E. Brent Saich, Psy.D.

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Sociology 1

An Introduction to Sociology

Sociology is more than a science, and although it speaks directly to human interaction in society, it also addresses all the important things that contribute to our sense of self and individual as well as social identity.  Who we are, how we act, the language we use; our thoughts, actions; our past and our future, is a product of the social world, and the social world is the realm of sociology.

Understanding sociology is a process of understanding our social world.  Having sociological knowledge better prepares us for the real world.  Every day we make choices affecting our lives and the lives of others.  Being sociologically intune means we are better able to make informed and critical choices, because we view the social world from more than one perspective.  It also means we are more understanding about social inequality and injustice, and this knowledge helps us to make social changes that tend to benefit all groups and institutions.

Applying our sociological imaginations suggests we use both our internalized-self and our socialized- self when exploring social reality.  We have to go beyond the individual and into the social arena to fully understand and appreciate human behavior and interaction.  Being intune, and using our sociological imagination connects us with social world .  Begin today by observing your surroundings and how much of who you are is directly the result of the social world you live in. 

Last Update: December 29, 2006 by Brent Saich