Understanding Sociology
Shawn C. Miller
Student I.D. # 124111
SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology
Sociological Prospective and Doing Sociology
Sociology is defined by Merriam-Webster as “the science of society, social institutions and social relationships; specifically: the systematic study of the development, structure, interaction and collective behavior of organized groups of human beings” (Merriam-Webster). As the world continues to evolve and society is continually changing, sociology has become the study of social change of today’s world. Sociologist conducts this study; they conduct scientific research of individual’s social patterns in their behaviors as they relate to groups and how it affects our social structures and individual perception and behaviors. However these changes have tendency to matter more to others then most. This is proven or shows more so during our productive periods of history or major events. This change can be viewed as a growing period for society, which can also be viewed as advancement.
To understand Sociological perspective, one has to learn how to broaden their horizon. By identifying social events, studying the behavior and learning from questioning our own and others values and beliefs systems. Several past sociologist have paved the way and allowed current sociologist to further understand the possibilities for application of such theories in our everyday life. These sociologists include but are not limited to Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) and Karl Marx (1818-1883). Durkheim and Marx allowed us to view their sociological perspectives and gave us the opportunity to further understand the social paradigms. For example, functionalism, conflict theory and interaction perspective, symbolic interactionism, contemporary sociology, theory and research (Thischler).
If we looked at each paradigm as an image of society, it would give us to guide...