What is Sociology
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 3:55 PM
Sociology is the study of groups and group interactions, societies, and social
interactions, with a focus on small and/or large groups. In particular, the field of
Sociology seeks to:
1. Understand forces that operate throughout society.
2. Understand societal influences that mold individuals and shape behavior
3. Examine societal patterns, and social events (Tischler, 2014).
4. Understand the functions of social institutions and their influence on individuals.
Sociology's Main Focus
Sociology is distinguished by its focus on groups. There is a sense in which groups create society
through social interaction. Research using the scientific method allows sociologists to make
determinations about groups and group interaction.
Sociology is not focused on an individual, but only as a part of the group. The group is made up
of individuals and it is what sociology studies.
Sociology is a Science
Just like there are various natural facts; such as gravity, magnetism, light, etc., there are also
social facts, such as laws, morals, values, beliefs, etc.; Just as we study physical and natural
sciences applying universal laws, we also study society using scientific laws. This view is
positivism. We can also use a deeper empathy, or understanding (Max Weber called it
verstehen) to study society (community). Sociology, criminal justice, economics, anthropology,
and political science compromise what we refer to as the social sciences.
Sociology vs. Other Sciences
Sociologists Related fields of study
1. Study groups and Cultural Anthropologists:
institutions within a Immerse themselves in
large, modern, and another society for a
industrial society using long time, trying to learn
research methods that as much as possible
enable them to quickly about that society and
gather specific the relationships among
information about it.
large numbers of
people.
2. Look at patterns of Psychologists: Look at
behavior. motivation, perception,
cognition, creativity,
mental disorders, and
personality.
Lesson 1 Page 1
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