What is Sociology all about...?

Question

I'm thinking about picking Sociology to study for school but before I do, I need to know a little bit more about what its about.

-What do you learn in Sociology class?

-What the h**l is Sociology anyway..? =P

-What kind of jobs include a degree in Sociology..?

-Does it include alot of practical work..?

-Whats the difference between Psychology and Sociology?

-Is it fun/hard/easy? :)

Thankyou, just tell me everything you know about Sociology!

Answer 1

I had a professor who called sociology the "psychology of history."

Sociology is -- as its name implies -- the study of society, ergo the nature of people in a society; the group psychology,. if you will.  What you learn is the dynamics of people in a society/societal situation, as well as the dynamics of a society based on the feelings and needs of people.  You study individual, family, group, ethnic, religious, and political dynamics and how they influence and respond to cultural changes.  As a basal example, "Why do poor people in underdeveloped nations have more children even if they can't afford to take care of them."  The answer is quite simple -- with a high mortality rate among children, they ensure there is at least one child to take care of them in their old age.  Knowing this dynamic, it is then possible to understand where that type of society  is headed, and understand the best ways to improve or benefit the people in that society.  Ergo, give them health-care, education, etc., and family-size decreases, ergo lower mortality amongst children, and less impact on a food supply.

You learn all sorts of fascinating stuff -- like how the Beatles have had as much impact on society as Jesus Christ had, just to pluck one example out of the air.  You will learn to analyze and answer the question, "what do people want?"

I firmly believe that sociologists are underutilized in today's society.  As every action has a societal reaction, I think it would behoove government, as well as industry, to pay more attention to what sociologists have to offer in the way of answers and solutions.  As an example, gun control.  A sociologist knows that banning guns isn't going to stop criminals from obtaining guns, and that banning guns is only going to take away a citizen's right to defend themselves.  A sociologist knows that this, then, turns the citizen into the prisoner in their own home, while those who should be in prison are running  free reign on the streets.  

As for fun, hard, easy...that is hard to answer and depends on the individual.  I was always told I had a natural insight into the human element, and I find studying people fascinating...so for me it was fun and very easy.  But, you have to have an interest in what makes people in a society tick, and be able to do it without your personal filters (prejudices, religious beliefs, etc.).  My first year sociology professor added a lot of fun to the mix by having us watch, in classroom, certain movies that illustrated individual dynamics.  One movie that I will never forget is, "The Story of O."  Yes, the original X-rated, p**n if you will, movie...but an incredible insight to "surrender," and how 'O' becomes the victor, and how this relates to the societal dynamic, of, let's say Japan after WWII and how in their surrender, they gained because the victor has an obligation to meet all the needs.  Look at Japan in the past three decades and today -- who ended up being the victor in that war?  The movies were microcosms, and if you understand the microcosm, you have better understanding of, and insight into, the macrocosm.

As for jobs that "include" a degree in Sociology, that would imply Social Worker (not the best job or most highly paid, by any means).  But, a solid background in sociology is very important in many businesses, definitely a huge plus for advertising/marketing/public relations (I spent 8 years in PR and loved it), many politicians are now employing the help of sociologists, and just about any area where the public is the target audience.

As for practical work, I'm not sure what you mean by that.

I would suggest taking at least a few sociology classes, whether you pursue that field or not, as I feel it offers a good base and understanding for many other professions and directions in life.  After your first class, you will have a better idea whether it is a field you like.  I loved it, but then I was a "natural" sociologist before I decided to pursue an education in it.  Fascinating stuff, in my opinion.

I hope that helps, and good luck.

Answer 2

mettitelo in culo

Answer 3

Hey, it depends on what you interested in, and also what level your at, like uni, high school you know what i mean.

anyway its basically the scientific study of society, including patterns of social relationships, social interaction, and culture..

You learn about different theories - these are just basically different sociological Perspectives on Society -these include fuctionalism, marxism, social action theory, You should look all these up and see what they are about, my degree included a lot of the thoery, but i dunoo about yout school.

It does include some practical work, but again it does depend on the place were you study

psychology is the study of the mind but  sociology has more to do with the study of why people act the way they do, but it does take in to account the historical context and it looks at human development, etc but more in society as a whole, like group behaviour, rather than individuals. Its a good thing to study. It gives you a good understanding of society from a range of different view points, from feminism to postmodernism.

As for jobs, people do a range of things. im looking to teach it, but others from my course do research study.

If you really dont understand any of this then feel free to email me or add me to msn and i can explain it further. its

[e-mail]

good luck in your course choice.

Answer 4

Sociology is the study of society and human behavior....how we interact with one other, what it means to act "human," to be "normal," etc.  Deals with learned behaviors.  Psychology deals with the mind.  It deals with the process that occurs within an individual person, whereas sociology deals with interactions with other people.

In my class, we also studied culture and how important it is to see things the way they really are instead of thinking that the way you were brought up is the "normal" way of life.

Answer 5

i am quite sure you will do very well in whatever you decide to do....i wish i had half your brain....good luck.....seamanab x