What is Sociology?

Some Definitions…
“The study of the development, structure, and functioning of human society” – Oxford
Dictionaries, Oxford University Press.”
 “The study of society, social institutions, and social relationships.” – Merriam-Webster
Dictionary
 “Sociology is 1) the study of society 2) a social science involving the study of the social
lives of people, groups, and societies 3) the study of our behavior as social beings 3) the
scientific study of social aggregation and 4) an overarching unification of all studies of
humankind, including history, psychology, and economics.” – American Sociological
Association
“Sociology is the most badass discipline the university has to offer. It is the scientific
study of the human experience using various methods of empirical and critical analysis” –
Justin Schupp, Sociologist
Social Institutions

enduring structures of social order (i.e., patterns and interactions)

transcending individuals, yet governing their behavior
examples: schools, religion, marriage, NCAA sports, etc.
How I think of Sociology…
 Sociology is the systematic approach to understanding human society with
emphases on social interaction, social construction, socialization of individuals,
and social stratification.
Social Interaction
Social Construction
Socialization of Individuals
Social Stratification
101 – Common Book
101 Common Book, 2023-2024