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Sociology

What is sociology?
Sociology is the study of social life and human behavior. It refers to society, patterns of social relationships, interaction, culture and behavior.

What is sociology?
Sociology is the study of social life and human behavior. It refers to society, patterns of social relationships, interaction, culture and behavior.

Another sociology definition is the general science of society. The most basic and all encompassing sociology definition is a field of study or science. Traditional focuses in sociology include social classes, religion, law, social mobility, gender, and more. Gradually, the focus of the field has expanded to other topics such as economics, military, control, the Internet and social capital. The factors that preserve or change these aspects of social life and society are also included in the study of sociology.

The definition of sociology has many nuances and many versions. Many researchers have their own definition of this concept that pertains to their own relative field of study.

Aside from a field of study, sociology also has meaning for other aspects of society. This can include sociology meaning a tool for understanding human behavior and implementing this knowledge and understanding into everyday life.

Sociology impact


Social research also has an impact in different business industries and sectors. Examples include policy makers, developers, social workers and administrators. As such, there is a lot of overlap between social research and market research. For example, a sociologist may discover that a given country has an age difference due to an epidemic. These analytical insights help business people to research this market data and draw the conclusions needed.

In addition, sociological studies can help understand the different motivators of employees with different demographics. It is noted, for instance, that there is a difference in the way men and women approach their job applications.

Understanding why certain populations fit certain patterns of behavior can help build a more inclusive workplace that meets the needs of everyone in the company.

What is Sociological Imagination?

The sociological imagination explains the connection between personal challenges and larger social issues. It was sociologist C. Wright Mills who said: “Neither the life of an individual nor the history of a society can be understood without understanding both.” C. Wright Mills also wrote the book “The Sociological Imagination”. This book encourages readers to consider through which lenses they view their own lives and change their perspectives.

Sociologist and historian Max Weber is known for several books and theories, including “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism”. Talcott Parsons was a sociologist focused on religion and functionalism, as was Emile Durkheim. Erving Goffman is known for his book “The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life”. One of the first sociologists was Augustus Comte, with his law of three stages.

Sociology theories, methods and tips

What are the most known and used theories, sociological models and methods? Who are successful sociologists and what can we learn from them? These articles are about theories, mechanisms and methods that help you understand the social life of humans and employees.

Ladder of Participation (Arnstein)

September 12th, 2023

Ladder of participation: this article explains the ladder of participation or ladder of citizen participation, developed by Sherry Arnstein in a practical way. The article starts with an introduction, followed by a general explanation of the ladder of participation,…

Impression Management Theory

September 7th, 2023

Impression Management Theory: this article provides a practical explanation of Impression Management, developed by Erving Goffman. The article starts with a general definition of Impression Management Theory, followed by supporting theories and the different techniques and methods associated…

Standpoint Theory explained

August 23rd, 2023

Standpoint Theory: this article explains the Standpoint Theory in a practical way. It covers what standpoint theory is, what epistemology is and what the feminist standpoint theory is. It furthermore provides examples and criticism, and ends with a summary. After…

Marxism (Marx and Engels)

August 21st, 2023

Marxism: this article describes Marxism by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in a practical way. The article starts with a general definition and the meaning of Marxism, basic information about its developer Karl Marx and his beliefs. You will also…

Rational Choice Theory explained

August 3rd, 2023

Relational choice theory: this article explains rational choice theory in a practical way. The article begins with the definition of this theory and information about its origins, followed by an extensive explanation of the main concepts of the theory. Finally,…

Socialism explained

August 3rd, 2023

Socialism: This article explains socialism in a practical way. The article starts with an explanation of what socialism is and its origins. Next, the difference between socialism and capitalism is explained. You will also read about different socialist systems and…

Altruism explained including the definition

July 5th, 2023

Altruism: in this article you will find a practical explanation of Altruism. Next to what it is (definition and meaning), this article also highlights several definitions, several fields of study i.e. Psychology, Anthropology and Neurobiology, examples of altruism. Other topics…

Populism explained

July 4th, 2023

Populism: This article explains populism in a practical way. It covers what populism is and provides examples throughout the article. It furthermore gives an explanation for the origin of populism. After reading the article, you will understand the basics of…

Democracy explained

June 21st, 2023

Democracy: This article explains the concept of democracy in a practical way. The article includes the definition of the term, followed by information about its origin and important points to consider in this topic. You will then read all about…

Social Exchange Theory explained

June 16th, 2023

Social Exchange Theory (SET): this article provides a practical explanation of the Social Exchange Theory. This article contains the general definition of this theory and an explanation of the core principles and aspects, and the advantages of social exchange…

Capitalism explained

June 5th, 2023

Capitalism: This article explains capitalism in a practical way. The article contains the definition and meaning of capitalism, its origins and an explanation of the rule of supply and demand. Enjoy reading! What is Capitalism? Capitalism is an economic system…

Functionalism explained

May 14th, 2023

Functionalism: this article explains Functionalism in a practical way. It contains the definition of functionalism, a summary of academic literature on the topic of functionalism and a practical example. Enjoy reading! What is Functionalism? Functionalism is a theory developed in…
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