What is Sociology?

W.E.B Du Bois
Sociology, as defined by many, is the empirical study of society. In other words, it is the scientific examination of social institutions and the study of methods that are used to investigate society.

For a clearer definition, McGill University defines sociology as:
"Sociology examines the underlying patterns in human behavior and our relationships with one another. Pretty much anything involving more than one person is fair game for sociologists. The subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organized crime to religious traditions; from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of the common culture."
But the study of sociology is much more than that, as it teaches its students about society's hierarchy of power, how to analyze it, and how to make fellow humans conscious of the invisible ladder.

Sociology also teaches how to observe from an internal level as well. From a micro or individual level, sociology can teach you about the effects of society on you -- how social institutions have made you believe certain "facts," how it has affected your behaviors, how it has affected your interests, etc. Basically, it will tear into your mind and decode you, revealing the good, the bad, and the ugly.

This is why sociological knowledge is vital to human evolution. It is important because it teaches you about the flaws of social institutions, how these institutions have affected us as people, how you can become more observant of it, and how you can spread your observations.

So come along with me on this journey as I expose myself to the teachings of sociology!

Additionally, if you are curious about what careers you can have with a degree in sociology (as I think many of you do), check out this blog post: Careers You Can Have With a Sociology Degree.

2 comments: