Laura Zahn Pohl is an editorial director in higher education with 18 years of experience as a content writer, publications editor and speechwriter. Wiley Online Library. This work by social scientists is critical in protecting a modern and transparent democracy. Creative Commons Attribution License If you do not allow these cookies, you will still see ads, but they wont be tailored to your interests. Rider University Huntsville: University of Alabama. 1. I knew from the moment I started learning, that I would always be a creative type. The house and family, as well as the school and education, are all important. Improved critical faculties enable you to make rational and measured decisions in the interests of fairness, while synthesis of both group and independent projects equips you with teamwork, self-reliance, and autonomy skills. Broaden your skillset A Sociology degree will provide you with abilities that can be applied to a variety of jobs. Sociology aids in finding practical and innovative solutions to societal issues. We can generally agree that world needs to be a safer place where all people can enjoy basic dignity and human rights. And this work is done by a sociologist. 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. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License . It was something I had always done on my own anyway, so may as well do it for college credit. Sociology employs Empirical Method: Just like science, sociology employs observations to attain its result. Combining Sociology with Mathematics or a modern language is an example of a combination. Located just 15 miles north of Boston, we're one of the largest state universities in Massachusetts, and an important partner in the economic, cultural and intellectual vitality of the greater Boston region. 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. Employers need to see people as individuals who take their lead from those with whom they identify. Sociology sheds more light onto the social nature of humans. Sociology also has a wide scope of opportunities due to its multifaceted nature and equips individuals with valuable transferrable skills that prove to be very useful in almost all fields. 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 OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo You can change your cookies preference at any time by visiting our Cookies Notice page. There is always a threat of conflict in the world, the nature of the world has always been so. 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. 5. Here are some additional benefits to studying sociology, as suggested by North Central College sociology department faculty, and why this field prepares you with marketable skills: At an institution like North Central College, you can expect to choose from intriguing sociology courses like Social Class: Get Ahead/Fall Behind; Crime, Law and Society; Chicago Encounters (conducting a neighborhood sociological research project); Schools and Society; Families and Intimate Relationships; Health, Illness and Care; Sport in Society; and many others. Studying social inequality and social problems often leads to the desire and motivation to change society for the better. Also Read: What are job opportunities for sociology students. However, the world has been left behind by sciences revolutionary progress in the social field. Sociology provides knowledge and education about the various differences as well as similarities we possess across our various cultural and national backgrounds. 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. While you might not be interested in becoming a psychotherapist, studying psychology can help you better understand how psychological conditions are diagnosed and treated. This doesnt have to be a succession of boring grey talking heads, such as you can find on French TV any night. For debates about feminism, peace, ecology, social movements, and much more, social science offers each of us new perspectives and new ways of understanding. One reason to study sociology is simply because sociology is a fascinating and multifaceted discipline. 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. The study of sociology helps the individual to understand human society and how social system work. We are group animals, as the phrase goes. We have just noted that socialization is how culture is learned, but socialization is also important for another important reason. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalised web experience. Also Read: Sociological Perspectives on War, 7. We all resent paying to withdraw our money from cash machines. https://superpeer.com/joellephuaWell, if you have, you're in the right place! Growing up, I knew there were parts of myself that were selfish, ignorant and inconsiderate of those around me. They can provide insights into what is going on and present alternatives for social policies and social services. 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. Social scientists working in interdisciplinary teams have made their mark in the area of human welfare and development. 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. He loves to write about higher education and study abroad. This article is very important for students who want to study Constitutional Law abroad. and you must attribute OpenStax. Charges can amount to 120 per year. We are social creatures. 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. They are concerned with the social and economic advancement of humanity at large. 30 N. Brainard StreetNaperville, IL 60540, If you want to learn more about the differences between, Center for Career and Professional Development. 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. It made any kind of analysis work that much easier to understand. Why Study Sociology? 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. 8. A sociology student will study subjects like family interaction, religious traditions and organized crime, and better understand issues surrounding race, gender and social class. Salem State offers 33 undergraduate degree programs in the liberal arts, human services and business, along with graduate programs that providedegrees in 24 fields and a continuing education division that offers both credit and non-credit programs. Judas took a bribe from the judges. Groups vary in their sizes and formalities, as well as in the levels of attachment between group members, among other things. 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. 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. 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. "This is what the well-known sociologist, C. Wright Mills, meant when he wrote so passionately about the 'promise of sociology.'". 5 These could include: Advertising. Before any social policies can be implemented, a certain level of understanding about society is required.. It's short, and worthwhile we promise! 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. Along with the multitude of intricacies and complexities in society, come the various social issues and disputes in society. Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, Main: 609-896-5000 Sociology is becoming increasingly important in todays environment. Cookies Notice. Please check your user ID. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. Effective nutritional advice needs to be tailored to peoples everyday lives and contexts. 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. 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 sociologists also write books, etc. But it isnt enough to rely on the scientists. We cant identify you from these cookies. Get in touch with us with any questions about our academic programs, campus life or applying. JavaScript is currently disabled, this site works much better if you Discover more about your own behaviours and actions. Championing original and authoritative research. http://www.uah.edu/la/departments/. Employers look for people with great verbal and writing communication abilities, as well as teamwork and interpersonal skills, initiative, and a strong work ethic. They were able to identify patterns that regular police work had not picked up, so avoiding guess work and lost time. Being aware of this relationship and attaining this sociological imagination helps us become more aware of the impact every societal concept and phenomenon has on every individuals life. 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. Subjects like International Relations, Anthropology, Political Science, History, Literature, Cultural Studies, etc., all have a give and take relationship with Sociology. Social media cookies enable you to share our content with your friends and networks. 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. So, what is sociology? at any time. They found the new law provided opportunities for some women to become wage earners where none had existed before, reducing the risk of hunger and the chances of avoiding hazardous work. Department of Sociology, University of Alabama. Then we will want to listen, read and find out more. 1 Introduction: Sociology is a vast and interconnected way of thinking about society. 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. It was hard for me to count up numbers, to understand formulas in science or to think analytically. The main topic line is the central idea that you want to remember. You can also discover how mental wellness can be enhanced, how to reduce stress, how to boost memory, and how to live a happier . Sociology is rich in relevance and scope. Today even OFSTED, the school inspection service, has to listen to childrens viewpoints. Or, were they motivated by something else, something bigger than themselves? Seven Reasons Why Sociology is a Science 1. Political divisions exist throughout the world, causing stress and conflict. 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. Reasons for the differentials in group opportunities and outcomes. 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. 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. 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? The first term I ever learned was sociological imagination, which entails making connections between personal challenges and larger social issues. More tangible skills include research skills, particularly the ability to conduct data analysis. Ever since I was a child, I saw those in need and felt the strong desire to do something in order to help them. They do not store directly personal information, but work by uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. They may be set by us or by third party providers, whose services we have added to our pages. For more detailed information about the cookies we use, or how to clear your browser cookies data see our Studying sociology helps people analyze data because they learn: interview techniques. 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. Sociology has changed our outlook with regard to the problems of crime, its causes and consequences. Perhaps more social scientists will have to become active listeners, talking more often to the public, each other and to scientists. Just think what might happen without it! If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site and will not be able to improve its performance for you. all of the above. As we have witnessed, when people band together to challenge persistent inequalities, they can be a powerful force of positive social change.. 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. It simply recognizes that individuals are not always and everywhere the sole building blocks of human interaction. But they also identified barriers to women benefitting from the changes, including harassment at the worksite. 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". First of all, researchers emphasize that it is crucial to use adequate terminology to successfully utilize sociological strategies Berger 6. Sociology is a science, and utilizes distinct and highly accountable methodologies for research. Sociology is the systematic study of the structures of human society and social interaction. Describe two kinds of ethical issues and/or guidelines that characterize sociological research. Read: How to Apply Sociology in Everyday Life. To illustrate this importance, let's pretend we find a 6-year-old child who has had almost no human contact since birth. The relevance of social hierarchies and social power in everyday life. Social scientists working on behalf of the Runnymede Trust found that this doesnt just this depend on where we live, but that black and minority ethnic people are more likely to live in areas where theyre forced to pay. 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. 1.4 Why Study Sociology? You could study sociology and take another course at the same time. We are social creatures. Sociology teaches people how to understand the intricacies of life and how to cope with ever-changing circumstances. Sociology has helped governments to promote the welfare of tribal and marginalized communities. Sociology increases the understanding and power of social action. Engineering schools Read more, Get Your 7000$ Scholarship In this article, you will know everything about top 10 best countries to study Criminal Justice. 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). Why might people of a single group exhibit different behaviors in the same situation? If this article, helps you to know about 10 good reasons to study sociology then share this article on any social media. Got a spare 10 mins to make a difference? These cookies may be set through our site by social media services or our advertising partners. Luckily, most people find the information easy to understand. These are some of the many questions sociologists ask as they study people and societies. Is Sociology Right for You? 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 . 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. Criminal justice. Studying sociology provides a better understanding of the following: Studying sociology helps students better understand their own life. 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. You may have a somewhat different role in each group and feel differently in each. 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, 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. Therefore the study of sociology is essentially analytical. Sociological research projects and their valuable results aid the governments to ensure social welfare measures and welfare programs that are undertaken for communities that require it. 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. 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. He should have never been arrested. 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? This book uses the Learn more about careers in sociology. In todays world, people are Being confronted with many new and complicated social issues. 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 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. 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. 4. Research involving human subjects must follow certain ethical standards to make sure the subjects are not harmed. 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. It helps one understand and learn about beliefs and practices different from ones own and allows a healthy cultural exchange in times that require intermingling. Those working in development studies are then able to support womens ability to benefit by looking for creative solutions to such problems. Many college disciplines, actually, are not vocationally oriented, but this should not stop students from pursuing those majors.