Define sociology and explain how it helps us to better understand our social world and ourselves
What will be an ideal response?
Sociology is the systematic study of human society and social interaction. Sociologists
study human societies and their social interactions to develop theories of how human
behavior is shaped by group life and how, in turn, group life is affected by individuals.
Sociology helps us gain a better understanding of ourselves and our social world. It
enables us to see how behavior is largely shaped by the groups to which we belong and
the society in which we live. Because of our culture's emphasis on individualism, we
often do not consider the complex connections between our own lives and the larger,
recurring patterns of the society and world in which we live. Sociology helps us look
beyond our personal experiences and gain insights into society and the larger world
order. Sociology enables us to move beyond established ways of thinking, thus allowing
us to gain new insights into ourselves and to develop a greater awareness of the
connection between our own world and that of other people. Sociology provides new
ways of approaching problems and making decisions in everyday life. Sociology
promotes understanding and tolerance by enabling each of us to look beyond our
personal experiences.
You might also like to view...
According to the text, in the study of social interaction, sociologists find that: a. social status influences the meaning of nonverbal behaviors
b. nonverbal communication, such as silence, has universal interpretations. c. the vast majority of human communication is verbal. d. although men and women have different speech patterns, they use nonverbal communication in the same ways.
The main difference between exchange and cooperation is that:
a. cooperation is based on a shared goal. b. relationships of exchange are voluntary. c. cooperation has no material rewards. d. exchange provides benefits for individuals only. e. exchange provides benefits for the total group rather than the individual alone.
A father warns his daughter about premarital sex, but tells his son that he is becoming a "real" man when he finds out that he is sexually active. This is an example of:
a. homogamy. b. endogamy. c. the double standard. d. complementary needs.
The inability of the government to legislate significant new policies is called filibuster.
Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)