What is sociology?
Sociology is the systematic study of the relationship between the individual and society and of the consequences of difference.
As a social science, sociologists collect data in the form of surveys, field research, interviews, experiments, participant observation. We also analyze a great deal of secondary data, including Census data, archival materials, documents, media, and other records. We use this data to better understand patterns in society, and to give them meaningful context.
Key to sociology is what is called the Sociological Imagination: "the willingness and ability to look at the connection between who we are as individuals and the larger social and historical forces that shape our lives" (Witt 2007).
Sociologists study evidence about social life and participate in larger theoretical discussions about what matters when analyzing and debating social life.
As a social science, sociologists collect data in the form of surveys, field research, interviews, experiments, participant observation. We also analyze a great deal of secondary data, including Census data, archival materials, documents, media, and other records. We use this data to better understand patterns in society, and to give them meaningful context.
Key to sociology is what is called the Sociological Imagination: "the willingness and ability to look at the connection between who we are as individuals and the larger social and historical forces that shape our lives" (Witt 2007).
Sociologists study evidence about social life and participate in larger theoretical discussions about what matters when analyzing and debating social life.
What are some examples of sociology?
The American Sociological Association publishes a magazine called Contexts which makes sociological research and theory accessible to anyone. Read some articles from their current issue here!
Sociology Teaches Skills Employers Want!
Conduct Research and Analyze Data: Learn both qualitative and quantitative research methods. This will allow you to recognize trends and patterns and produce social statistics such as those used in market research, opinion polling, sales, and countless other applications.
Communicate Skillfully: Learn how to convey your ideas effectively in writing and presentations
Practice Critical Thinking: Learn to look beyond the surface of issues to discover the"why". Build your analytical skills. Solve problems and identify opportunities .
Gain a Global Perspective: Learn about different cultures and how to analyze the interactions of groups and societies through a global and historical perspective.
Prepare for Graduate School : An undergraduate major in sociology provides an excellent foundation for graduate study in a wide range of fields including law, business, social work, medicine, public health, public administration and, of course, sociology.
Communicate Skillfully: Learn how to convey your ideas effectively in writing and presentations
Practice Critical Thinking: Learn to look beyond the surface of issues to discover the"why". Build your analytical skills. Solve problems and identify opportunities .
Gain a Global Perspective: Learn about different cultures and how to analyze the interactions of groups and societies through a global and historical perspective.
Prepare for Graduate School : An undergraduate major in sociology provides an excellent foundation for graduate study in a wide range of fields including law, business, social work, medicine, public health, public administration and, of course, sociology.