Studies in Sociology
Why Study Sociology?
Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences
of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations,
and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior
is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the
hostile mob; from organized crime to religious traditions; from the divisions of race,
gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture (21st Century Careers with an Undergraduate Degree in Sociology, 2014). Please see the American Sociological Association for more information.
Sociologists on Sociology
The video below highlights the unique contributions of sociology to the understanding of today’s most divisive issues. Sixteen sociologists speak briefly to the need for and impact of their discipline. “Sociologists on Sociology” is a primer on a discipline that studies many of the major issues confronting American society. As one featured sociologist puts it: “So much of what is going on with our political climate and the rhetoric right now is all about talking about individual people or individual communities. The reality is that these are collective problems that have structural bases.”
Sociologists on Sociology is from ASA News.
Why Study Social Work?
Social work is an applied behavioral science and focuses on the essential principles
needed for understanding and critically analyzing behavior, social forces, and structural
conditions in diverse environments. As a profession, social work focuses on methods
for helping people from many different social groups by connecting them to the resources
and support they need to improve their well-being. For more information about social
work please see https://www.socialworkers.org/ and https://www.naswca.org/.
Social Workers: This is Who We Are | NASW