What is sociology?
Sociology is one of the most recently implemented courses of study, that blends Science, philosophy, economics, theology and other disciplines to understand the social behavior of man and his relationship with other Cultures.
This article would cover certain areas of the discipline sociology and they are highlighted below.
– A brief Course overview
– The Origin/History of Sociology
– The importance of Sociology
– Job opportunities that can be found after taking on this course of study
-Related courses to Sociology.
OVERVIEW OF SOCIOLOGY
Sociology is a course with it’s study aimed at improving the social relations of man and understanding cultural diversity, with reference to cultural heritage and the modern societal and technological advancements.
This course of study deeply has its roots in Philosophy, and Scientific analysis and research. They cut across every sphere that affects mans behavior and interactions with his immediate community (society) and the world at large.
The world is filled with different people, races, ethnicities, cultures, and Information. With advancement in technology and the different ages come an exposure to these different cultures. This directly leads to the culture clashes, societal revolutions, and other societal dilemmas.
Now sociologists come in, avid thinkers who understands the various factors that affect human societal interactions, and the different spheres that influence our opinions and views, from religion, to politics, to education, to our basic ethics and values (not excluding cultures handed down in different ethnicities), to economics and so much more.
Sociologist have addressed, so many crucial matters in the past such as racism, Capitalism and socialism, politics, inequalities etc and are still addressing issues in the world at large.
ORIGIN OF SOCIOLOGY AS A DISCIPLINE
Sociology as a discipline can be traced far back to the 18th century. Although it’s recognition as a discipline came in the 19th century. Sociology was born out of the need to enlighten the world on social relations. Sociology can be tied to philosophy, as the early sociologist, sought to think deeper than the governing social rules and really find out what connects man to one another.
The word sociology was coined by a French Mathematician and philosopher Auguste Comte. He was one of the founders of sociology, and the first to apply the scientific method in Sociology, hence he is called the father of sociology.
IMPORTANCE OF SOCIOLOGY
Sociology has brought about many changes in the world over the years and has impacted the laws that govern different nations. It comes into play whenever and wherever human relations is needed. That is to say that sociology has a high impact on man and his activities.
Sociology develops the relationship between humans and their society. It helps us understand the various cultures that are found in the world. By so doing sociology intentionally removes Ignorance from the human mind when it comes to our interactions with others. It enlightens us on the perspective others might have and provides a place of for cultures to easily interact.
Sociology as a discipline is also aimed at self improvement and development and then reaches out to the community or society at large, which means it has an effect on the literacy rate on the society. Sociology also promotes proper communication of information and the ideas in a society.
It Kicks back against selfish and heinous thought processes and decisions that dangerous to man, which may be a majority or minority of people. The government and several business take into account the social standards of a community, to better help and implement policies and business ideas in that community or geographic location.
Sociology defends the individual rights of every man, woman, child, tribe, or class of people. It brings about an analytical research that implements the science of economics and psychology to provide solutions to problems in the society.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THIS DISCIPLINE
Sociology provides a wide spectrum of jobs or careers for those that indulge in it’s study. We’ll discuss a few of them.
1. Teaching: A sociologist could work or provide services in an institution of learning, as a classroom teacher, lecturer, or a professor. They hasten the enlightenment process of our society and groom other sociologist to further impact their society as a whole. There are a variety of subjects that one would be qualified to teach on studying sociology even in high schools (secondary schools).
2. Social work: Sociologists also offer social services. these services are rendered to people, of different ages, races and ethnicities. They offer social care and support to families or people that have problems or issues. They are skilled in human interactions and communication, even under pressure. They offer help or support in diverse of ways, from legal help which may lead to court cases, to counseling or advice, or even maybe material or medical assistance.
3. Rural and urban planning: A sociologist could work in this field. Aiding all the Social and political process that lead to the development of different areas in a nation especially local communities.
4. Public administration: They are centered on driving the different policies and capabilities of the government to impact the society in different spheres.
5. Policy making: Sociologists are fit to work or serve as policy makers. This is because they know how to gather information through research and the consideration of other factors like the view of the people, economic and social situations, e.t.c. to make appropriate decisions that would serve as a means of governance to a people.
6. Business consultancy: They offer business advice to different organizations, based off the geographic area of market or business target audience, the laws and policies governing an environment or nation, the economic standpoint of a nation, human behavior and psychology and other sociological factors.
7. Politics: One who has gone through sociology as a discipline could effectively function in the sphere of politics. An individual interested in this will likely study political sociology, and as such would have the understanding of how politics and governance affect the social world. They study power, it’s nature and its effect, compare political systems, democracy and have a deep insight on how these factors affect the people.
8. Child welfare and health care: They could also function in child services. Which is primarily aimed at preserving the lives of children and supporting their growth and development.
9. International relations: Their function is geared towards the relationship between different nations. This is a field of study on its own but sociologists could easily function here as they could work for either organizations, or the government, helping them understand the policies and social conditions or developments of other nations.
10. Criminal justice: Sociologists in this field can work as or with the Law enforcement agencies, the judiciary and corrections to reduce or tackle the rate of crime and punish offenders restoring law and order in a nation.
RELATED FIELDS OF STUDY
1. Library and Information Science
2. Psychology
3. Mass communication
4. History
5. Archival Studies
6. Anthropology
7. Political science
8. International relations