Dorling Kindersley - Heads Up Sociology

Are men and women really that different? Why are some people super-rich when others are homeless? Why do some people commit crimes? These are some of the questions at the heart of life as a human being and if you have asked questions like these, then you are already a budding sociologist. sociology is the study of society but it is also a fresh way of thinking about the world.

Sociologists, the people who study sociology, are interested in the ways in which individuals, groups, and societies are shaped and how they interact with each other. They look at how social institutions such as the family, the education system, religions, and governments work, and consider the ways in which they impact on peoples lives.

Sociology emerged at the end of the 18th century, when large parts of the world were changing rapidly because of increasing industrialization. German philosopher, Karl Marx, and other thinkers of the time, were concerned with the growing inequality they saw. They wanted to understand what was happening and the effect it was having on people and societies. Sociology is a social science that uses a range of methods to investigate the social world. Using evidence and logic, it develops and tests theories such as Marxism and feminism, which can help this process. To be a sociologist also requires what US sociologist Charles Wright Mills called the Sociological Imagination the ability to challenge common sense ideas about the world and to ask new questions. For instance, we might ask Why do we have problems like racism and homophobia? or Does the news tell the truth?

Most importantly, sociology offers the possibility of understanding our lives more fully and of making them better. As Polish sociologist Zygmunt Bauman said, the purpose of sociology is to come to the help of the individual.

Sociology is concerned with people, and sociologists learn a variety of skills that can be used in many different occupations. Sociologists are able to analyse information, they have an enquiring mind, and they like to dig a little deeper into issues. many people who study sociology will want to bring their skills and knowledge to areas of work that help people who are struggling in society, or they may enjoy working to bring the best out of people.

academic Sociologists

Lecturer

A lecturer works in a college or university. He or she gives lectures to large groups of students in a particular area of sociology, and discusses it with them in small groups or seminars. A lecturer also writes books and articles (papers) about sociology.

Researcher

Also working in a college or university, a researcher spends his or her time looking into projects that will reveal more about important social issues.

Writer

Some academic sociologists spend most of their time writing books and papers for publication in journals. The books may be to introduce readers to the subject or be in-depth discussions and analysis of a particular topic.

Sociologists in public service

Police

A lot of sociology is about why things go wrong for some individuals. This knowledge can be useful for people working in the police or prison services. It can help them understand why people break the law and how they can be helped.

Social worker

Sociology highlights why some people struggle in society. Understanding the issues people face and how they affect people can help a social worker improve the lives of vulnerable or socially excluded people (people who feel isolated or neglected in society).

Politician

Sociology helps people understand how society works and what makes a good society, which is something every politician should know. Sociology can uncover causes of inequality and discrimination.

Policy analyst

A policy analyst works to think up government policies that will help society run more smoothly and fairly for everyone.

Teacher

Studying sociology can help uncover what motivates and stimulates people ideal skills for a teacher. Knowing the issues that some families can face in society also helps teachers find ways to work with students who are struggling.

Sociologists in business

Recruitment

Understanding what motivates people and the opportunities that are available for them in society can help anyone who works in recruitment to match the right person to the right job.

Human resources

Working in human resources (HR) in an office or other workplace, requires working with people to develop their potential. Sociology can help explain how and why people behave in certain ways in an environment such as an office.

Marketing

Understanding how society works and noticing peoples patterns of behaviour are ideal skills for working in marketing. This knowledge would help marketing professionals develop a marketing strategy for a product.