What is Sociology and Why Study it?

What is Sociology? 

Sociology is the study of group life and those parts of our individual lives that are affected by social interaction. Its beginning point is the assumption that we are social animals from birth, that is, that we are powerfully influenced by other people's expectations. Sociologists would argue that you can't make sense of your own behavior, much less the patterns of behavior in families, corporations, or nations, without developing a quality of mind which sociologist C.Wright Mills termed "the sociological imagination."

Without that perspective, Mills said, we are apt to experience our private lives as a series of traps, largely beyond our understanding and control. So many of our possibilities are shaped by larger social forces that we can't function effectively either as individuals or as citizens unless we develop the capacity to understand social forces. Whether it's the prospects for your marriage, the safety of your neighborhood, the likelihood of success in your chosen occupation, or the future of your planet, these outcomes depend as much on world-historical changes taking place in society as on issues of ability and character at the individual level.

Mankind is often seemingly incomprehensible in its behavior, and for those people out there who relish the challenge to understand the seemingly unfathomable patterns of society, Sociology may satisfy your appetite.

Sociology will give you a better understanding of mankind

As a Greek Poet once said, "many are the wondrous things and naught more wondrous than man". Sociology's prime benefit is gaining a greater understanding of the complex and confusing yet charmingly simple nature of mankind, and the societies in which we organize ourselves. By studying social behavior we can make comparisons, attempt to solve issues and gain a rational understanding of some of society's more frustrating habits. This could also make you more employable, due to the fact that the UK employs a broad demographic in their workforce, and therefore having a more comprehensive awareness of those cultures must be a good thing. If the idea of delving into human behavior and analyzing our societal dogma has excited that curious mind of yours, then perhaps a Sociology degree is the one for you.

Broad skill set developed by Sociology 

The skills developed during a Sociology degree are applicable to many areas of work. Improved critical faculties allow students to make rational and measured decisions in the interest of fairness, whereas a synthesis of the group and independent projects provide students with skills of teamwork, self-dependence, and autonomy. Furthermore, Sociology occasionally offers the chance of studying abroad, instilling skills of multi-culturalism in students.

Skills developed from a sociology degree include:

• Interpersonal skills
• Communication skills (the ability to communicate well with different types of people)
• Analytical skills
• Research and project development skills
• The ability to challenge and evaluate common beliefs
• Better understanding of the way society works

Sociology students report high levels of Student Satisfaction

Perhaps it is this enigmatic character which leads students to enjoy the subject so much.  Whatever the reason, the fact remains that Student Satisfaction is notably high among universities. This means that a degree in Sociology is generally seen as rewarding and stimulating by students, very important factors we're sure you'll agree. Sociology is, therefore, a course which requires students to put the effort in, and subsequently get a high return through teaching, assessment, and knowledge.