What is Sociology?
Sociology — the scientific study of human communities — is among the newest of the sciences.
Sociology Yesterday
Prior to the rapid population growth
brought about by industrialization, few people noticed social
interactions and thought to study them critically. A society's
way of life and
its culture was viewed as "normal" or "natural" and
almost never scrutinized. As populations
increased, more and more people lived in continuous, face-to-face
contact with people
whose
culture differed, often radically. Sociology was born within
this tempest of challenge and change.
Sociology Today
Change is ongoing and occurs on a global scale, so a critical
understanding of society, its structure and function is even more
necessary. Sociological knowledge produces informed citizens, not
unquestioning consumers.
Sociology's Objective
Students of sociology will find their knowledge of society provides
them with a vital edge in the competitive job market. Employers
notice a well developed sociological perspective. Today, knowledge
of society is power.
contributed by Dr. John T. Hammetter
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