Changing Society - What is the Role of the Sociologist?

After having read the first three chapters of “You May Ask Yourself: An Introduction to Thinking Like A Sociologist,” I easily discovered that I have been a budding sociologist since I began forming my own thoughts. A sociologist questions everything and tries to relate the unknown, and I do that on a daily basis. Three specific ways in which I have noticed myself thinking like a sociologist have involved the Conflict Theory, the Reflection Theory, and the idea of “positivism.”

Chapter six brings a different approach at introducing the importance of sociology. This chapter, focuses upon the historical significance of American sociology as society knows of it today. It discusses many different aspects of sociology, but it intentionally focuses on these important aspects that include: “The Chicago school”, sociologists whom attributed to American sociology, and the rise of female sociologists. These three fundamentals establish the overall history of American sociology.

Before commencing a discussion on analyzing the article “What makes sociology a different discipline” from the other sciences we should have the know-how about sociology. In the words of modern thinkers of sociology namely Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim “Social fact should be the subject matter for the study of social life and can provide explanations for human thinking and behavior (p19)”. What we infer from the above definition is that man is born as a social animal. Man cannot live alone. He prefers to live in groups and his behavior that is actions and deeds are well governed and regulated by certain rules and laws of conduct that comprises of moral ethics and civic standards. His standard of living is said to be within the

To commence, we first began our journey into sociological enlightenment by analyzing the most basic way in which a sociologist evaluates a social problem, with the use of the sociological imagination. By utilizing our sociological imagination, we can associate our personal problems with the broader problems of society. By learning this method of evaluation, we can open our mind to differing views on problems. This allows us to attempt to solve social dilemmas in a nonbiased fashion. I particularly appreciated this unit as non-bias is something I strive for in everyday life. Likewise, I attempt to learn both sides of any argument to ensure that I can make the best decision that I can, and I believe that the sociological imagination encompasses those very same values.

Sociologists develop theories to explain and analyze society at different levels and from different perspectives. Sociologists study everything from the micro level of analysis of small social patterns to the “big picture” which is the macro level of analysis of large social patterns.

Hey Faye! Let me say, that I checked your office hours and you have bloody awful ones (no offense!). There is no way (unless by magic) I'll ever get to see you which makes me sad. :c

A key part of engaging in sociology is to adopt a sociological viewpoint or 'think sociologically'. Etymologically, sociology is the 'study of society' but this doesn't differentiate sociology from other forms of social study. Hence, many begin to describe thinking sociologically by what it is not - it is not thinking politically, thinking anthropologically, thinking historically or thinking psychologically, for example (Berger 1966: 11-36; Reiss 1968: 2-3). Others try to determine the nature of sociological thinking by detailing practical phenomena which can be thought about such as social systems and their subsystems, social institutions and social structure, and social aggregates, relationships, groups and organisations (Reiss 1968: 1),

Seidman worries about the way those sociologists have been developing and communicating their theories of social life because their theories have only reached the attention of “academic theorist” and not the attention of the public. The main problems with the way many sociological theorists conduct their work is that they are losing their role as public educators, which results in the lack of “thoughtful public discussions” (pg.2). After reading Seidmans point of view, I do share his concerns. I think that many of the work that sociological theorist have accomplished have been kept in close doors from the public, but not from people that have the same ideas or interest as them. An advantage of how sociological theory has been conducted is

By explaining the humanistic perspective proposed by him, the author convincingly demonstrates that sociology is more than its methods, such as surveying, or its theories. There are many sociological theories, but they all are part of the fundamental vision of all processes as the effects of human interactions. Berger (1963) often refers to his own experience of being a sociologist, and this adds reliability to his arguments. Also, despite beginning the book in a light and humorous manner, the author further turns to complicated scientific notions and perspectives; this shows his expertise and makes the book’s major thesis more persuasive.

Sociology and sociological thinking are a vital part of society, and through examining both society and individuals, sociology is able to make changes to areas such as policies, and attitudes that may have usually negatively affected them, and instead gained a positive result through the careful research, and applied knowledge.

Sociology is the research and analysis of the human society; meaning sociologist examine why we behave the way we behave, what affects our behavior, and if ordinary things are more complex than they seem. When developing a sociological perspective it makes the “familiar strange” (Conley, 3). When someone is trying to think as a sociologist it is encouraged to question aspects in your life that you thought were normal, which conveniently can make you feel unsure about what lifestyle you are comfortable living in.  A sociological perspective is gained when you learn to think through a “sociological lense” that challenges your mind to new levels of thought (Godwin, Lecture). When in rhythm with your sociological mind you reflect on new personal

selves. In doing this they live their lives to the fullest and not wishing they

The theoretical works of Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim and Max Weber still influence sociological theory. Though their works are decades old they still are a major part of what sociology is today. Though their theories can seem very different, there are some similarities. To become a great sociologist one most learn and understands how to use all sociological perspectives. To do this one must understand and use the different theoretical perspectives created by Marx, Durkheim, and Weber.

I agree with the thinking of W.E.B. Du Bois in that sociologists should use their research on society to help fix the problems within society. They can observe interactions from both sides of a conflict and understand how and why the sides feel the way that they do. They also do research trying to find out what makes society “tick” and the information gathered can be used to aide in our understanding society and the people around us. In today’s times I think that sociologists are just as important as ever. We still have a limited view of our place in society and we have problems in our society that we, with our limited view, can not fix on our own. To fix our problems we need sociologists and their research to help us find the best solution.

Sociology, in its most simple form, is often described as the study of society and culture or as Alvin L. Bertrand says, “the study of human relationships” in his book ‘Basic Sociology’ (1967:5), although, others argue that it is not that simple, such as R. Jenkins who says “There are those for whom the fundamental building blocks of Sociological analysis can only be individuals, others for whom they must be collectivities” in ‘The foundations of Sociology (R. Jenkins: 15). Sociology brings together a number of different viewpoints from a wide range of sociologists. Although Auguste Come was the founder of the term ‘Sociology’, a number of different Sociologists, such as Durkheim and Marx, have challenged and changed perceptions about the term.