What Is Sociology? A Guide to the Field and Its Future

Sociology is a social science that explores human behavior and how humans interact within the context of groups and institutions. Sociology also explores social change and social movements. Of all the scientific fields and areas of study, sociology has the greatest breadth, and it often overlaps with other social sciences, including political science, psychology, education, and geography.

By understanding what sociology is and exploring the emerging trends shaping scientific study in this field, you can decide if it is the right major for you.

The Core Idea: Why People Don’t Exist in a Vacuum

The foundational premise of sociology is that human behavior is fundamentally shaped by the social contexts they inhabit. In sociology, researchers focus primarily on the collective aspects of human behavior, because sociologists believe that groups — such as communities, families, race, or cultural groups — influence the behavior of humans more than their own internal thoughts or actions.

In 1959, C. Wright Mills introduced the sociological imagination theory, which refers to an individual’s ability to see a connection between their personal life experiences and the larger forces of society. Mills argues that history itself is shaped by the core perspective of the sociological imagination.

The concept of sociological imagination is one that is designed to be empowering, allowing humans to understand that there are outside factors that influence their circumstances and their opportunities. When individuals have a strong understanding of their own place in their communities and in the world at large, they can make better decisions and work toward social change.

What Do Sociologists Actually Study?

Human behavior distinguishes itself from other animalistic behavior in that humans do not act on instinct alone. Rather, all human behavior is social, and sociologists are responsible for studying human behavior within the context of specific groups. The scope of sociological inquiry is broad, providing sociologists with the freedom to specialize in key areas that interest them. However, most studies center around a few key domains.

Social Institutions

Social institutions refer to the organized systems that meet essential societal needs. Common examples of social institutions include government, family, religion, education, the economy, and healthcare. Sociologists who study social institutions and their impact on human behavior often explore topics such as power dynamics within a particular institution or how societal changes impact family structures within a community.

These studies center around the fact that human behavior is often influenced by social institutions. For instance, within an individual family, young children are first socialized and introduced to the world. The values that are infused into children during their early years, and the experiences that they have with their family, shape their behavior as adults. The family is the first social institution that influences an individual, and it plays a primary role in forming their overall identity.

Inequality and Social Stratification

Another key discipline within sociology is inequality and social stratification, with sociologists in this area taking an in-depth look at the categorization of society based on wealth and status. While sociologists recognize inequality as the result of the exploitation of power, they also view it as inevitable within a society. Their research may focus on the factors that exacerbate inequality and the impact that those inequities have on an individual’s choices or the behavior of a larger social group.

Social Change and Social Problems

Sociologists also work to examine social change and societal issues that disrupt order and lead to social unrest. Within this domain, professionals in this field may explore:

• Technological impact and how it changes human behavior and decision-making. For instance, a sociologist may conduct research about the impact of the smartphone on human relationships.
• Collective action and how social movements may redefine government or influence social institutions.
• Environmental hazards and how they influence the health and well-being of a population.

How Sociologists Do Their Work

The practical work of sociology varies based on the scope of the role and the discipline that a sociologist focuses on. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that sociologists examine groups, cultures, social institutions, and processes, but within an individual role, a researcher may focus on a specific group or certain activities.

Examples of a sociologist’s job duties may include:

• Designing and executing research processes.
• Collecting key data as part of ongoing research.
• Reviewing data and developing analytical insights.
• Preparing and presenting research findings.
• Sharing insights that could help policymakers better address major societal issues.

Sociologists rely on various research methods to develop a comprehensive understanding of human behavior within a social institution. Quantitative research may involve surveys and data analysis, while qualitative methods may include interviews, ethnography, and observation.

How Is Sociology Different From Psychology and Anthropology?

Sociology, psychology, and anthropology are social sciences that are closely related and share some overlap. For students who are deciding which major to pursue, it may be difficult to differentiate between the three. Knowing what you can do with a sociology degree and understanding the differences between these scientific areas of study can help you select the major that best supports your goals.

• Sociology – This is the study of social behavior within the context of social institutions. It features a broader perspective, with sociologists working to understand the influence of cultural norms and societal factors on human behavior.
• Psychology – While sociology offers a broad scope that extends beyond individual action, psychology centers on the human mind. Psychologists research internal thought processes and explore cognitive functioning, allowing them to better understand the emotions that influence individual human behavior.
• Anthropology – There are many similarities between sociology and anthropology, and as a result, many people mistakenly assume that the two fields are interchangeable. In reality, anthropologists focus on the study of individual behaviors within a societal group, often researching historical evidence to provide additional perspective.

A Brief History: Where Did Sociology Come From?

While the term sociology was first coined in the late 19th century, it was August Comte who reintroduced it in 1838 and proposed it as a field of scientific study. To this day, Comte is the Father of Sociology, as he was the first person to suggest that the scientific method could be used to study society in the same way that it was used in the natural and physical sciences. His initial work in sociology encouraged scholars to begin using their understanding of society’s constructs to address societal issues, such as poverty.

Throughout the 19th century, Harriet Martineau became a close follower of Comte. As the first female sociologist, her early work focused on social practices and women’s rights. She often made systematic social comparisons in her research, and she is widely respected for the fact that she translated Comte’s works from French into English, helping to spread the discipline to more scholars.

As the discipline began to gain prominence throughout the 19th century, an increasing number of scholars became interested in sociological research. However, it wasn’t until 1895 that the discipline was legitimized as a formal area of academic study. Émile Durkheim established a department of sociology at the University of Bordeaux, and his research often focused on social facts.

Max Weber and Karl Marx continued to build upon the momentum throughout the 19th century. Their sociological research focused on conflict, meaning, and inequality, and set the stage for the modern study of sociology that students explore today.

The Three Major Theoretical Perspectives

There are three major theoretical perspectives in sociology:

• Functionalism – This perspective views society as interconnected parts that must work in tandem to maintain stability. When functioning well, society prospers. When one aspect of society starts to break down, dysfunction occurs throughout all the parts and social issues arise.
• Conflict theory – Within this perspective, the belief is that social structures are developed to serve those in power. Sociologists within this perspective examine the impact of wealth and status on societal health.
• Symbolic interactionism – This perspective zeroes in on the minute actions of individual people that create meaning within a society. Symbolic interactionism includes gestures, routines, and language.

What Does a Sociology Degree Actually Teach You?

In a sociology degree program, students study core sociological theory while learning about the research methods used within the field. As they progress through their degree requirements, they can take electives across subfields such as deviance, medical sociology, community dynamics, or family sociology. Through applied learning experiences, students build critical thinking, data analysis, and communication skills while developing a strong sense of cultural awareness. These are core competencies that serve them well in the field of sociology, but that are also transferable across multiple industries.

What Can You Do With a Sociology Degree?

A sociology degree can provide students with the foundation needed for a variety of fields and career paths. These are a few examples of what you can do with a sociology degree:

• Social services
• Public policy
• Education
• Healthcare
• Criminal justice
• Human resources (HR)
• Market research

Start Building a Sociological Perspective

Champlain College Online’s Bachelor of Arts in Sociology degree program emphasizes human social behavior, group formation, and the potential for ongoing social change. The flexible, fully online format appeals to modern learners who are balancing professional and personal commitments alongside their degree program. In addition, this program features an interdisciplinary curriculum, letting students choose from advanced electives in psychology and criminal justice and allowing them to specialize in areas of interest. The highlight of the sociology degree is the capstone experience, which provides students with an opportunity to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications.

Contact admissions to learn more about CCO’s online sociology degree today.