineteenth century. This essay will now go into the ten reasons why it is important to study and read sociology: Sociology analyzes the individual role that every social institution has on our lives. Do children from more affluent families have access to better educational opportunities? Sociology is a very important subject in our culture. Read: How to Apply Sociology in Everyday Life. 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. Youve learned how the study of sociology can benefit you, but there are important ways that the field of sociology improves our modern society as a whole, according to Sociology Guide: As a social science, studying sociology can prepare you for a variety of careers. Students often major in sociology simply because they enjoy the courses we offer. And what we found was that the people who had been reminded of their social identities prior to doing this task, they were less likely to attribute their failure to personal, internal reasons. , 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. 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. This article is very important for students who want to study Criminal Justice abroad. A dictionary defines sociology as the systematic study of society and social interaction. Advertising cookies may be used to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. By working with students of all ages to understand their perspectives on schooling, researchers at the universities of Cambridge and Leeds have discovered new insights into what makes effective schools, and what makes for effective school leadership. But for students who may not have direct experience with some of the social issues raised in our classes, studying sociology helps students to not only better understand the world around them, but sociology helps students to better understand they own lives. The word "sociology" is derived from the Latin word socius (companion) and the Greek word logos (speech or reason), which together mean "reasoned speech about companionship". Perhaps more social scientists will have to become active listeners, talking more often to the public, each other and to scientists. Sociology attempts to understand how things like society, social events, interactions, and patterns influence the way humans think, act, and feel. Political divisions exist throughout the world, causing stress and conflict. 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. 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. then you must include on every physical page the following attribution: If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a digital format, This meaning that when you meet someone that is struggling, is different, or even holds a lot of anger against the worldyou get to understand that it is not just a personal issue. Who doesnt like to people watch?