What is sociology?

Some theories are based on assumptions that people live together in societies to benefit from the advantages rather than fending for oneself. Other theories include that society since industrialisation is based on the conflict between the powerful and the powerless. Another view is focused on the power relationships between men and women and the fact that men usually have more power over women.

Some sociologists have begun to suggest that we are moving into a period where grand ideas are challenged and found undermanned.

Empirical sociology refers to real research done on what is actually happening in society or what has happened in the past. It describes patterns and events in the past. It describes these patterns and events but it also looks at them and tries to explain and get an understanding of them through the conclusions of their research.

Some of the things it looks at is the pattern of changes in marriage, divorce and childbearing. Another line of investigation is why some children from different backgrounds do better educationally than others, how we are influenced by the media and also are there changes in the nature and extent of the crime going on in our society and why people are joining gangs. Some of the big questions that exist in empirical sociology that involve auditing the various ways in which inequality can exist- in health, wealth and workplaces.

You may begin to look at the society in which you live in a new way and should begin to see what is beneath the surface. For some people many of your own views in which you feel strongly about can be sorely challenged by what you are about to learn. It may sound as though you are about to acquire great powers but be aware that sociology can change your whole view of the social world. Be warned- sociology can change your life.

Courtney Mcallister