how can sociology help you understand your place in contemporary American society?
anyone can answer / i need opinions
thanks =]
Let's start with a definition of sociology from Dictionary.com.
"–noun the science or study of the origin, development, organization, and functioning of human society; the science of the fundamental laws of social relations, institutions, etc."
Sociology helps you understand different groups in our society. It brings these groups together to make a whole picture.
In which group are you?
How can you fit in and empathize with other groups?
What do you have in common with other groups?
I am not a fan of sociology, but one area they have studied and made significant useful progress is in Marriage and Family, even with the modern definitions and variants of what "marriage" and "family" are.
Read this article, and think about what sociologists might study on this. It fits with new definitions of marriage and family. Like it or not, we have to understand how to function as a society with this statistic.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/04/08/out.of.wedlock.births/index.html
thank you guys
Sociology can help you understand your place in contemporary American society by providing you with a set of tools and perspectives to analyze social structures, relationships, and dynamics. Here are a few ways sociology can contribute to your understanding:
1. Examining social institutions: Sociology explores various social institutions such as family, education, and the economy. By studying these institutions, you can better understand their impact on your life and how they shape society as a whole.
To do this, you can start by reading sociological literature about these institutions or taking courses that focus on social institutions. Analyzing how these institutions function, their strengths, weaknesses, and the roles individuals play within them can provide valuable insights about your own position within society.
2. Analyzing social inequalities: Sociology investigates social inequalities based on factors such as race, gender, class, and sexuality. By understanding these inequalities, you can gain insight into how they affect your life and the opportunities and challenges you may face.
To determine your place within these social hierarchies, it is useful to engage in critical reflection and self-awareness. Ask yourself questions like: How has my race, gender, or social class influenced my opportunities, experiences, and interactions with others? Evaluate your own privileges and disadvantages within the contemporary American society.
3. Understanding social norms and values: Sociology helps unravel the norms and values that exist within society. Norms refer to the unwritten rules of behavior, while values encompass the beliefs and ideas that are widely accepted within a society. By understanding these norms and values, you can gain a deeper understanding of the expectations placed on individuals and the social groups to which you belong.
To understand the social norms and values, you can engage with diverse communities, read up on current social issues, and critically analyze media representations. This will allow you to compare and contrast the different norms and values that may influence your place in contemporary American society.
Remember, sociology provides you with a framework to analyze and understand society, but it's also important to combine this knowledge with your own experiences and perspectives. Sociology is a field that encourages critical thinking and questioning, so always be open to exploring different viewpoints and challenging your own assumptions.