We, humans, are interested in the world around us. Science, and all its subcategories, forms theories and explanations for the natural occurrences and social aspects of our existence. Sociology is one detailed way of categorizing the scientific details of the human nature versus society. James M. Henslin wrote, “Sociology offers a framework that provides a penetrating perspective on almost everything that we do in life.” Why do we feel like someone is always watching and judging? Why do we value what we value? And act like we act?
In class, we discussed the ways religion, economic status, family expectations, gender roles, and cultural expectations can affect the way one lives. Usually, like the place where Ted and Zelda lived, those who live in a "well-off" area are educated. The importance of education for money becomes so engraved in these wealthier children's mind that they may become blinded by the real value in learning. Society makes people oblivious to the original importance of such simple morals. Little do people know that these actions and values directly effect the people around them.
The illustrative article, What Is Sociology? Comparing Sociology and the Other Social Sciences helps one understand how the study of sociology fits into the scientific world as a whole. Sociology is a specialized field of social science. Social sciences specifically deal with human behavior. James M. Henslin helped me understand and become deeply interested in all different angles of the human behavior. He compared and defined the anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, and sociology.
What I find bothersome is the fact that he separates each specialized field and their definitions. He didn’t really wrap together the point that I was looking for all along. In reality, all these social sciences have one major purpose, to define why humans function the way they do. They should not be so isolated when trying to explain the complexity of human deeds. For one to truly understand humanity, they must piece together information from each individual social science to even come close to a realistic summation. One does not kill themselves, for example, for solely societal issues and pressures. Psychology issues, or inner problems, adds to this severe pain too. Figuring out how to connect and be aware of all social science causes and effects takes a brilliant man with a brilliant brain.
In another article called The Promise C Wright Mills wrote, “ordinary men do not usually know what this connection (between their own lives and the course of world history) means for the kinds of men they are becoming and for the kinds of history making in which they might take part.” Ordinary men do not realize the effect they can have on the history of our society. For example, social “norms” become common among certain cultures because people follow trends..One person can create a domino effect that can alter the way plenty of people live their life. There is a high chance that this “ordinary” person has no idea the effect their behavior has on others and society as a whole.
Social actions are similar to DNA. They are engraved in our being from the moment we’re born. And our actions most often originate from our parents. Humanity has unspoken rules and expectations. We are taught to recognize achievement as a good salary and an impressive educational record. We are expected to “act like a lady” or “be a man”. We follow these invisible rules that society and our souls have implemented on us and act our best to be content with whom we’re becoming. After all, society does not always try to hurt our beings.
Society puts a negative spin on the term "alone". Here's a video showing that being alone can be the best way to get a grip on your life. To appreciate those few minutes when all you have to do is ponder your thoughts.
Society puts a negative spin on the term "alone". Here's a video showing that being alone can be the best way to get a grip on your life. To appreciate those few minutes when all you have to do is ponder your thoughts.
In what way does society put a negative spin on the term "alone"? And how does this relate to sociology? (I loved the video, by the way)
ReplyDeleteSociety makes us feel that if we are alone it is because no one likes us. Many think that if they are alone it's because they are unable to attract company. One may feel like being alone makes them seem like an antisocial outcast.
ReplyDeleteIn reality, being alone can be liberating and peaceful. Everyone needs a time to quietly think and breathe without interruption. But society puts a negative feel on the word "alone".
We can use this notion in sociology by studying people's habits to stay with people just for the comfort of company. We can take the idea and realize why people are attracted to large groups. We can understand why one person may not be able to stand silence and loneliness. Many people have low self worth because they have not had enough time to appreciate their being. All of this may be because of the fact that society portrays loneliness as a social failure.