The Relationship of Sociology to the Other Social Sciences - Assignment Example

General Sociology Please each question should have page answer What is “Sociology”? The relationship of sociology to the other social sciences. What is “science”? Is sociology a “science”? Sociology is the science of studying human interactions, institutions, organizations, and behaviour. Although some individuals would indicate that sociology is not a “science”, the fact of the matter is that it is. The reason for this is that it employs scientific measurements and analysis as a means of drawing inference regarding the way in which the world operates. Within such a line of understanding, the reader can immediately see that sociology has a direct level of comparison and similarity to other sciences; in that it uses measurement, theory, and the scientific method to understand the world, categorize it, and draw inference based on the things that are exhibited. By means of contrast and comparison, science is described as a systematic process that builds knowledge and helps to provide testable explanations and theories for the universe. As can be seen, the sciences are defined by their ability to measure and draw inference relating to the way in which past or future events are likely to take place. Accordingly, sociology achieves these very same goals through measurement and the application of testable hypothesis and theory to help to explain the world of human relations/behaviour/institutions. 2. The development of sociological thought. Durkheim, Marx, and Weber: Who are these guys? Emily Durkheim was one of the first modern sociologists. As such, he pioneered the application of the use of science in terms of seeking to understand certain social institutions and the ways in which interaction took place in the world around him (Cristi, 2012). His works further helped to separate social science from the realm of political science and/or philosophy. Likewise, Max Weber was a prominent German sociologist that introduced social theory social research into the realm of understanding sociology and how it was impacted. Whereas Durkheim was the father of sociology, Weber helped to quantify it even further and apply the scientific method in seeking to understand the world around him. Most notably of the list of individuals that are represented above is of course Karl Marx. Marx pioneered an understanding of human organizational theory and helped to promote a great deal of discussion and analysis into the way in which classes interacted with one another. By engaging in sociological discussions that were predicated on class and economics, Marx helped to pioneer an understanding of how different classes engaged with one another and how material want, or excess, helped to define sociology more so than race or other factors that individuals had previously denoted as being the most important. 3. Sociological theory and research: How do sociologists view society? Which is the significance of sociology? In attempting to answer the question of how sociologists view society, this is a difficult answer; due in part to the fact that there are so many different schools of thought, approaches, and theories that are extant within the realm of sociological research. However, sociologists tend to view society as less cohesive and more individualized/clannish than most other individuals would. The underlying reason for this is based upon the belief by sociologists that different institutions, religions, regions, races, demographics, and genders approach similar constructs from a unique standpoint; thereby furthering the need to understand these institutions and predict the way in which they might behave given a certain set of circumstances. More to the point, sociologists attempt to understand society based on four key paradigms/approaches. These are as follows: conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, feminism, and functionalism. As can easily be noted, conflict theory relates to the type of understanding that is predicated on the conflict between groups. Similarly, his approach is one that was one of the most instrumental contributions of Karl Marx. Likewise, functionalism seeks to define society based upon the function that different groups seek to fulfil. Further, symbolic interactionism is based upon the understanding that individuals are social creatures; yet at the same time they are defined by their unique desires and need for creativity. Finally, feminism of course seeks to define society based upon the understanding of gender roles and the means by which society has organized itself up until the present based upon a male patriarchal base of understanding. Likewise, the significance of sociology is that it can seek to provide answers to some of the pressing questions regarding why a certain subset of society, or broader society, engages with a certain situation of set of beliefs/actions. 4. What types of behaviour are included in the concept of social control? Distinguish between informal and formal social control and give real world examples of each Social control ultimately breaks down into two distinct groups. The first of these is with respect to what is known as informal means of control. These can be represented with respect to internalization of norms and values by the process of socialization. In effect, the informal means of control does not necessarily relate to a series of laws or regulations that help to define the way in which individual acts. Instead, they are oftentimes more gradual and undefined with regard to the manner in which individual understands their place in society and seeks to the select particular role. Additionally, formal means of social control exists with respect to external sanctions that are enforced by a government body of another variety. These are oftentimes exhibited in terms of laws that seek to constrain or limit the freedom of an individual within society. An example of this could include the way in which individuals not allowed to smoke within public buildings. Although freedom and democracy are heralded as extremely important aspects of sociological paradigm in which we live, a restriction upon personal freedom is engaged so that the health of others can be respected. Likewise, with respect to an example for the previous case that was exhibited, the informal means of societal control, it can be understood that norms that are represented through media helped to affect an example of this particular structure. 5. What mechanisms of formal and informal social control are evident in your day-to-day life, in your home community or neighborhood, and in social interactions at your company or organization? Delving a bit further into the issue, mechanisms of formal and informal social control are evident in my own day-to-day life. For instance, formal social control is exhibited with respect to the way in which traffic safety laws are inherent and expected to be followed on penalty of fines or jail time. Prohibitions against driving while intoxicated and prohibitions against driving the wrong way on a one way road are examples of the means by which formal social control exhibited in my day-to-day interactions with the external communities in and around my neighborhood. In terms of informal social control, it can be understood that the books, magazines, course literature, and television media that I consume helped to continually reinforce norms of behavior and expectations that might not necessarily be native to my own instincts. Whereas this is not necessarily bad and is not necessarily point to a degree of purposeful propaganda, it does influence the way in which these norms are represented in the way in which I come to understand them as I interact with and engage with the world around me. Taking this to a more specific level of understanding, informal societal control within my place of work exists based upon the culture of the employees and the means through which expectations are generated and reinforced within the work environment. Although it is true that many of these cultural norms are codified with respect to the employee handbook, the majority of these are not help to define the way in which informal expectations and societal control is exhibited the organization. 6. What aspects of culture are the same or different everywhere? Why? Or Are people born knowing how to be people? Why? In seeking to understand what aspects of culture are the same everywhere, it is the interpretation of this particular author that the similarity between culture is more a construct of the evolutionary process that it is with respect to globalization and the mimicry that other cultures are slowly making with respect to it. For instance, almost each and every culture places a specific level of importance with respect to the need for family, friendship, companionship, work, ethics, and some representation of morality/religion. As basic human needs have existed since the Dawn of mankind, these constructs have helped to fulfil these needs. Taking the essence of family as a case in point, this biological structure is already exhibited throughout society and creates an existence and need to define it and respect it. 7. Distinguish between prejudice, ethnocentrism, and racism. Give real world examples. Prejudice refers to prejudging an issue prior to having a full context of it or knowing all the facts associated with it. This prejudgment is oftentimes used to refer to racial issues and the types of prejudice that exists within racists; however, it is much broader than this and can be exhibited in a litany of different societal situations. Regardless of who the individual is, prejudice is likely to be a part of how they approach a certain subset of issues; whether this be with regard to politics, religion, race, or other less dynamic factors. Racism on the other hand is the application of prejudice against a specific race or group of races with the inherent understanding that one’s own race is somehow better than others (Knox & Wolohan, 2014). Although it is true that racism has existed in many different forms over the past several decades, it cannot strictly said to be white on black; as there are a litany of different racial incidents within the current era that make it a much broader issue than strictly white on black issues of racism. In a slightly different form, ethnocentrism relates to judging another culture solely by one’s own. Although this is troublesome for everyone and should be avoided, it is especially troublesome with relation to the types of inference and understanding that are represented within sociology. For instance, if a sociological researcher seeks to gain an inference with regard to a specific social practice in an ethnically dissimilar region of the world, seeking to gain inference onto this topic by measuring these practices or cultural beliefs as compared to those that are exhibited in their own country of origin will yield a very poor result. 8. Do political situations have much influence over our daily actions? Why? Like it or not, political situations have a profound influence over the daily actions and lives of the individual countries place. The underlying reason for this has to do with the fact that politics has a confining and constraining influence with respect to the activities and leaders within region in question. For instance, the political right movement begins to enforce elements of morality and criticism of certain behavioural aspects, informal concentrates will develop in which individuals will be impacted whether they like it or not. By much the same token, actual laws and changes with respect to the way in which individuals organize their life and behaviour can easily be affected by a political situation in which a more totalitarian approach to constrain behaviour is represented (Casero-Ripollés & López-Rabadán, 2014). As politics shift, it is likely that the expectations of the majority will slowly begin to impact the way in which societal norms are defined; either tacitly or directly. Although this is not always a bad thing, such an understanding should be kept relevantly in mind as these changes can effect negative externalities to the way in which group dynamics and behaviour is defined. 9. Can social inequality be overcome? Should it be overcome? Why? In terms of answering whether or not social inequality can be overcome, it is the understanding of this particular student that it cannot. However, even though social inequality cannot be overcome completely, it should not be understood that this statement provides a way out for the individual stakeholder in society to conclude that it is pointless to attempt to affect the outcomes of the lives of hundreds of millions of people that find themselves distinctly disadvantage (Vidor et al., 2014). The underlying reason with respect to why inequality will not be overcome has to do with the fact that individual approaches to resources and resource management differ has widely as individual personalities. For instance, even if there was a hypothetical situation in which inequality was neutralized tomorrow, inequality would likely be exhibited the following day once again. The reason for this has to do with the fact that certain individuals will choose to invest their resources wisely, save them, and otherwise protect them whereas others will spend them and seeking to utilize them as a means of bringing personal film/happiness. Although this secondary approach is not incorrect, it exhibits the fundamental problem with respect to neutralizing inequality by spreading wealth and sharing resources. From the preceding definition of why inequality will likely never be overcome, it is further understanding of this particular student that inequality should not be overcome. Ultimately, leveling the playing field and providing resources and equality of a financial manner to all individuals within society would actually do a disservice to far more individuals than it would provide a benefit others. In terms of sociological inequality, it is likely that there will be a far more defined change with respect to the way in which individuals from different races, classes, countries, and demographics are defined within the coming years. The underlying reason for this has to do with the changes that have already taken place concerning stereotypes racism and prejudice that has already been largely neutralized in the past century. References Casero-Ripollés, A., & López-Rabadán, P. (2014). Political Influence and Sociology. American Behavioral Scientist, 58(7), 859-868. doi:10.1177/0002764213506207 CRISTI, M. (2012). DURKHEIM AND MORAL INDIVIDUALISM, SOCIAL JUSTICE, AND RIGHTS: A GENDERED CONSTRUCTION OF RIGHTS. Canadian Journal Of Sociology, 37(4), 409-438. Knox, P. C., & Wolohan, F. A. (2014). Cultural Diversity: Culture Does Not Explain All Differences. Plos ONE, 9(4), 1-7. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0094424 Vidor, C., Leroyer, A., Christophe, V., Seillier, M., Foncel, J., Van de Maële, J., & ... Fantoni, S. (2014). Decreasing social inequalities. Sociology Quarterly, 14(1), 1-20. doi:10.1186/1471-2407-14-267 Read More