importance of sociology essay

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Home >> Introduction to Sociology >> Importance Of Sociology

Importance Of Sociology

In all ages and human times ever since out erect and restless species appeared upon the planet, men have been living with others of their kind in something called societies. Prior to the emergence of sociology the study of society was carried on in an unscientific manner and society had never been the central concern of any science. It is through the study of sociology that the truly scientific study of the society has been possible. Sociology alone studies social relationships, society itself. Sociology is interested in social relationships not because they are economic or political or religious or legal but because they are at the same time social. Sociology study how the relations combine, how they build up smaller or greater systems and how they respond to changes and changing needs or demands. Therefore the study of sociology is essentially analytical.

Sociology because of its bearing upon many of the problems of the present world has assumed such a great importance that it is considered to be the best approach to all the social sciences. Giddings have rightly pointed out, 'Sociology tells us how to become what we want to be.'

Sociology studies society in a scientific way Before the emergence of sociology there was no systematic and scientific attempt to study human society with all its complexities. Sociology has made it possible to study society in a scientific manner. This scientific knowledge about human society is needed in order to achieve progress in various fields.

Sociology throws more light on the social nature of man Sociology delves deep into the social nature of man. It tells us why man is a social animal, why he lives in a group, communities and societies. It examines the relationship between individual and society, the impact of society on man and other matters.

Sociology increases the power of social action The science of society assists an individual to understand himself, his capacities, talents and limitations. It enables him to adjust himself to the environment. Knowledge of society, social groups, social institutions, associations, their functions etc. helps us to lead an effective social life.

Sociology studies role of the institutions in the development of the individuals It is through sociology that scientific study of the great social institutions and the relation of the individual to each is being made. The home and family, the school and education, the church and religion, the state and government, industry and work, the community and association, these are institutions through which society functions. Sociology studies these institutions and their role in the development of the individual and suggests suitable measures for strengthening them with a view to enable them to serve the individual better.

Study of sociology is indispensable for understanding and planning of society Society is a complex phenomenon with a multitude of intricacies. It is impossible to understand and solve its numerous problems without support of sociology. It is rightly said that we cannot understand and mend society without any knowledge of its mechanism and construction. Without the investigation carried out by sociology no real effective social planning would be possible. It helps us to determine the most efficient means for reaching the goals agreed upon. A certain amount of knowledge about society is necessary before any social policies can be carried out.

Sociology is of great importance in the solution of social problems The present world is suffering from many problems that can be solved through scientific study of the society. It is the task of sociology to study the social problems through the methods of scientific research and to find out solution to them. The scientific study of human affairs will ultimately provide the body of knowledge and principles that will enable us to control the conditions of social life and improve them.

Sociology has drawn our attention to the intrinsic worth and dignity of man Sociology has been instrumental in changing our attitude towards human beings. In a specialized society we are all limited as to the amount of the whole organization and culture that we can experience directly. We can hardly know the people of other areas intimately. In order to have insight into and appreciation of the motives by which others live and the conditions under which they exist knowledge of sociology is essential.

Sociology has changed our outlook with regard to the problems of crime It is through the study of sociology that our whole outlook on various aspects of crime has change. The criminals are now treated as human beings suffering from mental deficiencies and efforts are accordingly made to rehabilitate them as useful members of the society.

Sociology has made great contribution to enrich human culture Human culture has been made richer by the contribution of sociology. The social phenomenon is now understood in the light of scientific knowledge and enquiry. According to Lowie most of us harbor the comfortable delusion that our way of doing things is the only sensible if not only possible one. Sociology has given us training to have rational approach to questions concerning oneself, one's religion, customs, morals and institutions. It has further taught us to be objective, critical and dispassionate. It enables man to have better understanding both of himself and of others. By comparative study of societies and groups other than his existence, his life becomes richer and fuller than it would otherwise be. Sociology also impresses upon us the necessity of overcoming narrow personal prejudices, ambitions and class hatred.

Sociology is of great importance in the solution of international problems The progress made by physical sciences has brought the nations of the world nearer to each other. But in the social field the world has been left behind by the revolutionary progress of the science. The world is divided politically giving rise to stress and conflict. Men have failed to bring in peace. Sociology can help us in understanding the underlying causes and tensions.

The value of sociology lies in the fact that it keeps us update on modern situations It contributes to making good citizens and finding solutions to the community problems. It adds to the knowledge of the society. It helps the individual find his relation to society. The study of social phenomena and of the ways and means of promoting what Giddens calls social adequacy is one of the most urgent needs of the modern society. Sociology has a strong appeal to all types of mind through its direct bearing upon many of the initial problems of the present world.

Study of society has helped governments to promote the welfare of the tribal and marginalized communities The tribal and marginalized communities face many socio-economic and cultural problems. Studies conducted by sociologists and anthropologists regarding tribal societies and problems have helped governments in undertaking social welfare measures and programmes for the welfare purposes.

Sociology is useful as a teaching subject Sociology is a profession in which technical competence brings its own rewards. Sociologists those trained in research procedures are contributing in business, government, industry, social sector, communications and many other areas of community life. Sociology has now become practical enough to be practiced in the other fields prominently in local, state, national and international levels. Do you need professional help with writing your sociology papers online? Visit this essay writing service and hire a team of experienced writers for getting instant academic assistance.

What this handout is about

This handout introduces you to the wonderful world of writing sociology. Before you can write a clear and coherent sociology paper, you need a firm understanding of the assumptions and expectations of the discipline. You need to know your audience, the way they view the world and how they order and evaluate information. So, without further ado, let’s figure out just what sociology is, and how one goes about writing it.

What is sociology, and what do sociologists write about?

Unlike many of the other subjects here at UNC, such as history or English, sociology is a new subject for many students. Therefore, it may be helpful to give a quick introduction to what sociologists do. Sociologists are interested in all sorts of topics. For example, some sociologists focus on the family, addressing issues such as marriage, divorce, child-rearing, and domestic abuse, the ways these things are defined in different cultures and times, and their effect on both individuals and institutions. Others examine larger social organizations such as businesses and governments, looking at their structure and hierarchies. Still others focus on social movements and political protest, such as the American civil rights movement. Finally, sociologists may look at divisions and inequality within society, examining phenomena such as race, gender, and class, and their effect on people’s choices and opportunities. As you can see, sociologists study just about everything. Thus, it is not the subject matter that makes a paper sociological, but rather the perspective used in writing it.

So, just what is a sociological perspective? At its most basic, sociology is an attempt to understand and explain the way that individuals and groups interact within a society. How exactly does one approach this goal? C. Wright Mills, in his book The Sociological Imagination (1959), writes that “neither the life of an individual nor the history of a society can be understood without understanding both.” Why? Well, as Karl Marx observes at the beginning of The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte (1852), humans “make their own history, but they do not make it just as they please; they do not make it under circumstances chosen by themselves, but under circumstances directly encountered, given and transmitted from the past.” Thus, a good sociological argument needs to balance both individual agency and structural constraints. That is certainly a tall order, but it is the basis of all effective sociological writing. Keep it in mind as you think about your own writing.

Key assumptions and characteristics of sociological writing

What are the most important things to keep in mind as you write in sociology? Pay special attention to the following issues.

The first thing to remember in writing a sociological argument is to be as clear as possible in stating your thesis. Of course, that is true in all papers, but there are a couple of pitfalls common to sociology that you should be aware of and avoid at all cost. As previously defined, sociology is the study of the interaction between individuals and larger social forces. Different traditions within sociology tend to favor one side of the equation over the other, with some focusing on the agency of individual actors and others on structural factors. The danger is that you may go too far in either of these directions and thus lose the complexity of sociological thinking. Although this mistake can manifest itself in any number of ways, three types of flawed arguments are particularly common: 

• The “ individual argument ” generally takes this form: “The individual is free to make choices, and any outcomes can be explained exclusively through the study of their ideas and decisions.” While it is of course true that we all make our own choices, we must also keep in mind that, to paraphrase Marx, we make these choices under circumstances given to us by the structures of society. Therefore, it is important to investigate what conditions made these choices possible in the first place, as well as what allows some individuals to successfully act on their choices while others cannot.
• The “ human nature argument ” seeks to explain social behavior through a quasi-biological argument about humans, and often takes a form such as: “Humans are by nature X, therefore it is not surprising that Y.” While sociologists disagree over whether a universal human nature even exists, they all agree that it is not an acceptable basis of explanation. Instead, sociology demands that you question why we call some behavior natural, and to look into the social factors which have constructed this “natural” state.
• The “ society argument ” often arises in response to critiques of the above styles of argumentation, and tends to appear in a form such as: “Society made me do it.” Students often think that this is a good sociological argument, since it uses society as the basis for explanation. However, the problem is that the use of the broad concept “society” masks the real workings of the situation, making it next to impossible to build a strong case. This is an example of reification, which is when we turn processes into things. Society is really a process, made up of ongoing interactions at multiple levels of size and complexity, and to turn it into a monolithic thing is to lose all that complexity. People make decisions and choices. Some groups and individuals benefit, while others do not. Identifying these intermediate levels is the basis of sociological analysis.

Although each of these three arguments seems quite different, they all share one common feature: they assume exactly what they need to be explaining. They are excellent starting points, but lousy conclusions.

Once you have developed a working argument, you will next need to find evidence to support your claim. What counts as evidence in a sociology paper? First and foremost, sociology is an empirical discipline. Empiricism in sociology means basing your conclusions on evidence that is documented and collected with as much rigor as possible. This evidence usually draws upon observed patterns and information from collected cases and experiences, not just from isolated, anecdotal reports. Just because your second cousin was able to climb the ladder from poverty to the executive boardroom does not prove that the American class system is open. You will need more systematic evidence to make your claim convincing. Above all else, remember that your opinion alone is not sufficient support for a sociological argument. Even if you are making a theoretical argument, you must be able to point to documented instances of social phenomena that fit your argument. Logic is necessary for making the argument, but is not sufficient support by itself.

Sociological evidence falls into two main groups: 

• Quantitative data are based on surveys, censuses, and statistics. These provide large numbers of data points, which is particularly useful for studying large-scale social processes, such as income inequality, population changes, changes in social attitudes, etc.
• Qualitative data, on the other hand, comes from participant observation, in-depth interviews, data and texts, as well as from the researcher’s own impressions and reactions. Qualitative research gives insight into the way people actively construct and find meaning in their world.

Quantitative data produces a measurement of subjects’ characteristics and behavior, while qualitative research generates information on their meanings and practices. Thus, the methods you choose will reflect the type of evidence most appropriate to the questions you ask. If you wanted to look at the importance of race in an organization, a quantitative study might use information on the percentage of different races in the organization, what positions they hold, as well as survey results on people’s attitudes on race. This would measure the distribution of race and racial beliefs in the organization. A qualitative study would go about this differently, perhaps hanging around the office studying people’s interactions, or doing in-depth interviews with some of the subjects. The qualitative researcher would see how people act out their beliefs, and how these beliefs interact with the beliefs of others as well as the constraints of the organization.

Some sociologists favor qualitative over quantitative data, or vice versa, and it is perfectly reasonable to rely on only one method in your own work. However, since each method has its own strengths and weaknesses, combining methods can be a particularly effective way to bolster your argument. But these distinctions are not just important if you have to collect your own data for your paper. You also need to be aware of them even when you are relying on secondary sources for your research. In order to critically evaluate the research and data you are reading, you should have a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the different methods.

Units of analysis

Given that social life is so complex, you need to have a point of entry into studying this world. In sociological jargon, you need a unit of analysis. The unit of analysis is exactly that: it is the unit that you have chosen to analyze in your study. Again, this is only a question of emphasis and focus, and not of precedence and importance. You will find a variety of units of analysis in sociological writing, ranging from the individual up to groups or organizations. You should choose yours based on the interests and theoretical assumptions driving your research. The unit of analysis will determine much of what will qualify as relevant evidence in your work. Thus you must not only clearly identify that unit, but also consistently use it throughout your paper.

Let’s look at an example to see just how changing the units of analysis will change the face of research. What if you wanted to study globalization? That’s a big topic, so you will need to focus your attention. Where would you start?

You might focus on individual human actors, studying the way that people are affected by the globalizing world. This approach could possibly include a study of Asian sweatshop workers’ experiences, or perhaps how consumers’ decisions shape the overall system.

Or you might choose to focus on social structures or organizations. This approach might involve looking at the decisions being made at the national or international level, such as the free-trade agreements that change the relationships between governments and corporations. Or you might look into the organizational structures of corporations and measure how they are changing under globalization. Another structural approach would be to focus on the social networks linking subjects together. That could lead you to look at how migrants rely on social contacts to make their way to other countries, as well as to help them find work upon their arrival.

Finally, you might want to focus on cultural objects or social artifacts as your unit of analysis. One fine example would be to look at the production of those tennis shoes the kids seem to like so much. You could look at either the material production of the shoe (tracing it from its sweatshop origins to its arrival on the showroom floor of malls across America) or its cultural production (attempting to understand how advertising and celebrities have turned such shoes into necessities and cultural icons).

Whichever unit of analysis you choose, be careful not to commit the dreaded ecological fallacy. An ecological fallacy is when you assume that something that you learned about the group level of analysis also applies to the individuals that make up that group. So, to continue the globalization example, if you were to compare its effects on the poorest 20% and the richest 20% of countries, you would need to be careful not to apply your results to the poorest and richest individuals.

These are just general examples of how sociological study of a single topic can vary. Because you can approach a subject from several different perspectives, it is important to decide early how you plan to focus your analysis and then stick with that perspective throughout your paper. Avoid mixing units of analysis without strong justification. Different units of analysis generally demand different kinds of evidence for building your argument. You can reconcile the varying levels of analysis, but doing so may require a complex, sophisticated theory, no small feat within the confines of a short paper. Check with your instructor if you are concerned about this happening in your paper.

Typical writing assignments in sociology

So how does all of this apply to an actual writing assignment? Undergraduate writing assignments in sociology may take a number of forms, but they typically involve reviewing sociological literature on a subject; applying or testing a particular concept, theory, or perspective; or producing a small-scale research report, which usually involves a synthesis of both the literature review and application.

The critical review

The review involves investigating the research that has been done on a particular topic and then summarizing and evaluating what you have found. The important task in this kind of assignment is to organize your material clearly and synthesize it for your reader. A good review does not just summarize the literature, but looks for patterns and connections in the literature and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of what others have written on your topic. You want to help your reader see how the information you have gathered fits together, what information can be most trusted (and why), what implications you can derive from it, and what further research may need to be done to fill in gaps. Doing so requires considerable thought and organization on your part, as well as thinking of yourself as an expert on the topic. You need to assume that, even though you are new to the material, you can judge the merits of the arguments you have read and offer an informed opinion of which evidence is strongest and why.

Application or testing of a theory or concept

The application assignment asks you to apply a concept or theoretical perspective to a specific example. In other words, it tests your practical understanding of theories and ideas by asking you to explain how well they apply to actual social phenomena. In order to successfully apply a theory to a new case, you must include the following steps:

• First you need to have a very clear understanding of the theory itself: not only what the theorist argues, but also why they argue that point, and how they justify it. That is, you have to understand how the world works according to this theory and how one thing leads to another.
• Next you should choose an appropriate case study. This is a crucial step, one that can make or break your paper. If you choose a case that is too similar to the one used in constructing the theory in the first place, then your paper will be uninteresting as an application, since it will not give you the opportunity to show off your theoretical brilliance. On the other hand, do not choose a case that is so far out in left field that the applicability is only superficial and trivial. In some ways theory application is like making an analogy. The last thing you want is a weak analogy, or one that is so obvious that it does not give any added insight. Instead, you will want to choose a happy medium, one that is not obvious but that allows you to give a developed analysis of the case using the theory you chose.
• This leads to the last point, which is the analysis. A strong analysis will go beyond the surface and explore the processes at work, both in the theory and in the case you have chosen. Just like making an analogy, you are arguing that these two things (the theory and the example) are similar. Be specific and detailed in telling the reader how they are similar. In the course of looking for similarities, however, you are likely to find points at which the theory does not seem to be a good fit. Do not sweep this discovery under the rug, since the differences can be just as important as the similarities, supplying insight into both the applicability of the theory and the uniqueness of the case you are using.

You may also be asked to test a theory. Whereas the application paper assumes that the theory you are using is true, the testing paper does not makes this assumption, but rather asks you to try out the theory to determine whether it works. Here you need to think about what initial conditions inform the theory and what sort of hypothesis or prediction the theory would make based on those conditions. This is another way of saying that you need to determine which cases the theory could be applied to (see above) and what sort of evidence would be needed to either confirm or disconfirm the theory’s hypothesis. In many ways, this is similar to the application paper, with added emphasis on the veracity of the theory being used.

The research paper

Finally, we reach the mighty research paper. Although the thought of doing a research paper can be intimidating, it is actually little more than the combination of many of the parts of the papers we have already discussed. You will begin with a critical review of the literature and use this review as a basis for forming your research question. The question will often take the form of an application (“These ideas will help us to explain Z.”) or of hypothesis testing (“If these ideas are correct, we should find X when we investigate Y.”). The skills you have already used in writing the other types of papers will help you immensely as you write your research papers.

And so we reach the end of this all-too-brief glimpse into the world of sociological writing. Sociologists can be an idiosyncratic bunch, so paper guidelines and expectations will no doubt vary from class to class, from instructor to instructor. However, these basic guidelines will help you get started.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Anson, Chris M., and Robert A. Schwegler. 2010. The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers , 6th ed. New York: Longman.

Cuba, Lee. 2002. A Short Guide to Writing About Social Science , 4th ed. New York: Longman.

Lunsford, Andrea A. 2015. The St. Martin’s Handbook , 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.

Rosen, Leonard J., and Laurence Behrens. 2003. The Allyn & Bacon Handbook , 5th ed. New York: Longman.

Ruszkiewicz, John J., Christy Friend, Daniel Seward, and Maxine Hairston. 2010. The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers , 9th ed. Boston: Pearson Education.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Founding the discipline

• Economic determinism
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• Rising segmentation of the discipline
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• The historical divide: qualitative and establishment sociology
• Methodological considerations in sociology
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• Where did Auguste Comte go to school?
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• BCcampus Open Publishing - An Introduction to Sociology
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• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Department of Sociology - What is Sociology?
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sociology , a social science that studies human societies, their interactions, and the processes that preserve and change them. It does this by examining the dynamics of constituent parts of societies such as institutions, communities , populations, and gender, racial, or age groups. Sociology also studies social status or stratification, social movements , and social change , as well as societal disorder in the form of crime, deviance , and revolution .

Social life overwhelmingly regulates the behaviour of humans , largely because humans lack the instincts that guide most animal behaviour . Humans therefore depend on social institutions and organizations to inform their decisions and actions. Given the important role organizations play in influencing human action, it is sociology’s task to discover how organizations affect the behaviour of persons, how they are established, how organizations interact with one another, how they decay, and, ultimately, how they disappear. Among the most basic organizational structures are economic, religious, educational, and political institutions, as well as more specialized institutions such as the family, the community , the military, peer groups, clubs, and volunteer associations.

Sociology, as a generalizing social science, is surpassed in its breadth only by anthropology —a discipline that encompasses archaeology , physical anthropology , and linguistics . The broad nature of sociological inquiry causes it to overlap with other social sciences such as economics , political science , psychology , geography , education , and law . Sociology’s distinguishing feature is its practice of drawing on a larger societal context to explain social phenomena.

Sociologists also utilize some aspects of these other fields. Psychology and sociology, for instance, share an interest in the subfield of social psychology , although psychologists traditionally focus on individuals and their mental mechanisms. Sociology devotes most of its attention to the collective aspects of human behaviour , because sociologists place greater emphasis on the ways external groups influence the behaviour of individuals.

The field of social anthropology has been historically quite close to sociology. Until about the first quarter of the 20th century, the two subjects were usually combined in one department (especially in Britain), differentiated mainly by anthropology’s emphasis on the sociology of preliterate peoples. Recently, however, this distinction has faded, as social anthropologists have turned their interests toward the study of modern culture .

Two other social sciences, political science and economics, developed largely from the practical interests of nations. Increasingly, both fields have recognized the utility of sociological concepts and methods. A comparable synergy has also developed with respect to law, education, and religion and even in such contrasting fields as engineering and architecture. All of these fields can benefit from the study of institutions and social interaction.

Historical development of sociology

Though sociology draws on the Western tradition of rational inquiry established by the ancient Greeks, it is specifically the offspring of 18th- and 19th-century philosophy and has been viewed, along with economics and political science, as a reaction against speculative philosophy and folklore. Consequently, sociology separated from moral philosophy to become a specialized discipline. While he is not credited with the founding of the discipline of sociology, French philosopher Auguste Comte is recognized for having coined the term sociology .

The founders of sociology spent decades searching for the proper direction of the new discipline. They tried several highly divergent pathways, some driven by methods and contents borrowed from other sciences, others invented by the scholars themselves. To better view the various turns the discipline has taken, the development of sociology may be divided into four periods: the establishment of the discipline from the late 19th century until World War I , interwar consolidation, explosive growth from 1945 to 1975, and the subsequent period of segmentation.

Some of the earliest sociologists developed an approach based on Darwinian evolutionary theory. In their attempts to establish a scientifically based academic discipline, a line of creative thinkers, including Herbert Spencer , Benjamin Kidd, Lewis H. Morgan , E.B. Tylor , and L.T. Hobhouse , developed analogies between human society and the biological organism. They introduced into sociological theory such biological concepts as variance, natural selection , and inheritance—asserting that these evolutionary factors resulted in the progress of societies from stages of savagery and barbarism to civilization by virtue of the survival of the fittest . Some writers believed that these stages of society could be seen in the developmental stages of each individual. Strange customs were explained by assuming that they were throwbacks to useful practices of an earlier period, such as the make-believe struggle sometimes enacted between the bridegroom and the bride’s relatives reflecting the earlier custom of bride capture.

In its popular period of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, social Darwinism , along with the doctrines of Adam Smith and Thomas Malthus , touted unrestricted competition and laissez-faire so that the “fittest” would survive and civilization would continue to advance. Although the popularity of social Darwinism waned in the 20th century, the ideas on competition and analogies from biological ecology were appropriated by the Chicago School of sociology (a University of Chicago program focusing on urban studies, founded by Albion Small in 1892) to form the theory of human ecology that endures as a viable study approach.

Why is Sociology Important? The Cornerstone of the Social Sciences

Editorial note.

Thank you to our generous sponsors, Sociologists for Women in Society , Center for Equity Education , Azama Development Foundation , and Sociological Practice & Public Sociology (SPPS) – American Sociological Association (ASA) for helping us make Applied Worldwide’s 2023 “Why is Sociology Important?” student essay competition a success!

This essay on the importance of sociology was published on behalf of Applied Worldwide’s 2023 Global Student Essay Competition. For the 2023 competition, we awarded 16 student essayists across eight countries and one US territory and will be sharing each winning essay in our “Why is Sociology Important?” essay collection.

This sociology essay was written by Hassana Idris, a 4th year student in home economics at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in Nigeria and earned a 3rd place prize in the competition.

Why is Sociology Important? The Cornerstone of the Social Sciences, Hassana Idris

Sociology, though relatively young among the social sciences, is a multifaceted and broad field within the humanities. It examines various aspects of human behavior and society, encompassing topics such as family, crime, culture, religion, race, and conflict. In its analysis, sociology employs both macro and micro-level approaches to understand human behavior and society. It applies scientific methodologies, including objectivity, observation, empiricism, and others, to study these subjects comprehensively.

Sociology offers a wide array of theories, including social conflict theory, functionalism, and symbolic interactionism, each providing unique insights into society. It boasts a rich history of scholars like Auguste Comte, Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, and many more.

One of the most significant sociological theories, as highlighted by Crossman, is functionalism. It views society as a complex system where parts work together to promote unity and stability. Social structures, such as family, community, and religious practices, shape our lives and provide structure to our daily routines.

In contrast, conflict theory, as articulated by Chafetz in 1997, challenges functionalism. It posits that societies and organizations are structured to benefit a privileged elite, leading to social hierarchies and power imbalances. Major social structures, laws, and traditions are designed to support those in power, perpetuating inequalities.

Sociology has enriched human culture by providing a scientific understanding of social phenomena. It encourages rational thinking, objectivity, critical analysis, and empathy. By comparing societies and groups beyond one’s own existence, sociology broadens one’s perspective, promoting tolerance and unity while urging individuals to overcome personal biases, ambitions, and class prejudices.

Many consider sociology the cornerstone of the social sciences, making it a key study for addressing present-day challenges. Sociology has a universal appeal due to its relevance to a wide range of critical issues. Just as economics guides us in acquiring material possessions, sociology guides us in becoming the individuals we aspire to be. It’s a popular subject in education, included in fields such as engineering and agriculture. Without sociology, the training and knowledge of individuals aspiring to hold high positions in their country’s administrative setup would be incomplete.

The family, as a fundamental human organization, faces its own set of challenges. Sociologists and social reformers grapple with issues like the appropriate age for marriage, divorce procedures, and the dynamics of marital relationships. Sociology offers a fresh perspective on various aspects of life, from relationships and work to crime and social mobility. It encompasses a wide range of topics, offering diverse career opportunities in fields like social service, criminal justice, community outreach, ministry, social activism, higher education administration, urban planning, and more.

In summary, sociology distinguishes itself by using theoretical frameworks and empirical research methods to study social life, change, structure, and the causes and consequences of human behavior across diverse social contexts. As a social science, sociology equips individuals for a variety of careers, providing the foundational knowledge needed to comprehend social issues, including inequality and criminology, in various social and work settings. It prepares individuals to navigate the challenges and opportunities encountered in their pursuit of a fulfilling life.

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How to Write a Sociological Essay: Explained with Examples

This article will discuss “How to Write a Sociological Essay” with insider pro tips and give you a map that is tried and tested. An essay writing is done in three phases: a) preparing for the essay, b) writing the essay, and c) editing the essay. We will take it step-by-step so that nothing is left behind because the devil, as well as good grades and presentation, lies in the details.

Writing is a skill that we learn throughout the courses of our lives. Learning how to write is a process that we begin as soon as we turn 4, and the learning process never stops. But the question is, “is all writing the same?”. The answer is NO. Do you remember your initial lessons of English when you were in school, and how the teacher taught various formats of writing such as formal, informal, essay, letter, and much more? Therefore, writing is never that simple. Different occasions demand different styles and commands over the writing style. Thus, the art of writing improves with time and experience. 

Those who belong to the world of academia know that writing is something that they cannot escape. No writing is the same when it comes to different disciplines of academia. Similarly, the discipline of sociology demands a particular style of formal academic writing. If you’re a new student of sociology, it can be an overwhelming subject, and writing assignments don’t make the course easier. Having some tips handy can surely help you write and articulate your thoughts better. 

[Let us take a running example throughout the article so that every point becomes crystal clear. Let us assume that the topic we have with us is to “Explore Culinary Discourse among the Indian Diasporic Communities” .]

Phase I: Preparing for the Essay  

Step 1: make an outline.

So you have to write a sociological essay, which means that you already either received or have a topic in mind. The first thing for you to do is PLAN how you will attempt to write this essay. To plan, the best way is to make an outline. The topic you have, certainly string some thread in your mind. They can be instances you heard or read, some assumptions you hold, something you studied in the past, or based on your own experience, etc. Make a rough outline where you note down all the themes you would like to talk about in your essay. The easiest way to make an outline is to make bullet points. List all the thoughts and examples that you have in find and create a flow for your essay. Remember that this is only a rough outline so you can always make changes and reshuffle your points. 

[Explanation through example, assumed topic: “Explore Culinary Discourse among the Indian Diasporic Communities” . Your outline will look something like this:

Step 2: Start Reading 

Once you have prepared an outline for your essay, the next step is to start your RESEARCH . You cannot write a sociological essay out of thin air. The essay needs to be thoroughly researched and based on facts. Sociology is the subject of social science that is based on facts and evidence. Therefore, start reading as soon as you have your outline determined. The more you read, the more factual data you will collect. But the question which now emerges is “what to read” . You cannot do a basic Google search to write an academic essay. Your research has to be narrow and concept-based. For writing a sociological essay, make sure that the sources from where you read are academically acclaimed and accepted.  

Step 3: Make Notes 

This is a step that a lot of people miss when they are preparing to write their essays. It is important to read, but how you read is also a very vital part. When you are reading from multiple sources then all that you read becomes a big jumble of information in your mind. It is not possible to remember who said what at all times. Therefore, what you need to do while reading is to maintain an ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY . Whenever you’re reading for writing an academic essay then have a notebook handy, or if you prefer electronic notes then prepare a Word Document, Google Docs, Notes, or any tool of your choice to make notes. 

Annotate and divide your notes based on the outline you made. Having organized notes will help you directly apply the concepts where they are needed rather than you going and searching for them again.] 

Phase II: Write a Sociological Essay

Step 4: writing a title, subtitle, abstract, and keywords .

[Explanation through example, assumed topic: “Explore Culinary Discourse among the Indian Diasporic Communities” . 

Keywords are an extension of your abstract. Whereas in your abstract you will use a paragraph to tell the reader what to expect ahead, by stating keywords, you point out the essence of your essay by using only individual words. These words are mostly concepts of social sciences. At first, glance, looking at your keywords, the reader should get informed about all the concepts and themes you will explain in detail later. 

Your keywords could be: Food, Diaspora, Migration, and so on. Build on these as you continue to write your essay.]   

Step 5: Writing the Introduction, Main Body, and Conclusion 

Your introduction should talk about the subject on which you are writing at the broadest level. In an introduction, you make your readers aware of what you are going to argue later in the essay. An introduction can discuss a little about the history of the topic, how it was understood till now, and a framework of what you are going to talk about ahead. You can think of your introduction as an extended form of the abstract. Since it is the first portion of your essay, it should paint a picture where the readers know exactly what’s ahead of them. 

Since your focus is on “food” and “diaspora”, your introductory paragraph can dwell into a little history of the relationship between the two and the importance of food in community building.] 

The main body is mostly around 4 to 6 paragraphs long. A sociological essay is filled with debates, theories, theorists, and examples. When writing the main body it is best to target making one or two paragraphs about the same revolving theme. When you shift to the other theme, it is best to connect it with the theme you discussed in the paragraph right above it to form a connection between the two. If you are dividing your essay into various sub-themes then the best way to correlate them is starting each new subtheme by reflecting on the last main arguments presented in the theme before it. To make a sociological essay even more enriching, include examples that exemplify the theoretical concepts better. 

The main body can here be divided into the categories which you formed during the first step of making the rough outline. Therefore, your essay could have 3 to 4 sub-sections discussing different themes such as: Food and Media, Caste and Class influence food practices, Politics of Food, Gendered Lens, etc.] 

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: As the introduction, the conclusion is smaller compared to the main body. Keep your conclusion within the range of 1 to 2 paragraphs. 

Step 6: Citation and Referencing 

This is the most academic part of your sociological essay. Any academic essay should be free of plagiarism. But how can one avoid plagiarism when their essay is based on research which was originally done by others. The solution for this is to give credit to the original author for their work. In the world of academia, this is done through the processes of Citation and Referencing (sometimes also called Bibliography). Citation is done within/in-between the text, where you directly or indirectly quote the original text. Whereas, Referencing or Bibliography is done at the end of an essay where you give resources of the books or articles which you have quoted in your essay at various points. Both these processes are done so that the reader can search beyond your essay to get a better grasp of the topic. 

How to add citations in Word Document: References → Insert Citations 

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: Always make sure that your Bibliography/References are alphabetically ordered based on the first alphabet of the surname of the author and NOT numbered or bulleted. 

Phase III: Editing 

Step 7: edit/review your essay.

Hello! Eiti is a budding sociologist whose passion lies in reading, researching, and writing. She thrives on coffee, to-do lists, deadlines, and organization. Eiti’s primary interest areas encompass food, gender, and academia.

How to Write a Sociology Essay

Table of Contents

Introduction to Sociology Essay Writing

What is a sociology essay.

A sociology essay is an academic piece that explores various aspects of society and social behavior. It examines patterns, causes, and effects of social interactions among individuals and groups. The purpose of such an essay is to provide a detailed analysis and interpretation of social phenomena, guided by theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence.

Importance of Sociological Inquiry and Critical Thinking

Sociological inquiry is vital as it fosters an understanding of the complexities of society and the various factors that shape human behavior. Critical thinking, on the other hand, is essential in sociology essay writing as it enables the evaluation of arguments, identification of biases, and development of coherent, evidence-based conclusions.

Understanding the Essay Question

Interpreting essay prompts.

To effectively respond to a sociology essay prompt:

• Read Carefully : Look for action words such as ‘discuss,’ ‘compare,’ or ‘analyze’ to understand what is expected.
• Highlight Keywords : Identify key themes, concepts, and sociological terms that are central to the question.

Identifying Key Themes and Concepts

• Break Down the Question : Dissect the question into smaller components to ensure all aspects are addressed.
• Relate to Sociological Theories : Connect the themes with relevant sociological theories and concepts.

Research and Preparation

Conducting sociological research.

• Start Broad : Gain a general understanding of the topic through reputable sources like academic journals and books.
• Narrow Focus : Hone in on specific studies or data that directly relate to your essay’s thesis.

Sourcing and Evaluating Literature

• Use Academic Databases : Access scholarly articles through databases such as JSTOR, Google Scholar, and Sociological Abstracts.
• Evaluate Sources : Check for the credibility, relevance, and timeliness of the literature.

Relevant Sociological Theories

• Theory Identification : Determine which sociological theories and theorists are pertinent to your essay topic.
• Application : Understand how these theories can be applied to the social issue or phenomenon you are examining.

Planning the Essay

Importance of essay structure.

Structuring an essay is crucial because it helps organize thoughts, supports the logical flow of ideas, and guides the reader through the arguments presented. A well-structured essay enhances clarity and readability, ensuring that each point made builds upon the last and contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Basic Essay Structure

Introduction : This is where you introduce your topic, provide background information, and present your thesis statement. It sets the stage for your argument.

Thesis Statement : A concise summary of the main point or claim of the essay, usually located at the end of the introduction.

Body Paragraphs : Each paragraph should cover a single point that supports your thesis. Start with a topic sentence, followed by analysis, evidence, and then a concluding sentence that ties the point back to the thesis.

Conclusion : Summarize the key arguments made in the essay and restate the thesis in the context of the evidence presented. Finish with thoughts on the implications, limitations, or suggestions for future research.

Writing the Essay

Crafting a strong thesis statement.

• Specificity : Your thesis should clearly state your position and the aspects of the topic you will explore.
• Scope : Make sure it’s neither too broad nor too narrow to be adequately covered within the essay’s length.
• Assertiveness : Present your thesis confidently and as a statement that you will back up with evidence.

Writing Effective Body Paragraphs

• Topic Sentences : Begin with a clear statement of the paragraph’s main idea.
• Coherence : Use transition words and phrases to maintain flow and show the relationship between paragraphs.
• Evidence Integration : Include data, quotations, or theories from sources that support your argument, always linking them back to your thesis.

Integrating Evidence

• Relevance : Ensure all evidence directly relates to and supports the paragraph’s topic sentence and the overall thesis.
• Credibility : Choose evidence from reputable, scholarly sources.
• Analysis : Don’t just present evidence; interpret it and explain its significance to your argument.

Maintaining Objectivity and Critical Perspective

• Balanced Analysis : Consider multiple viewpoints and avoid biased language.
• Critical Evaluation : Question the methodologies, findings, and biases in the literature you cite.
• Reflective Conclusion : Assess the strengths and limitations of your argument.

Referencing and Citation Style

Importance of citations.

Citations are essential in academic writing as they give credit to the original authors of ideas and information, allow readers to verify sources, and prevent plagiarism.

Common Citation Styles in Sociology

• APA (American Psychological Association) : Commonly used in the social sciences for both in-text citations and reference lists.
• ASA (American Sociological Association) : Specifically designed for sociology papers, this style features a parenthetical author-date format within the text and a detailed reference list at the end.

Each citation style has specific rules for formatting titles, author names, publication dates, and page numbers, so it’s important to consult the relevant style guide to ensure accuracy in your references.

Editing and Proofreading

Strategies for reviewing and refining the essay.

• Take a Break : After writing, step away from your essay before reviewing it. Fresh eyes can catch errors and inconsistencies more effectively.
• Read Aloud : Hearing your words can help identify awkward phrasing, run-on sentences, and other issues that might be missed when reading silently.
• Peer Review : Have a classmate or friend review your essay. They may catch errors you have overlooked and provide valuable feedback.
• Multiple Rounds : Edit for different aspects in each round—for example, content in one, grammar and syntax in another, and citations in the last.

Checklist of Common Errors to Avoid

• Spelling and Grammar : Misused words, typos, subject-verb agreement errors, and incorrect verb tenses.
• Punctuation : Overuse or incorrect use of commas, semicolons, and apostrophes.
• Structure : Lack of clear thesis, poorly structured paragraphs, or missing transitions.
• Clarity : Vague statements, unnecessary jargon, or overly complex sentences.
• Consistency : Fluctuations in tone, style, or tense.
• Citations : Inaccurate references or inconsistent citation style.

Summarizing Arguments

• Restate Thesis : Begin by restating your thesis in a new way, reflecting on the evidence presented.
• Highlight Key Points : Briefly recap the main arguments made in your body paragraphs, synthesizing them to show how they support your thesis.
• No New Information : Ensure that you do not introduce new ideas or evidence in the conclusion.

Presenting Final Thoughts

• Implications : Discuss the broader implications of your findings or argument.
• Limitations : Acknowledge any limitations in your research or analysis and suggest areas for future study.
• Final Statement : End with a strong, closing statement that reinforces the significance of your topic and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

By carefully editing and proofreading your essay, you can enhance its clarity and coherence, ensuring that it effectively communicates your analysis and insights on the sociological topic. The conclusion serves as the final opportunity to underscore the importance of your findings and to reiterate how they contribute to our understanding of social phenomena.

Appendix A: Example Essay Outlines

An essay outline serves as a roadmap for the writer, indicating the structure of the essay and the sequence of arguments. An appendix containing example outlines could include:

Thematic Essay Outline :

• Background Information
• Thesis Statement
• Summary of Themes
• Restatement of Thesis
• Final Thoughts

Comparative Essay Outline :

• Overview of Subjects Being Compared
• Aspect 1 Comparison
• Evidence from Subject A
• Evidence from Subject B
• Comparative Analysis
• Summary of Comparative Points

These outlines would be followed by brief explanations of each section and tips on what information to include.

A Level Sociology Essays – How to Write Them

Table of Contents

Last Updated on November 10, 2022 by

This post offers some advice on how you might plan and write essays in the A level sociology exams. 

Essays will either be 20 or 30 marks depending on the paper but the general advice for answering them remains the same:

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Skills in the a level sociology exam.

The AQA wants you to demonstrate 3 sets of skills in the exam – below are a few suggestions about how you can do this in sociology essays.

AO1: Knowledge and Understanding

You can demonstrate these by:

AO2: Application 

You can demonstrate application by…

AO3: Analysis and Evaluation

NB ‘Assess’ is basically the same as Evaluation

You can demonstrate analysis by….

Use the item

Signposting.

For more exams advice please see my exams and essay advice page

Seven examples of sociology essays, and more advice…

The contents are as follows:.

Introductory Section

These appear first in template form, then with answers, with the skills employed shown in colour. Answers are ‘overkill’ versions designed to get full marks in the exam.

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Sociology is only useful for studying society. True or false?

What is the difference between pure and applied sociology?

Sociology is a very broad subject.  True or false?

Give examples of social patterns and issues that sociology can provide explanations for.

Sociology has played a crucial role in many significant social reforms. Give examples of these social reforms.

How did Peter L. Berger describe the sociologist?

Peter L. Berger pointed out that in the process of trying to understand society, sociologists are concerned about monumental social events just as much as with mundane, everyday occurrences of individuals’ lives. True or false?

_______ says that sociological investigation often appears very simple and obvious...  "until one is suddenly brought up against an insight that radically questions everything one had previously assumed about this familiar scene. This is the point at which one begins to sense the excitement of sociology." Fill in the blank.

In 1954, the US Supreme Court overturned a law in 21 states that allowed Black and White children to be educated separately only if those separate schools systems were equal.

What was the name of the case above?

Through sociology, there is bigger awareness of differences in economic status, educational level, ethnicity and race, gender and sexual orientation.  

The Brown vs. the Board of Education case was hugely based on the research conducted by two sociologists. Who were they?

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• American Identity
• Beliefs in Society
• Crime and Deviance
• Cultural Identity
• Education With Methods in Context
• Families and Households
• Famous Sociologists
• Global Development
• Research Methods in Sociology
• Social Institutions
• Social Relationships
• Social Stratification
• Sociological Approach
• Sociology of Education
• Sociology of Family
• Stratification and Differentiation
• Theories and Methods
• American Sociological Association
• Case Studies
• Ethnography
• Experiments
• Field Research
• Founders of Sociology
• Functionalism
• Interpretivism
• Longitudinal Studies
• Observation
• Official Statistics
• Postmodernism
• Questionnaire
• Research Considerations
• Research Design
• Social Action Theory
• Social Policy
• Sociological Imagination
• Sociological Research Methods
• Sociological Theories
• Sociology as a Science
• Sources of Data
• Types of Data
• Value Neutrality
• Values in Research
• Work Poverty And Welfare

These are all everyday things that sociology concerns itself with. Sociology also aims to shed light on larger social issues and social patterns such as globalization, migration, class inequality, racism and the influence of technological advances on society, to mention a few.

We will discuss the different realms of the discipline and try to answer the question ‘ Why study sociology? ’.

• We will look at different studies of sociology.
• Next, will look at the importance of studying sociology.
• We will consider the benefits of studying sociology.
• Then, we will discuss the career options in sociological study.
• We will look at the opportunities after studying sociology.
• Finally, we will discuss public sociology.

Why Study Sociology?

In 1954, the US Supreme Court overturned 21 state laws that allowed Black and White children to be taught in different school systems if those school systems were equal. It was known as the Brown vs. the Board of Education case, and it was hugely based on the research conducted by sociologists Kenneth and Mamie Clark.

The Clarks had shown that Black schoolchildren suffered both academically and psychologically from segregation, which was later judged as unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

This is a perfect example of how sociological research can generate and accelerate social change , which would eventually affect the lives of millions. Thus, sociology is not only useful for studying society, but also for improving it.

Trying to improve society through research is just one of the possible answers to the question 'Why study sociology?'.

Different Studies of Sociology

Sociology is a very broad subject. As you must have seen from already, there are many different studies of sociology and it covers a wide range of topics from politics to family, from crime to culture.

Sociologists try to find explanations for emerging family patterns, social inequality, governmental control, religious devotion, socialization processes and so on.

Sociology has played a significant role in many social reforms, not just on desegregation but also regarding women’s rights, prison reforms and the treatment of mentally disabled people.

Importance of Studying Sociology

What is the importance of studying sociology? How can we even begin to describe the work of a sociologist?

• Peter L. Berger , in his book, Invitation to Sociology: A Humanistic Perspective (1963), described a sociologist as a researcher that aims to understand society by using disciplined methods .

He pointed out that in the process of trying to understand society, sociologists are concerned about monumental social events just as much as with mundane, everyday occurrences of individuals’ lives.

Berger identifies the moment when one realizes that sometimes it’s the simplest, ordinary things that carry the most exciting and radical questions. He says that sociological investigation often appears very simple and obvious...

...until one is suddenly brought up against an insight that radically questions everything one had previously assumed about this familiar scene. This is the point at which one begins to sense the excitement of sociology." 1

Sociology is thus far from spreading simplistic 'truisms'; it is a discipline for answering new and radical questions about society. That is where the importance of studying sociology lies.

Benefits of Studying Sociology

Sociology teaches people to challenge the easy and simplistic explanations in life. It encourages people to ask better, more specific questions about hardships and social issues in order to organize their thoughts and find better answers and solutions. This is just one of the benefits of studying sociology.

Sociology also makes people realize that they are very similar yet very different. One becomes aware of classifications in society and the discrimination that often follows. Through sociology, there is bigger awareness of differences in economic status, educational level, ethnicity and race, gender and sexual orientation. It helps people find their place in the world while also encouraging them to see other people’s perspectives on society as a whole.

Sociological research has shown that Black children's educational achievement is generally lower than that of White children's, not because they have lesser abilities and skills, but due to in-school processes of teacher labelling, branding and streaming, the hidden curriculum and anti-school subcultures.

Lastly, sociology teaches people to realize how others differ from them, and how they might view things differently due to their circumstances. As a result, sociology is said to teach people to live and work in a diverse and integrated world.

What are some Skills Learned in Sociological Study?

Employers, especially in the contemporary job market, seek people with so-called ‘transferable skills’.

Transferable skills are those abilities and qualifications that one can apply to many different disciplines, settings and positions.

Sociology is said to be one of the subjects where one can acquire transferable skills. The Department of Sociology at the University of Alabama collected a few significant skills one can gain from studying sociology. Let us look at their list.

Understanding large social systems and organizations

Carrying out research projects to see if a policy is functioning well

Collecting, consuming and analyzing statistics from surveys or polls

Recognizing differences between and effects of people’s backgrounds (cultural, economic and social)

Preparing reports and communicating complex ideas and concepts

Thinking critically about social issues

Learning to solve problems efficiently

Opportunities after Studying Sociology

Gaining the skills mentioned above can prepare one for a wide variety of careers and opportunities after studying sociology, including in:

• academic research and teaching
• politics and social services
• government agencies
• community planning
• market research and marketing
• human resources
• health services

Pure vs. Applied Sociology

We differentiate between pure and applied sociology, depending on the occupation of the sociologist. Academic sociologists, who focus on research and teaching, are said to be doing ‘ pure sociology ’.

‘ Applied sociologists ’ on the other hand work in various fields other than academia, trying to implement sociological research to make changes in social policies or to provide direct counseling in social and individual issues.

Even a modest amount of sociological training can be immensely useful in careers such as journalism, teaching, public relations, sales and even law and criminal justice.

It is usually advised for students to seek out classes on their specific interests within sociology. If one is interested in a career in health services, studying medical sociology will be most useful for them. On the other hand, if one is interested in becoming a research assistant, they might like to focus on statistics and methods.

What is Public Sociology?

Public sociology refers to sociological research being conducted with the aim of doing something for the public good. A common use of public sociology aims to educate and help politicians and policymakers about the nature of the most pressing social issues, and to offer suggestions on how to improve them through political and legislative means.

Sociological research can be conducted specifically to understand certain issues; however, sociologists may also come up with new ideas and information about unknown social issues to present to policymakers. The American Sociological Association (ASA) is a great promoter of public sociology.

Why study Sociology? - Key takeaways

• Sociology is a very broad subject. As you must have seen from your studies already, sociology covers a wide range of topics from politics to family, from crime to culture.
• Sociology is said to teach people to live and work in a diverse and integrated world.
• Employers, especially in the contemporary job market, seek people with so-called ‘transferable skills’. Sociology is said to be one of the subjects where one can acquire transferable skills.
• Public sociology refers to sociological research being conducted with the aim of doing something for the public good.
• Berger, Peter L. (1963). Invitation to Sociology: A Humanistic Perspective .

Flashcards in What is the Study of Sociology? 15

We differentiate between pure and applied sociology, depending on the occupation of the sociologist. Academic sociologists, who focus on research and teaching, are said to be doing ‘ pure sociology ’. 

‘ Applied sociologists ’ on the other hand work in various fields other than academia, trying to implement sociological research to make changes in social policies or to provide direct counseling in social and individual issues.

• Emerging family patterns
• Social inequality
• Governmental control
• Religious devotion
• Socialization processes
• Women's rights
• Prison reforms
• Treatment of mentally disabled people

Peter L.   Berger , in his book,   Invitation to Sociology: A Humanistic Perspective   (1963),   described a sociologist as a researcher that aims to understand society by using   disciplined methods . 

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Frequently Asked Questions about What is the Study of Sociology?

What is the importance of studying sociology?

Sociology teaches people to challenge the easy and simplistic explanations in life. It encourages people to ask better, more specific questions about hardships and social issues in order to get their thoughts organized and find better answers and solutions.

Why do people study sociology?

Employers, especially in the contemporary job market, seek people with so-called ‘transferable skills’. Sociology is said to be one of the subjects where one can acquire transferable skills. 

Why is sociology more than just the study of human behavior?

Sociology is concerned with human behavior, but also with conducting statistics and thinking critically about social patters and social issues regarding institutions of society.

How is sociology used in everyday life?

We are all involved with culture, politics, families, economics and the media which are only some of the significant areas of research in sociology. Understanding our own experiences with these things requires us to think about them from a sociological point of view. We often unconsciously use sociology in our everyday lives.

What are the career opportunities after studying sociology?

Sociology can lead people to academic research and teaching. That is one of the most obvious pathways. It can also prepare people for a career in politics and social services. One can work at government agencies, in counselling or in community planning. One can conduct market research and marketing and can easily transfer their skills from sociology to human resources or to health services even.

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The Importance of Socialization

Learning objective.

• Describe why socialization is important for being fully human.
• Explain how extreme isolation and twin studies demonstrate the role of nature versus nurture in human development.
• Identify the different questions functionalists, conflict theorists, and interactionists might ask about the role of socialization in human development.

Why Socialization Matters

Socialization is critical both to individuals and to the societies in which they live. It illustrates how completely intertwined human beings and their social worlds are. First, it is through teaching culture to new members that a society perpetuates itself. If new generations of a society don’t learn its way of life, it ceases to exist. Whatever is distinctive about a culture must be transmitted to those who join it in order for a society to survive. For U.S. culture to continue, for example, children in the United States must learn about cultural values related to democracy: they have to learn the norms of voting, as well as how to use material objects such as voting machines. Of course, some would argue that it’s just as important in U.S. culture for the younger generation to learn the etiquette of eating in a restaurant or the rituals of tailgate parties at football games. In fact, there are many ideas and objects that people in the United States teach children about in hopes of keeping the society’s way of life going through another generation.

Socialization is just as essential to us as individuals. Social interaction provides the means via which we gradually become able to see ourselves through the eyes of others, and how we learn who we are and how we fit into the world around us. In addition, to function successfully in society, we have to learn the basics of both material and nonmaterial culture, everything from how to dress ourselves to what’s suitable attire for a specific occasion; from when we sleep to what we sleep on; and from what’s considered appropriate to eat for dinner to how to use the stove to prepare it. Most importantly, we have to learn language—whether it’s the dominant language or one common in a subculture, whether it’s verbal or through signs—in order to communicate and to think. As we saw with Danielle, without socialization we literally have no self.

Nature versus Nurture

Some experts assert that who we are is a result of nurture —the relationships and caring that surround us. Others argue that who we are is based entirely in genetics. According to this belief, our temperaments, interests, and talents are set before birth. From this perspective, then, who we are depends on nature .

One way researchers attempt to measure the impact of nature is by studying twins. Some studies have followed identical twins who were raised separately. The pairs shared the same genetics but in some cases were socialized in different ways. Instances of this type of situation are rare, but studying the degree to which identical twins raised apart are the same and different can give researchers insight into the way our temperaments, preferences, and abilities are shaped by our genetic makeup versus our social environment.

For example, in 1968, twin girls born to a mentally ill mother were put up for adoption, separated from each other, and raised in different households. The adoptive parents, and certainly the babies, did not realize the girls were one of five pairs of twins who were made subjects of a scientific study (Flam 2007).

In 2003, the two women, then age thirty-five, were reunited. Elyse Schein and Paula Bernstein sat together in awe, feeling like they were looking into a mirror. Not only did they look alike but they also behaved alike, using the same hand gestures and facial expressions (Spratling 2007). Studies like these point to the genetic roots of our temperament and behavior.

Though genetics and hormones play an important role in human behavior, sociology’s larger concern is the effect society has on human behavior, the “nurture” side of the nature versus nurture debate. What race were the twins? From what social class were their parents? What about gender? Religion? All these factors affected the lives of the twins as much as their genetic makeup and are critical to consider as we look at life through the sociological lens.

Extreme Isolation

We have just noted that socialization is how culture is learned, but socialization is also important for another important reason. To illustrate this importance, let’s pretend we find a 6-year-old child who has had almost no human contact since birth. After the child was born, her mother changed her diapers and fed her a minimal diet but otherwise did not interact with her. The child was left alone all day and night for years and never went outside. We now find her at the age of 6. How will her behavior and actions differ from those of the average 6-year-old? Take a moment and write down all the differences you would find.

In no particular order, here is the list you probably wrote. First, the child would not be able to speak; at most, she could utter a few grunts and other sounds. Second, the child would be afraid of us and probably cower in a corner. Third, the child would not know how to play games and interact with us. If we gave her some food and utensils, she would eat with her hands and not know how to use the utensils. Fourth, the child would be unable to express a full range of emotions. For example, she might be able to cry but would not know how to laugh. Fifth, the child would be unfamiliar with, and probably afraid of, our culture’s material objects, including cell phones and televisions. In these and many other respects, this child would differ dramatically from the average 6-year-old youngster in the United States. She would look human, but she would not act human. In fact, in many ways she would act more like a frightened animal than like a young human being, and she would be less able than a typical dog to follow orders and obey commands.

As this example indicates, socialization makes it possible for us to fully function as human beings. Without socialization, we could not have our society and culture. And without social interaction, we could not have socialization. Our example of a socially isolated child was hypothetical, but real-life examples of such children, often called feral children, have unfortunately occurred and provide poignant proof of the importance of social interaction for socialization and of socialization for our ability to function as humans.

One of the most famous feral children was Victor of Aveyron, who was found wandering in the woods in southern France in 1797. He then escaped custody but emerged from the woods in 1800. Victor was thought to be about age 12 and to have been abandoned some years earlier by his parents; he was unable to speak and acted much more like a wild animal than a human child. Victor first lived in an institution and then in a private home. He never learned to speak, and his cognitive and social development eventually was no better than a toddler’s when he finally died at about age 40 (Lane, 1976).

In rare cases, children have grown up in extreme isolation and end up lacking several qualities that make them fully human. This is a photo of Victor of Aveyron, who emerged from the woods in southern France in 1800 after apparently being abandoned by his parents some years earlier. He could not speak, and his cognitive and social skills never advanced beyond those of a small child before he died at the age of 40.

Wikimedia Commons – public domain.

Another such child, found more than about a half-century ago, was called Anna, who “had been deprived of normal contact and had received a minimum of human care for almost the whole of her first six years of life” (Davis, 1940, p. 554). After being shuttled from one residence to another for her first 5 months, Anna ended up living with her mother in her grandfather’s house and was kept in a small, airless room on the second floor because the grandfather was so dismayed by her birth out of wedlock that he hated seeing her. Because her mother worked all day and would go out at night, Anna was alone almost all the time and lived in filth, often barely alive. Her only food in all those years was milk.

When Anna was found at the age of 6, she could not talk or walk or “do anything that showed intelligence” (Davis, 1940, p. 554). She was also extremely undernourished and emaciated. Two years later, she had learned to walk, understand simple commands, feed herself, and remember faces, but she could not talk and in these respects resembled a 1-year-old infant more than the 7-year-old child she really was. By the time she died of jaundice at about age 9, she had acquired the speech of a 2-year-old.

Shortly after Anna was discovered, another girl, called Isabelle, was found in similar circumstances at age 6. She was also born out of wedlock and lived alone with her mother in a dark room isolated from the rest of the mother’s family. Because her mother was mute, Isabelle did not learn to speak, although she did communicate with her mother via some simple gestures. When she was finally found, she acted like a wild animal around strangers, and in other respects she behaved more like a child of 6 months than one of more than 6 years. When first shown a ball, she stared at it, held it in her hand, and then rubbed an adult’s face with it. Intense training afterward helped Isabelle recover, and 2 years later she had reached a normal speaking level for a child her age (Davis, 1940).

These cases of feral children show that extreme isolation—or, to put it another way, lack of socialization—deprives children of the obvious and not-so-obvious qualities that make them human and in other respects retards their social, cognitive, and emotional development. A series of famous experiments by psychologists Harry and Margaret Harlow (1962) reinforced the latter point by showing it to be true of monkeys as well. The Harlows studied rhesus monkeys that had been removed from their mothers at birth; some were raised in complete isolation, while others were given fake mothers made of cloth and wire with which to cuddle. Neither group developed normally, although the monkeys cuddling with the fake mothers fared somewhat better than those that were totally isolated. In general, the monkeys were not able to interact later with other monkeys, and female infants abused their young when they became mothers. The longer their isolation, the more the monkeys’ development suffered. By showing the dire effects of social isolation, the Harlows’ experiment reinforced the significance of social interaction for normal development. Combined with the tragic examples of feral children, their experiments remind us of the critical importance of socialization and social interaction for human society.

Sociologists all recognize the importance of socialization for healthy individual and societal development. But how do scholars working in the three major theoretical paradigms approach this topic? Structural functionalists would say that socialization is essential to society, both because it trains members to operate successfully within it and because it perpetuates culture by transmitting it to new generations. Without socialization, a society’s culture would perish as members died off. A conflict theorist might argue that socialization reproduces inequality from generation to generation by conveying different expectations and norms to those with different social characteristics. For example, individuals are socialized differently by gender, social class, and race. An interactionist studying socialization is concerned with face-to-face exchanges and symbolic communication. For example, dressing baby boys in blue and baby girls in pink is one small way we convey messages about differences in gender roles.

Key Takeaways

• Socialization is the process through which individuals learn their culture and become fully human.
• Unfortunate examples of extreme human isolation illustrate the importance of socialization for children’s social and cognitive development.

Davis, K. (1940). Extreme social isolation of a child. American Journal of Sociology, 45, 554–565.

Harlow, H. F., & Harlow, M. K. (1962). Social deprivation in monkeys. Scientific American, 207, 137–146.

Lane, H. L. (1976). The wild boy of Aveyron . Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

The process of an individual or group learning the expected norms and customs of a group or society through social interaction.

Introduction to Sociology: Understanding and Changing the Social World Copyright © 2016 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Personal Growth and Development — The Effect Of Sociological Studies On Personal And Social Life

The Effect of Sociological Studies on Personal and Social Life

• Categories: Personal Growth and Development Society

About this sample

Words: 1285 |

Published: Jan 28, 2021

Words: 1285 | Pages: 3 | 7 min read

Table of contents

What is sociology, how sociology helps us to become a better person, how sociology helps us to become better citizens.

• Goodfriend, W. (n.d). Why Is Sociology Important? - Applications in Public Policy, Social Change & Personal Growth. Retrieved February 13, 2019, from https://study.com/academy/lesson/why-is-sociology-important-applications-in-public-policy-social-change-personal-growth.html
• Westwood, M. (n.d.). Why is sociology useful? Retrieved February 13, 2019, from https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/why-sociology-useful-395655
• Macionis, J. J. (2019). Sociology (16th ed.), Pg37-39. NY, NY: West Publishing Company, Pearson.
• Rizwan, F. (2016, July 07). Top 10 Ways To Contribute To Society. Retrieved February 14, 2019, from https://topyaps.com/top-10-ways-to-contribute-to-society/
• Rachelle, G. (2017, April 19). The History of the Three R's. Retrieved February 14, 2019, from https://recyclenation.com/2015/05/history-of-three-r-s/
• Green, E. (2017, August 10). How Much Discrimination Do Muslims Face in America? Retrieved February 14, 2019, from https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/07/american-muslims-trump/534879/

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4.1 The Importance of Socialization

Learning objective.

• Describe why socialization is important for being fully human.

We have just noted that socialization is how culture is learned, but socialization is also important for another important reason. To illustrate this importance, let’s pretend we find a 6-year-old child who has had almost no human contact since birth. After the child was born, her mother changed her diapers and fed her a minimal diet but otherwise did not interact with her. The child was left alone all day and night for years and never went outside. We now find her at the age of 6. How will her behavior and actions differ from those of the average 6-year-old? Take a moment and write down all the differences you would find.

In no particular order, here is the list you probably wrote. First, the child would not be able to speak; at most, she could utter a few grunts and other sounds. Second, the child would be afraid of us and probably cower in a corner. Third, the child would not know how to play games and interact with us. If we gave her some food and utensils, she would eat with her hands and not know how to use the utensils. Fourth, the child would be unable to express a full range of emotions. For example, she might be able to cry but would not know how to laugh. Fifth, the child would be unfamiliar with, and probably afraid of, our culture’s material objects, including cell phones and televisions. In these and many other respects, this child would differ dramatically from the average 6-year-old youngster in the United States. She would look human, but she would not act human. In fact, in many ways she would act more like a frightened animal than like a young human being, and she would be less able than a typical dog to follow orders and obey commands.

As this example indicates, socialization makes it possible for us to fully function as human beings. Without socialization, we could not have our society and culture. And without social interaction, we could not have socialization. Our example of a socially isolated child was hypothetical, but real-life examples of such children, often called feral children, have unfortunately occurred and provide poignant proof of the importance of social interaction for socialization and of socialization for our ability to function as humans.

One of the most famous feral children was Victor of Aveyron, who was found wandering in the woods in southern France in 1797. He then escaped custody but emerged from the woods in 1800. Victor was thought to be about age 12 and to have been abandoned some years earlier by his parents; he was unable to speak and acted much more like a wild animal than a human child. Victor first lived in an institution and then in a private home. He never learned to speak, and his cognitive and social development eventually was no better than a toddler’s when he finally died at about age 40 (Lane, 1976).

In rare cases, children have grown up in extreme isolation and end up lacking several qualities that make them fully human. This is a photo of Victor of Aveyron, who emerged from the woods in southern France in 1800 after apparently being abandoned by his parents some years earlier. He could not speak, and his cognitive and social skills never advanced beyond those of a small child before he died at the age of 40.

Wikimedia Commons – public domain.

Another such child, found more than about a half-century ago, was called Anna, who “had been deprived of normal contact and had received a minimum of human care for almost the whole of her first six years of life” (Davis, 1940, p. 554). After being shuttled from one residence to another for her first 5 months, Anna ended up living with her mother in her grandfather’s house and was kept in a small, airless room on the second floor because the grandfather was so dismayed by her birth out of wedlock that he hated seeing her. Because her mother worked all day and would go out at night, Anna was alone almost all the time and lived in filth, often barely alive. Her only food in all those years was milk.

When Anna was found at the age of 6, she could not talk or walk or “do anything that showed intelligence” (Davis, 1940, p. 554). She was also extremely undernourished and emaciated. Two years later, she had learned to walk, understand simple commands, feed herself, and remember faces, but she could not talk and in these respects resembled a 1-year-old infant more than the 7-year-old child she really was. By the time she died of jaundice at about age 9, she had acquired the speech of a 2-year-old.

Shortly after Anna was discovered, another girl, called Isabelle, was found in similar circumstances at age 6. She was also born out of wedlock and lived alone with her mother in a dark room isolated from the rest of the mother’s family. Because her mother was mute, Isabelle did not learn to speak, although she did communicate with her mother via some simple gestures. When she was finally found, she acted like a wild animal around strangers, and in other respects she behaved more like a child of 6 months than one of more than 6 years. When first shown a ball, she stared at it, held it in her hand, and then rubbed an adult’s face with it. Intense training afterward helped Isabelle recover, and 2 years later she had reached a normal speaking level for a child her age (Davis, 1940).

These cases of feral children show that extreme isolation—or, to put it another way, lack of socialization—deprives children of the obvious and not-so-obvious qualities that make them human and in other respects retards their social, cognitive, and emotional development. A series of famous experiments by psychologists Harry and Margaret Harlow (1962) reinforced the latter point by showing it to be true of monkeys as well. The Harlows studied rhesus monkeys that had been removed from their mothers at birth; some were raised in complete isolation, while others were given fake mothers made of cloth and wire with which to cuddle. Neither group developed normally, although the monkeys cuddling with the fake mothers fared somewhat better than those that were totally isolated. In general, the monkeys were not able to interact later with other monkeys, and female infants abused their young when they became mothers. The longer their isolation, the more the monkeys’ development suffered. By showing the dire effects of social isolation, the Harlows’ experiment reinforced the significance of social interaction for normal development. Combined with the tragic examples of feral children, their experiments remind us of the critical importance of socialization and social interaction for human society.

Key Takeaways

• Socialization is the process through which individuals learn their culture and become fully human.
• Unfortunate examples of extreme human isolation illustrate the importance of socialization for children’s social and cognitive development.

For Your Review

• Do you agree that effective socialization is necessary for an individual to be fully human? Could this assumption imply that children with severe developmental disabilities, who cannot undergo effective socialization, are not fully human?
• Do you know anyone with negative views in regard to race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religious preference? If so, how do you think this person acquired these views?

Davis, K. (1940). Extreme social isolation of a child. American Journal of Sociology, 45, 554–565.

Harlow, H. F., & Harlow, M. K. (1962). Social deprivation in monkeys. Scientific American, 207, 137–146.

Lane, H. L. (1976). The wild boy of Aveyron . Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Sociology Copyright © 2016 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Importance of Sociological Theories in Everyday Life Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Sociology is very important science which helps to understand who you are and to create our relationship with one another. All classical theories are significant for the personal development. Studying sociological theories, we can find different perspectives. The use of sociological tools can help us to build our relations with different groups of people. We can find the sociological patterns everywhere around us. When I asked myself what I can do with this knowledge, I understood that sociology gives us an explanation of the various phenomena such as human believes, values and behaviors. It is obviously that, studying sociology, we should think about the importance of this information and how the use of this knowledge can help us in the regulation of social conflicts.

Usually, we take for granted so many ideas and explanations which the public opinion offers us. However, the process of the reflection is very important. Sociological theories helped me to create more skeptical and critical attitude of perception. Besides, studying sociology, I augmented my background. Sociological theories helped me to understand a value of the theory for the practical development of the society.

According to the Kolb Model, the learning cycle consists in grasping and transforming experience (Kolb, 1976, p. 45). The sociologist insists upon the idea of the cycle which involves the observation and experience of the concrete phenomena, the creation of its abstract concept and the use of it in new situation (Kolb, 1976, p. 23). While studying, we should think about an importance of this information for our perception of the world.

The perspective as a simple way of looking at the world, explains every phenomenon which life provides (Ashley, 1998, p. 10). All theories are the efforts to create more clear and logical interpretation of the social issues. Nevertheless, sociology requires an imagination and the process of thinking.

The structural-functionalist idea of Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons describes our society as the system of interrelated parts which maintains the social balance in the world (Ritzer, 2010, p. 42). The classic works of Karl Marx describe the social conflict between different communities which based on the power and resources. Many sociologists such as Max Weber, Erving Goffman, and Georg Simmel see the nature of human behavior as a result of social influence (Ritzer, 2010, p. 112). This idea sets thinking about the importance of personal experience and deliberation.

Sociology provides the abilities to identify and solve many problems. It helps to build your own strategy and model of behavior. Some sociological tools can be used in the job application, market research, even in the relationships. I understood that, instead of blaming, we better try to comprehend the situation and to find a solution. Sociology can help use our individuality improving the social behavior. Our world needs the peaceful solutions of the social conflicts. The approach of sociological tools can help to improve the tolerance and respect of different cultural values.

Today, we live in the world of complex and multilevel human relationships. Obviously, the study of sociology helps to understand the social phenomena and, moreover, to develop new solutions of the problems. Our life is a laboratory which produces new issues every day. Sociology gives us a key to understanding the value of cultural background within the multicultural society. This understanding is an important step to prevent the cross-cultural problems. Many sociological views can be the effective tools in the problems solution.

Reference List

• Ashley, D. (1998). Sociological Theory – Classical Statements. Fifth edition. Massachusetts: Needham Heights.
• Kolb, D. A. (1976). The Learning Style Inventory: Technical Manual , Boston, Ma.: McBer.
• Ritzer, G. (2010). Classical Sociological Theory . Six Edition. US: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
• The Issue of the Queers in Australia
• Chicago School Theory and Family Studies
• Sociology of Religion: Rational Choice Theory
• Summary of the Book "Sociology" by Richard Schaefer
• Objectivity Is Essential for Sociological Research
• Childhood Sexual Abuse and HIV Risk in San Salvador
• The Most Prominent Forms of Discrimination
• The Global Impact of Genocide: The Socio-Economic and Political Spheres
• Inefficiencies of Affirmative Actions
• The Notion of “Poverty” Is a Key Word of a Modern Society
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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Sociology Essay: Best Topics

• May 24, 1998
• Uncategorized

In modern society, college students have endless options for scientific research. People can present academic papers about anything when they have relevant data. If you are interested in sociology, this article has many good sociology research topics!

Sociology Paper: Best Topics for Your Essay 2022

Sometimes, it becomes a challenging task to think of new essay topics. However, our essay writing service has endless ideas for college students who need help with the writing process. We have various sociology paper topics as well! Now you can feel secure about your grade. Just choose sociology topics to write about interesting social issues.

But, there is one thing to do before picking sociology research topics. What does sociology mean? We shall find out this first.

What Does Sociology Study

Those college students who write sociology essays must know the essence of this science. This information is necessary to discuss any sociology paper topic. So what do people mean when they mention sociology?

The answer is surprisingly simple. In a nutshell, sociology investigates everything about our communities! Like biology studies animal kingdoms, sociology dissects human societies. Moreover, because it has been evolving for thousands of years, myriads of sociology essay topics exist.

So, sociology topics for paper relate to the following things:

• Elements of societies
• Social factors that influence human behavior
• Social movements and processes
• Social institutions
• Social norms, etc.

As you can see, this science is very broad. Luckily, you can choose any sociology research paper topic you like.

Importance of Sociology

Many young people in today’s society choose a degree that guarantees them a stable career, like STEM. Still, sociology is a great choice for high school students. In universities, they can write sociology essays and discuss important issues. Here are some reasons to learn sociology:

Sociology Research Papers Develop Analytical Skills

First, any sociology paper topic requires collecting and analyzing information. Most likely, this data comes from standardized tests or databases, and its interpretation is crucial. So, your analytical abilities go up rapidly after you finish a few research papers.

Sociology Papers Writing Improves Soft Skills

In the modern world, people often need more time to communicate. However, the sociology essay writing process allows us to fix this problem. All because most sociology topics require collecting data from respondents, and such practices benefit communication skills.

Sociology Research Paper Topics Help In Everyday Life

Have you ever questioned certain events or patterns in your life? If so, looking at some things from a sociological perspective helps to understand them better. Maybe, you take an interest in gender studies or ethnic relations. Then, use our essay writer service to pick sociological topics for essay!

List of Sociology Research Topics

A person new to sociology could assume that there is little room for creativity. But, in reality, sociology questions many social issues, from eco-feminism to the negative consequences of unemployment.

So, among many sociology essay topics, there is always an option for you. Remember that experienced essay writers prefer sociology debate topics that bring novelty to the field. Besides, brilliant sociology research paper topics usually cause discussions. In other words, a little bit of controversy in a sociology topic is advantageous.

Some students spend too much time picking essay topics. Why do they take so long? Chances are, these people favor several sociology topics at once. For them, electing one sociology essay topic means giving up on other exciting themes. Granted that you have this problem, don’t worry! You can combine several issues in one title. We categorized sociology topics to make things easier for you. So borrow them, or use them for inspiration!

Culture and Identity

Many popular sociology topics for essays are about culture and identity. Why are such sociology research paper topics so crucial? Human behavior and self-esteem heavily depend on the environment. So, studying the cultures of social groups is essential for understanding certain processes.

• Does losing your cultural identity mean a moral decline?
• Is the inability to maintain cultural identity detrimental to mental health?
• How does a person’s identity change when they move to a higher social class?
• Why does public opinion make people suppress their identities?
• How does mass media distort your cultural identity?
• Does social decline always come with the loss of cultural identity?
• How can single parenting affect a person’s identity?
• Negative effects of peer pressure on students’ cultural identities
• Pros and cons of marrying someone with a different cultural identity
• How to avoid cultural clashes when communicating with foreigners?

Poverty, Class, Race, and Ethnicity

Social inequality is another sociology category that makes engaging sociology research topics. Indeed, studying people’s wealth and origins from sociological perspectives in a research paper is important. The sociology papers highlighting the mentioned issues are relevant and helpful for solving current social problems.

• What are the effective ways of fighting racial stereotypes?
• Is reverse racism just a myth, or is it a real problem?
• Does single parenting always equal poverty in the family?
• Should school uniforms be free for kids struggling with poverty?
• Make a detailed outline of a strategy to fight poverty in your country
• How does climate change affect people’s wealth?
• Are movements like Black Lives Matter enough to minimize racism?
• Does human mentality change together with social status?
• Is there a lack of ethnic role models in popular culture?
• Why are existing social institutions inefficient in eliminating poverty?

Gender Issues

Another block of good sociology questions covers everything that relates to gender. Even in today’s progressive world, there are constant disputes about gender issues. Hence, sociology research topics about gender problems are always topical and interesting for readers.

• Two perspectives: how do men and women perceive gender inequality?
• Which gender stereotypes have you successfully shattered?
• What is wrong with current gender roles, and what would you change about them?
• Can gender stereotypes be helpful sometimes, and how?
• Is helicopter parenting more characteristic of mothers or fathers, and why?
• Are men or women more prone to social media addiction?
• Distribution of responsibilities in same-sex marriages
• Where is the fine line between feminism and misandry?
• Do LGBT families suffer from stereotypes like traditional families?
• The hidden dangers of internal misogyny

Social Movements

Whenever the tension in a community is too high, the discontent manifests in various movements. According to Spencer’s principle, these transformations constantly push humankind forward, making people abandon outdated values. You have an opportunity to study social movements through various sociology research topics.

• The real reasons behind protests against social distancing
• Pros and cons of cancel culture
• How did the #MeToo movement change our view on human body autonomy?
• Are there methods to stop violent protests?
• When do peaceful protests turn into violent?
• Is the feminist movement effective in middle-eastern countries?
• What will people protest against in the future?
• Are riots always a good thing?
• Should the government prohibit protests under certain circumstances?
• An underrated modern social movement

Law and Order

Naturally, every society requires control. Otherwise, it turns into chaos. For this reason, law and order help regulate societal processes. These rules have existed since the dawn of humanity and have varied through time. If you are keen on law, there are endless sociology topics for essays.

• What is the optimal compensation for a wrongful conviction?
• Severely outdated US laws
• Which laws would you like to bring back?
• Should people already develop artificial intelligence legislation?
• Characteristics of a perfect jury
• Should everyone have the right to own and use drones?
• Do we need harsher punishments for animal abuse?
• What should be the punishment for workplace mobbing?
• Are fines an efficient way to establish control?
• Who should take responsibility for a self-driving car causing an accident?

Peace and War

Every society lives through a state of peace or war, which is why sociology research topics often cover these themes. Here, a student may discuss the effects of wars on people’s lives, their causes, outcomes, and other meaningful aspects.

• Can we create a social institution to prevent wars?
• Is army size the most important factor for winning?
• Does war have only a negative impact on society?
• The importance of morale for winning wars
• How did World War II shape modern US society?
• How are 21st-century wars different from conflicts of the past?
• Can human force compensate for the lack of technology?
• How can a society recover from long-term war conflicts?
• How can people predict wars?
• Advantages and disadvantages of long-term peace in countries

One inseparable part of any society is religion. Since ancient times, groups of people have had common beliefs, values, and rituals that connected them. In addition, small cults or world religions hugely influenced societies and shaped them into what they are today. So, pick sociology religion essay topics to broaden your knowledge!

• Which societal changes can the shift from paganism to Christianity cause?
• Are there any completely mono-religious societies?
• Are modern functions of religion different from the past?
• What will religions be like in the future?
• Do modern religions meet all people’s needs?
• Can religions still exist in high-tech societies?
• Is there something that can fully replace religion?
• What would a perfect imaginary religion look like?
• How can a small cult spread worldwide?
• Highly religious vs. atheistic societies

In the era of globalization, people have more possibilities than ever to migrate. Although the process of moving seems quite simple, there are plenty of research themes. Migration or immigration can be a great topic for sociology paper if there is enough primary data.

• Should boundaries between countries exist at all?
• Uncommon reasons why people regret migrating
• What are the risks of closing country borders for immigrants?
• Can an immigrant fully integrate into a new society?
• How would you change your country’s immigration policy?
• Why do some countries welcome immigrants more than others?
• Benefits and drawbacks of too many people leaving a country
• Reasons why some states are good for only younger immigrants
• Why is it better to migrate to countries with a similar culture?
• The relationship between new immigrants and those who migrated long ago

Lack of Education

The level of education is one of the major societal characteristics. Countries care about having enough professionals to keep the economy going. Consequently, most people see a lack of education as something negative. If this subject excites you, think of related sociology research topics.

• Is lack of education as bad as we portray it?
• How can a person compensate for lack of higher education?
• Is a degree fundamental for career success?
• The long-term results of low education levels in society
• How can countries encourage people to become more educated?
• Describe the major causes of lack of education in societies
• Can you be a professional without life-long learning?
• Tell about someone who succeeded despite a lack of education
• Will the number of educated people decrease in the future?
• Do societies need fewer or more university graduates?

Unemployment

Do you want some more sociology paper ideas? Then, consider writing about the unemployment issue. The percentage of working people in society usually reflects the situation in a country. Therefore, researching unemployment is essential for understanding the community as a whole.

• Should governments decrease financial aid to reduce unemployment?
• What is the optimal percentage of unemployed people in a country?
• Do unemployment and life quality always correlate?
• What is the secret behind having minimal unemployment rates?
• Is unemployment better than a non-suitable job?
• Can societies somehow benefit from high unemployment rates?
• Does unemployment depend only on skill levels?
• How will your country’s unemployment rates change in the future?
• Which category of people is the most prone to unemployment?
• How should countries regulate labor markets to minimize unemployment?

Rapid Population Growth

Another block of sociology topics for essay connects to the rapid birth rate increase. Indeed, birth and death rates have a tremendous impact on all societies. Regardless of the research state, there can always be interesting data. So, learn the population trends and make your intellectual investment into sociology!

• Does the pro-life movement have any effect on birth rates?
• Why do birth rates decline in the happiest countries?
• Is free healthcare a factor that boosts birth rates?
• Which modern societies have the perfect conditions for increasing birth rates?
• Is it ethical to slow down birth rates through governmental policy?
• How does culture affect birth rates?
• Can immigration compensate for declining birth rates?
• The effect of high population density areas on a person’s health
• Predict population trends in your state in the next fifty years
• How can we adapt our cities to the constantly growing population?

Family and Relationships

If you break down societies into their separate components, you see that families are the bricks that form nations. Any close connections between people have always been the base of humankind. Undeniably, studying families and relationships in the context of sociology is thought-provoking, so try it!

• Distribution of responsibilities in families now vs. a hundred years ago
• How did capitalist societies change family roles?
• Reasons why adults have fewer opportunities for socializing and making friends
• Why do modern people have a minimum time for family?
• Does hook-up culture negatively affect long-term relationships?
• Why, in some societies nuclear families become more widespread?
• Which societal factors prevent people from starting families?
• Extended families: their role then vs. now
• Families in individualistic vs. collectivistic societies
• Can two people be completely equal in a relationship?

If you have ever been enthusiastic about a subject, you know the desire to become an expert in this area. People who like sociology also spend a long time studying. For them, scientific interest becomes an even stronger motivation than good grades. But where to find inspiration?

Thanks to our list of interesting sociology essay topics, you save time thinking of a research subject. Furthermore, because all titles are intriguing and memorable, you can get recognition from everybody who reads your work. But do you have no time for writing? Then, we are here to help. Choose your favorite title from Essayhub and pay for essay without a problem!

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