The social sciences developed as a field of study during the nineteenth century. To prepare our students for their careers, faculty advisors in the Sociology and Criminology Department at Riderwork closely with our majors to develop programs of study based on their interests and career goals. One reason to study sociology is simply because sociology is a fascinating and multifaceted discipline. Whether it be discussing theories through essays or wiring pages of notes involving observations I had to make, I enjoyed being able to use my favorite outlet to do so. (Photo courtesy of Diego Torres Silvestre/flickr), https://openstax.org/books/introduction-sociology-2e/pages/1-introduction-to-sociology, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. 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. This is where sociology plays its part, where it helps understand, analyze and mediate these tensions and aid in avoiding conflicts in ways such as foreign policymaking, public policymaking, creation of international laws, trade laws, etc. The skills developed during a Sociology degree are applicable to many areas of work. When choosing to be a sociology major, youre forced to take classes the entail a variety of topics. Take a look at all the different research and teaching interest areas of our faculty to get an idea of how varied sociology is. A degree in Sociology is generally seen as rewarding and stimulating by students. Fill in our quick survey for your chance to win a 75 Amazon Gift Card! Rankings, reputation and awards. Rubayet Al Sami is the founder of StudyConnexion. If this article, helps you to know about 10 good reasons to study sociology then share this article on any social media. The study of sociology helps the individual to understand human society and how social system work. at any time. We just need to listen to children, provide structured opportunities for them to give their views, and prepare adults to really listen. 1. Adding variety to your degree can help to make your university experience extra vibrant, and sociology is a great fit for this. Sociology is important for the sustenance and enrichment of democracy as well, as the more informed and educated we are on the working and functioning of society, the better prepared we are to aid in its growth and contribute to our societys needs in fruitful ways. Please check your user ID. 1999-2023, Rice University. Lastly, sociological knowledge and understanding shapes us into informed and driven citizens, preparing us with the skillsets required to make and influence important societal decisions. First of all, researchers emphasize that it is crucial to use adequate terminology to successfully utilize sociological strategies Berger 6. Make your university search faster and less stressful. The undergraduate program features a generous faculty-student ratio and many opportunities for students to get to know their professors beyond the classroom. Make your university search faster and less stressful. Sociology ensures the development of transferrable skills such as, an understanding of social systems and large bureaucracies; the ability to devise and carry out research projects to assess whether a program or policy is working; the ability to collect, read, and analyze statistical information from polls or surveys; the ability to recognize important differences in peoples social, cultural, and economic backgrounds; skills in preparing reports and communicating complex ideas; and the capacity for critical thinking about social issues and problems that confront modern society. In a very general sense, sociologists are interested in why different social groups form, change, and fade away; how people make sense of their belonging to different social groups; and how different social groups shape the world that we live in. You can accept all, or else manage cookies individually. 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. Im Joelle and welcome to my channel.This is where I show you all about student life and the University of Bath (where Im studying). Learning research methods as an undergraduate sociology student will be helpful for a future graduate program. This book uses the Three reasons to study Sociology: High level of student satisfaction: perhaps it is this wide range of topics covered by sociology that has students enjoy the subject so much. consent of Rice University. 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. We recommend using a Sociology increases the understanding and power of social action. Perhaps more social scientists will have to become active listeners, talking more often to the public, each other and to scientists. They may be set by us or by third party providers, whose services we have added to our pages. This is because society and the way it has formed into what it is today was done so by so many different influences. Psychologists at the University of Liverpool spent time in a steel factory to work out what needs doing to create a safer environment. Is Sociology Right for You? In todays world, people are Being confronted with many new and complicated social issues. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. Therefore the study of sociology is essentially analytical. 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. It was both upsetting and revitalizing. Cultural awareness and competence. He loves to write about higher education and study abroad. They work with government institutions, UN organisations, social services, funding agencies, and with the media.They are influencing the work of strategists, planners, teachers and programme officers in developing and growing economies, like India, to influence development so that it impacts on the lives of the poorest members of society. Employers look for people with great verbal and writing communication abilities, as well as teamwork and interpersonal skills, initiative, and a strong work ethic. Sociology is a multifaceted discipline. This doesnt have to be a succession of boring grey talking heads, such as you can find on French TV any night. The knowledge acquired through sociological reading, learning and understanding can be used to educate our fellow citizens, and also be to contribute to social organizations for the enrichment of the society. However, blocking some types of cookies may affect your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer. It does not deny that individuals matter. 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. Studying sociology helps people analyze data because they learn: interview techniques. The Scope and Purpose of Sociology. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalised web experience. Department of Sociology, University of Alabama. Now, Im able to have discussions with those who may not be fully aware of these injustices in order to create a shift in how they might see them. Pre-equipping ourselves with this understanding helps human beings function better in society by utilizing our similarities and mediating our differences in the most effective and nurturing ways. enable JavaScript in your browser. The different types of specific questions that sociologists ask are easier to grasp. Our entire perspective on various aspects of crime has shifted as a result of sociological study. It simply recognizes that individuals are not always and everywhere the sole building blocks of human interaction. 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? Sociology sheds more light onto the social nature of humans. each play distinct roles in shaping a persons life and their social interactions. This essay will seek to explore into ten reasons why it is important to study sociology. Why might people of a single group exhibit different behaviors in the same situation? Asking better questions, not accepting easy explanations. Its when people see unsafe work practices as unacceptable and take decisions as teams that workplaces become safer. Yet too often education reform seems to take place without regard for the best interests of the learners. These help us personalise our sites for you by remembering your preferences and settings. Our majors are admitted into some of the most competitive masters and doctoral programs. Fallding, H. (2008, April 7). 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. Students often major in sociology simply because they enjoy the courses we offer. Sociology is the systematic study of the structures of human society and social interaction. They help us to know which pages are popular and see how visitors move around the site. 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? Check out our subject league table for Sociology and youll see that student satisfaction scores are notably high among students in UK universities. The study of sociology has made it possible to conduct a truly scientific analysis of society. 1. 1. The study of societies is important as every society has their own unique characteristics and histories that define the lives of people that belong to them. One of the key reasons to study sociology is to gain a deeper understanding of social patterns and trends. Many college disciplines, actually, are not vocationally oriented, but this should not stop students from pursuing those majors. Sociologists and students of sociology can study anything, including other disciplines, because sociological issues are prominent in all aspects of life. Here are a few famous individuals who were sociology graduates, as listed by the American Sociological Association: Sociology is a field in which it will help you tremendously to attend graduate school to earn a graduate degree, but you will be well-prepared to pursue many career fields and find professional success! Core classes include statistics, classical theory, contemporary theory, and research methods. Sociologists are important in helping with decision-making, since they can gather systematic information about an important social inequality issue like homelessness, for example. They need to explain not only why social science is relevant but do it in a compelling way. An honors graduate of the University of Iowa School of Journalism, her experience includes corporate communications and freelance reporting for the Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald and Kalamazoo Gazette. Sociology prepares you for making life and career decisions not only by providing you with a dynamic set of subject-specific and transferable skills, but rather by motivating you to consider ones own place in the world, how you ended up getting here, and what your life might become in the future. Sociology is a very important subject in our culture. Read: How to Apply Sociology in Everyday Life. 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. 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. Physical science advancements have brought the nations of the world closer together. Each theory can be applied to most aspects of life, in this case sexual assault. Due to population explosion increasing industrialization and urbanization. The broad range of topics and interests in sociology allows you to find a unique pathway to career opportunities (link here to what can I do with a sociology degree) that best suit your interests and abilitiesfrom social service, to criminal justice, to community outreach and nonprofit management, to ministry, to social activism, to higher education administration, to urban planning and more. Additional Funding Opportunities for Applicants. The relevance of social hierarchies and social power in everyday life. Sociology students benefit from a variety of sociology electives in both general areas (e.g., social inequality and social problems) and more specialized areas (Afro-Latinos, gender and society, public sociology, race and ethnicity, social deviance, and urban sociology, to name a few of our electives). Employers need to see people as individuals who take their lead from those with whom they identify. In a huge industrialized society, our experience is comparatively limited. Sociology has helped governments to promote the welfare of tribal and marginalized communities. Let us know if you agree to all cookies. Since the world is highly divided politically, chances of resource and economic conflicts also rise. These are some of the many questions sociologists ask as they study people and societies. They are essential for you to browse the website and use its features. Well talk about 10 good reasons to study sociology. (n.d.). Our eating habits are influenced by a whole range of circumstances. This is the case even when we cant always agree on what we should do to make this happen. In order to create any kind of change, you must educate yourself on what it is you are trying to change. Why might people acting similarly not feel connected to others exhibiting the same behavior? 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. The main purpose of Sociology is to understand the structure and fabric of human societies and the mutually influential relationship between society and people. Reasons for the differentials in group opportunities and outcomes. They present us with a bewildering range of ethical, legal and social issues. For example, in one area there was a serious problem of lead being stolen from community building roofs. Social scientists have a duty to make their work interesting and engaging to the rest of us. 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. Relatability. Working and interacting in social groups are often keys to success. Then we will want to listen, read and find out more. We know that Britains social scientists are world leaders in their fields, but why do we need them? As a sociology major, you have to be open minded. Sociology locates these issues, investigates their sources in a scientific manner, and devises workable remedies. critical and impartial. It was something I had always done on my own anyway, so may as well do it for college credit. 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 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. We cant identify you from these cookies. 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. Why do we feel and act differently in different types of social situations? Learn more about careers in sociology. The study of sociology focuses on the structure of social groups, organizations and societiesand how people interact within these structures, according to the American Sociological Association. to allow this site to work for you, improve your user experience, and to serve you advertising tailored to your interests. Through the analysis of data and research, sociologists are able to identify patterns and trends in how people behave and interact with each other. Click the card to flip Definition 1 / 20 Endogamy Click the card to flip Flashcards Learn Test Created by Caitlin_Kelley21 We use Luckily, most people find the information easy to understand. 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. Every day in this era of globalization, mans social life becomes more and more complicated. Majoring in sociology helped me better understand how laws are not only formed, but why they were formed in the first place. 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. We all resent paying to withdraw our money from cash machines. 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. 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. Our mission is to improve educational access and learning for everyone. Without this kind of analysis we may feel like pawns in a global game of chess. Some apparently unhealthy choices may seem rational: if the person doing the shopping knows that others will simply not eat the healthy option and it will just go to waste, they may simply not buy it. 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. We also need social scientists to analyse and critique whats going on. 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. The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo Sociology because of its bearing upon many of the problems of the present world has assumed such a great importance that it is considered to be the best approach to all the social sciences. "This is what the well-known sociologist, C. Wright Mills, meant when he wrote so passionately about the 'promise of sociology.'". Sociology provides research skillsets that are both tangible and intangible, equipping the learner with a set of skills that can be used for most disciplines in their own respect research areas as well. 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. For debates about feminism, peace, ecology, social movements, and much more, social science offers each of us new perspectives and new ways of understanding. are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written Combining Sociology with Mathematics or a modern language is an example of a combination. In class, we always had to discuss topics of injustice with students that came from different backgrounds and of different races. With the multiple methods of research as mentioned above, a clear and comprehensive understanding of the social issue is formed, which allows the researchers to devise the most suitable and effective solution according to each problem. Research involving human subjects must follow certain ethical standards to make sure the subjects are not harmed. The discipline encourages one to view society more objectively and understand the subjectivity of every individuals life.