Understanding of Sociology help you?

Question

If you have a good understanding of sociology, how would that help you understand someone who is different from you (race, age, gender, social class) in your personal and professional life?

Answer 1

"Sociology" aside (I don't think I have ever said that before), I think the key to understanding anyone that is similar or different often lies in good empathetic communication.  Being empathetic or walking a mile in their shoes’ is key to communicating with someone that you don’t necessarily “understand”.  Try and think of how the other individual is feeling in response to their current situation.  Respect and validate their feelings (even if you don't exactly understand how they are feeling).  

Ok, now from a purely sociological approach, I would say that because I do study race, age, gender, social stratification, inequality, etc. I am more in tune with the fact that differentiation exists on many levels.  Just knowing and understanding the fact that although people may be different....they can still possess equal value is important.  Respecting human difference is key to understanding the human condition.

Good luck, hope this helped!

Answer 2

Books and texts are the theoretical part. The human interaction is the experiential part. By communicating directly with another person is how you get to understand someone. Your asking a question about generalizations about a race or social class. Do you find everyone in your socio-economic group to be all alike? I didn't think so. Book learnin' only takes you through the first half of the journey.