Here are ten reasons why sociology is an important field of study: 1. It encourages the researcher to device and accommodate innovative solutions to various societal issues. 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. They need to explain not only why social science is relevant but do it in a compelling way. 1.4 Why Study Sociology? A technique called situational crime prevention developed by the same team is now regularly used by the police, working with the public and private sectors to prevent crime. 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. Why might people acting similarly not feel connected to others exhibiting the same behavior? We can learn about the influence of family, friends, peers, culture, and society on individual behavior. The cookies cannot directly identify any individual users. Sociologists and students of sociology can study anything, including other disciplines, because sociological issues are prominent in all aspects of life. U.S. Representative Maxine Waters (California), Former U.S. More tangible skills include research skills, particularly the ability to conduct data analysis. 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. 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). Thats enough to cause anyone to start channel surfing. Seek out a program that offers experiential learning (like volunteering in the community) and opportunities for sociological research and internships. Sociology equips individuals with transferrable skills. 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. The skills developed during a Sociology degree are applicable to many areas of work. 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. Due to population explosion increasing industrialization and urbanization. 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. Click the card to flip Definition 1 / 20 Endogamy Click the card to flip Flashcards Learn Test Created by Caitlin_Kelley21 Yet too often education reform seems to take place without regard for the best interests of the learners. Variety to your degree can help make your university experience that much more vibrant, and Sociology complements this very well. If you do not allow these cookies, you will still see ads, but they wont be tailored to your interests. Department of Sociology, University of Alabama. So, what is sociology? Berger describes sociologists as concerned with: monumental moments in people's lives. Employers look for people with great verbal and writing communication abilities, as well as teamwork and interpersonal skills, initiative, and a strong work ethic. I just didnt know how. Majoring in sociology helped me better understand how laws are not only formed, but why they were formed in the first place. Studying sociology should be an important component of your college education, regardless of major, for two reasons: Sociology will enable you to gain a better understanding of the social forces that shape your own life, so that you will be better poised to deal with them. Sociology provides the intellectual understanding and real-life experiences that enhance these social skills. Individual citizens may feel empowered by this but there are risks in turning away from traditional journalism, including fewer opportunities for indepth analysis and critique of powerful interests. The discipline encourages one to view society more objectively and understand the subjectivity of every individuals life. This book uses the It was hard for me to count up numbers, to understand formulas in science or to think analytically. Many college disciplines, actually, are not vocationally oriented, but this should not stop students from pursuing those majors. 6. With the knowledge and understanding that social science offers us, we will feel empowered to act for ourselves, and to influence decisions being made on our behalf. The Centre for the Study of Global Media and Democracy at Goldsmiths College, London is monitoring how transformation from traditional to digital media is examining the move away from traditional journalism and politics to where we as citizens try to be community journalists, presenting our own accounts online. Ever since I was a child, I saw those in need and felt the strong desire to do something in order to help them. 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. The main purpose of Sociology is to understand the structure and fabric of human societies and the mutually influential relationship between society and people. This put pressure on banks to ensure we all have access to machines that dont charge. Together they make things more difficult for wouldbe criminals. 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. 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 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. Sociology is distinctive in the social sciences for the special emphasis it places on the importance of social groups in human life. 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. 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. 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. We know that Britains social scientists are world leaders in their fields, but why do we need them? (n.d.). You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. 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. Cookies Notice. Physical science advancements have brought the nations of the world closer together. For instance, in sociology, you may be studying a theory. I confirm I am over 16 and I agree to the. 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. Examples of combinations include Sociology with Mathematics, Music or a modern language. It's short, and worthwhile we promise! 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. C. Wright Mills coined the term, sociological imagination which he used to describe the direct connection between societys larger events and the individual consequences faced by us. You can accept all, or else manage cookies individually. Perhaps more social scientists will have to become active listeners, talking more often to the public, each other and to scientists. If so, is it because of what they learn at home from their parents or because they are sorted into better schools? The courses we offer are relevant to our students' lives, as they tackle social issues in which our students have first-hand experience. The more the number of people that are educated on sociological concepts, the easier it is to reach a larger audience when raising awareness about social issues of today. Sociology is important here because, it seeks to dissect the issue, understand the root cause and the external and internal factors that contribute to the problem; and only then proceed to find solutions. The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo Sociology is of great importance to the understanding of international problems. Describe why socialization is important for being fully human. The completion of a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in sociology can open up career opportunities for you at the local, state, and federal levels in several fields, including the following: social service. Creative Commons Attribution License You may have a somewhat different role in each group and feel differently in each. It has Further taught us to be objective. Check out our subject league table for Sociology and youll see that student satisfaction scores are notably high among students in UK universities. Advertising cookies may be used to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. The different types of specific questions that sociologists ask are easier to grasp. You can change your cookies preference at any time by visiting our Cookies Notice page. The study of human social behavior, relationships, and social systems is known as sociology. https://superpeer.com/joellephuaWell, if you have, you're in the right place! Why did the town elders of Birmingham, Alabama, suddenly concede to the demands of the Rev. These research methods are engaged in very professionally and often guarantee optimal results. If youre in the process of completing your online college application for your top college or university, you may want to consider pursuing a degree in sociology. business careers (management, marketing and advertising, personnel and human relations); criminal justice careers (law enforcement, courts, corrections; juvenile justice); social service careers (social work; counseling, administration, drug rehabilitation; health administration; family services; disability services); careers in social policy, politics and law (attorney, legal investigator, legal assistant, policy advocate, policy analysis, urban planning, lobbying, philanthropy; public administration, polling, social research); educational careers (college professor; college administrator; university student services; social science teacher; school administrator. 1. 8. Student clubs and campus work are excellent ways to supplement the skills youre learning in class. They may be set by us or by third party providers, whose services we have added to our pages. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Psychologists at the University of Liverpool spent time in a steel factory to work out what needs doing to create a safer environment. They transmit it to others. We just need to listen to children, provide structured opportunities for them to give their views, and prepare adults to really listen. Why are some countries in Latin American richer than other countries, and is the difference related to where liberally minded, commercially oriented townspeople tended to live in the Spanish Empire during the seventeenth century? Angela Roy is currently pursuing her majors in Sociology and minors in International Relations and History, as a part of her BA Liberal Arts Honors degree in SSLA, Pune. Tegan Cruwyis: And we gave them 5 minutes to work on this. Rankings, reputation and awards. A sociology degree is a good option for you if youre curious about topics like social change, social movements and social justice, criminal justice, family dynamics, social class issues, and the consequences of human and social behavior. Take a look at all the different research and teaching interest areas of our faculty to get an idea of how varied sociology is. Political divisions exist throughout the world, causing stress and conflict. manage your preferences at any time YES I AGREE A comparative study of human societies enables us to understand that people in different societies have many different solutions to the universal human problems of making a living. She has always been driven to play a part in changing and correcting the social evils that exist in society. 2083 Lawrenceville Road 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. A comprehensive study and research in the concerned field are indispensable for planning. 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. Palgrave Macmillan publishes journals, monographs and reference books in print and online. This includes graduate degrees in sociology, of course, but also public policy and public affairs, political science, psychology, education, public health, social work, natural resources, and urban planning. Sociology makes a reader up-to-date to various social predicaments. Improved critical faculties allow you to make rational and measured decisions in the interest of fairness, whereas synthesis of both group and independent projects provide you with skills of teamwork, self-dependence and autonomy. cookies Also Read: What are job opportunities for sociology students. 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. to generate theories. Sociology studies the role of social institutions (home, school, church and more) in the development of the individuals. Sociology teaches people how to understand the intricacies of life and how to cope with ever-changing circumstances. Learn more about careers in sociology. In a knowledgebased world, we need people who can integrate a variety of different types of knowledge, and that come from different intellectual roots and from a range of institutions to work together. Asking better questions, not accepting easy explanations. You can also discover how mental wellness can be enhanced, how to reduce stress, how to boost memory, and how to live a happier . Audrey Osler suggests 10 reasons why you need social science: 1. When I discovered just how impactful the study of our society would be on my own life, I couldnt have been happier with my decision of choosing it as my major and here are 10 reasons why. A topdown imposed safety regime simply doesnt work. Different from Psychology, we are instead part of a whole rather than individuals. They can track your browser across other sites and build up a profile of your interests. at any time. Let us know if you agree to all cookies. 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. Social Science Sociology The concept of double consciousness can be empowering for African Americans. Not only did I learn more about the world around me, but I got to learn about the issues facing our society directly from those impacted by them. Students conclude their coursework through more applied and experiential courses (internshipand/orcommunity involvement), with the capstone seminar in sociology as the culminating experience within the major. Additionally, sociology courses pair well with other disciplines you might want to study, like political science, gender and sexuality studies, anthropology and psychology. Five Reasons to Choose the University of Manchester. We are social creatures. And none of them got any of the questions right because they were, in fact, impossible to solve. Just think what might happen without it! Sociology helps understand various human and social perspectives in which individual lives are defined and shaped. 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. Charges can amount to 120 per year. When I discovered just how impactful the study of our society would be on my own life, I couldn't have been happier with my decision of choosing it as my major and here are 10 reasons why. Ive never been someone who engrossed themselves in politics and it was mostly because I never really understood them to begin with. Sociology is the systematic study of the structures of human society and social interaction. 1999-2023, Rice University. Sociologists are committed to the idea that human life is a collective phenomenon in crucially important ways. They are concerned with the social and economic advancement of humanity at large. This will remove all cookies previously placed on your browser. . Sociology contributes greatly to the understanding of international problems. Please remember to clear your browsing data and cookies when you change your cookies preferences. As a white female, I knew there were some topics I couldnt quite grasp and the only way I would be able to learn was by listening to others. are licensed under a, Pop Culture, Subculture, and Cultural Change, Introduction to Society and Social Interaction, Introduction to Deviance, Crime, and Social Control, Global Implications of Media and Technology, Theoretical Perspectives on Media and Technology, Social Stratification in the United States, Introduction to Social Stratification in the United States, Social Stratification and Mobility in the United States, Theoretical Perspectives on Social Stratification, Theoretical Perspectives on Global Stratification, Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination, Introduction to Gender, Sex, and Sexuality, Theoretical Perspectives on Government and Power, Theoretical Perspectives on Health and Medicine, Population, Urbanization, and the Environment, Introduction to Population, Urbanization, and the Environment, Introduction to Social Movements and Social Change, Sociologists study how society affects people and how people affect society. We study everything from the small, transitory interactions of two strangers passing on the street to the incredibly complex and persistent patterns of interactions among individuals in large organizations and even entire societies. Qualitative data analysis also is a valuable skill that students acquire. The scientific study of human affairs can eventually give a body of information and principles that will allow us to manage and enhance the conditions of social existence. And this work is done by a sociologist. We also need social scientists to analyse and critique whats going on. There was no . Sociology provides knowledge and education about the various differences as well as similarities we possess across our various cultural and national backgrounds. They present us with a bewildering range of ethical, legal and social issues. All societies and all governments want to show they are dong the best for children. 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. 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.