The Principles of Sociology

What is Sociology?

Sociology is the scientific study of human populations. The central premises listed below describe the sociological perspective. This perspective provides a way of viewing the world that helps scientists understand society and improve the well-being of the people who live in the society. It is not the only way of viewing society. The other social sciences--political science, anthropology, economics, and psychology--also provide frames of reference for improving society and the health and well-being of its members.

These are the basic principles of sociology:
  1. People behave differently in groups than they do as individuals.
  2. People obey rules that are socially constructed.
  3. People socially construct the rules.
  4. Some people have more say-so than others in making the rules.
  5. There are rewards for following the rules and penalties for breaking the rules.
  6. The rules of society can be studied scientifically.
What Do Sociologists Do?

What are the responsibilities assigned to sociologists? What do citizens expect of sociology? The fundamental task assigned to the sociologist is to evaluate the conditions of society, interpret these conditions, suggest potential changes to improve society, and help implement and evaluate these changes should citizens choose to do so. These are the basic tasks of the sociologist:
  1. Monitor societal change/conditions through research.
  2. Interpret social conditions from the sociological perspective.
  3. Provide suggestions for change.
  4. Help implement change.
  5. Monitor societal change/conditions through research.....