SOC: Introduction to sociology

What Is Sociology?

The American Sociological Association (2006) describes “sociology as the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior.  The ASA contends that “sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts.” Sociology is the scientific study of society and human behavior.   This means, when sociologists apply their trade, they use a rigorous methodology.

The influence of society is the central question asked by sociologists when they attempt to explain human behavior.  People are social beings more than they are individuals. Our thinking and motivation are largely shaped by our life experiences as we interact with one another.  According to Barkan (1997:4), “society profoundly shapes their behavior and attitudes.” We exist within social structure, which refers to patterns of social interaction and social relationships. Social structure, in turn, has great influence on who we are as individuals. It influences our behavior, our attitudes, and our life chances. Social structure is complex and often contradictory.

Subject areas in Sociology are as varied as society itself.

• Sociologists can study very small social relationships involving only a few people (such as the family).  They can also explore relationships in much larger social collectivities such as organizations and institutions.
• Sociology may be concerned with issues revolving around social class, poverty, gender, race and ethnicity, or religion as well as social mobility and education.  Other topics may include culture, socialization, conflict, power, and deviance.
• Very large social relationships such as those between nation states are also the domain of sociology as are the characteristics of the economy and political system.   In fact, the whole topic of globalization is relevant to sociologists.

The Relationship between People and Structure

Within the vast field of sociology, the common denominator is people.   Sociology explores the “forces that influence people and help shape their lives … Society shapes what we do, how we do it, and how we understand what others do“ (Univ. of Limerick 2007).  Options in life are determined in the past and are molded by currently existing structures that provide well-established guidelines for how individuals conduct their lives.   To quote Macionis and Plummer, “In the game of life, we may decide how to play our cards, but it is society that deals us the hand” (Univ. of Limerick 2007).

 Critical Thinking

Sociology requires one to look at the world critically.  Peter Berger argues that students of sociology should acquire a healthy skepticism regarding overly simplified (or commonly accepted) conceptions of human affairs.  Critical thinking is a willingness to ask any question, no matter how difficult; to be open to any answer that is supported by reason and evidence; and to confront one’s own biases and prejudices openly when they get in the way (Appelbaum and Chambliss, 1997:5).

Given that Sociology explores problems of pressing interest; its topics are often objects of major controversy and conflict in society itself (see Giddens, 1987:2). Rarely do sociologists “preach” revolt, but they do call attention to the fundamental social questions of our day. Sociology helps bring contentious issues into sharper focus. In doing so, however, feelings may get hurt and individuals may become insulted. I will probably step on everyone’s toes at least once. In advance, I apologize.   It’s important in a class like this one that we agree to disagree.  I hope that we can be as polite as possible.  The general point of this class is to understand that alternate points of view exist.  It is not designed to support one view over another.

Stepping on toes, after all, is nothing new for sociology. Sometimes sociologists step on toes on high ranking officials to the point where national governments advocate a policy of limiting the number of sociologists.

   What is an Operational Definition?

In order to explore important social issues a common ground and a common language is necessary. An operational definition is a precise way used to measure variables(Henslin 2008:20-21).

For example:   Regarding inequality, we might devise a poverty threshold. Poverty rates are something most people understand. Poverty rates are by no means perfect, but at least when we talk about a ‘poverty rate’ we all tend to understand what we mean when we discuss poverty.

 Should Sociologists be Value-Free or Activists?

How much should a sociologist get involved in the subject under investigation?   Some, like Max Weber, argue that, in order to truly understand a social phenomenon, the researcher should be value-free or neutral.  Personal values should have no influence on research.  The proponents of this view argue that once a researcher becomes personally involved he or she loses their perspective.  They become biased.  Those biases influence their study of society.

Others would argue that it is useless to study something like social problems unless one intends to fix those problems.  The point, according to Marx, is to change things.  The goals of the sociologist should be to empower people so that they can change their lives.

Which point of view is correct?  Currently, this issued remains unresolved.

The Debate between C. Wright Mills and Talcott Parsons.

Henslin (2004:1) offers a synopsis of this debate.

Essentially, Parsons was an abstract theoretician who created abstract models on how society functioned as a harmonious unit. He might argue that sociologists should focus on analyzing some aspect of society and then publish those findings in journals. Parsons did nothing for social activism.

Mills, on the other hand, sought to direct the efforts of sociologists back toward social reform and activism. The goal of people like C. Wright Mills would be to transform society according to some ideological prerequisite. Mills provided some of the theoretical foundations for the 1960s student rebellion.

Social Darwinism

Henslin (2004:4-5) describes Social Darwinism as distinctly non-reformist. Spencer, the father of Social Darwinism, argued that societies evolve from lower to higher forms. As generations pass, the most capable survives while the least fit dies out.

Spencer argued that if one helps the lower classes, it interferes with the natural process.  Programs designed to help the poor will ultimately weaken the social order, according to Social Darwinism. He argued that society would advance if “do-gooders’ did not help the unfit survive.

Why Study Sociology?

Careers in Sociology

1. Within Academia

Most employment specifically in sociology occurs in the context of academia.  Colleges and universities often hire sociologists where they teach or engage in social research.

2. Outside Academia – Applied Sociology

Henslin (2006:8) contends that applied sociology lies between the two positions articulated by C. Wright Mills and Talcott Parsons.  Applied sociology is one area when sociologists might find employment outside academia. These efforts do not fall in the realm of social reform.  Applied sociology does not, for example, advocate rebuilding society.  Rather, it tackles specific problems.

Example:  An applied sociologist might be employed at a computer company developing user-centered software.

Outside the university, applied sociologists use sociology to solve specific social problems.  Applied sociologists may focus on problems in the work place or “virtually any aspect of social life such as street crime and delinquency, corporate downsizing, how people express emotions, social welfare, education reform, how families differ and flourish, or problems of peace and war” (ASA 2006).   Many sociologists find employment in governmental agencies, such as the Census Bureau, that are concerned with the distribution of people.

1. Beyond Sociology: Benefits of Studying Sociology

There are numerous reasons why one might want to study sociology even if they do not work in sociology directly.  World Wide Learn (2007) points out that a background in sociology:

• assists one in recognizing trends and patterns in society.
• allows the development of critical thinking skills.
• encourages good research skills in data collection
• instructs in creating concise reports and essays.
• develops planning and organizational skills.
• augments oral presentation skills and interpersonal communications.
• enhances management skills and grant writing ability.

Sociology is useful in “social and marketing research, sport development, psychology, law, human resources management, information science, journalism, and corporate communications, geography and environmental management, and development studies” (University of Johannesburg 2007).

References

American Sociological Association (ASA)

2006 What is Sociology?”  http://www.asanet.org/cs/root/topnav/sociologists/what_is_sociology

Andersen, Margaret L. and Howard F. Taylor

2001 Sociology: The Essentials.  Wadsworth Publishing.Barkan, Steven E.

1997, Criminology: A Sociological Understanding. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Giddens, Anthony

1987 Sociology: A Brief but Critical Introduction. (2nd ed.) San Diego: Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich.

Henslin, James E.

2004  Essentials of Sociology:  A Down-To-Earth Approach.  (5th Ed.)  Boston: Allyn and Bacon.