Sociology is the systematic study of society and social interaction. In order to carry out their studies, sociologists identify cultural patterns and social forces and determine how they affect individuals and groups. They also develop ways to apply their findings to the real world.
1.What do you make of Karl Marx’s contributions to sociology? What perceptions of Marx have you
been exposed to in your society, and how do those perceptions influence your views?
2.Do you tend to place more value on qualitative or quantitative research? Why? Does it matter what
topic is being studied?
1.3.Theoretical Perspectives
1.Which theory do you think better explains how societies operate—structural functionalism or
conflict theory? Why?
2.Do you think the way people behave in social interactions is more due to the cause and effect of
external social constraints or more like actors playing a role in a theatrical production? Why?
1.4.Why Study Sociology?
1.How do you think taking a sociology course might affect your social interactions?
2.What sort of career are you interested in? How could studying sociology help you in this career?
Further Research
1.1. What Is Sociology?
Sociology is a broad discipline. Different kinds of sociologists employ various
methods for exploring the relationship between individuals and society. Check out
more about sociology at http://openstaxcollege.org/l/what-is-sociology.
1.2. The History of Sociology
Many sociologists helped shape the discipline. To learn more about prominent
sociologists and how they changed sociology check out
http://openstaxcollege.org/l/ferdinand-toennies.
1.3. Theoretical Perspectives
People often think of all conflict as violent, but many conflicts can be resolved
nonviolently. To learn more about nonviolent methods of conflict resolution check
out the Albert Einstein Institution http://openstaxcollege.org/l/ae-institution 1.4.
Why Study Sociology?
Social communication is rapidly evolving due to ever improving technologies. To
learn more about how sociologists study the impact of these changes check out
http://openstaxcollege.org/l/media
References
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