Introduction
This paper examines the discipline of sociology by looking at the scope of sociology, the sociological perspective, skills used by sociologists and how sociology as a discipline impacts the world. This paper draws on the theories of Marx, Weber and Durkheim.
The Scope of Sociology
Sociology is a science which searches for causal explanation of phenomena occurring in the social world. Sociologists use methodical and statistical techniques to reach their objectives, their findings inspire further research and testing which is an element of most sciences. However sociology does not follow the scientific method completely. It is argued that society cannot be examined objectively by sociologists as they live in the society which they are testing. Another argument against sociology as a science is that humans are reasoning beings and cannot be examined by the same means as inanimate objects like in most sciences. (Penguin, 2005 pp.368-369)
As Max Weber put it the “nature of the sociologist’s demon” is to understand society in a disciplined manner. Sociologists desire to understand all aspects of society including people and how their relationships create structures within the social world. (Berger 1963)
His main focus of attention is not the ultimate significance of what men do but the action itself, as another example of the infinite richness of human conduct.
(Berger 1963, para.19)
Sociological Perspective
The sociological approach goes beyond a common explanation of the world. The sociological perspective is scientific and theoretical in its view of society. (Punch et al.2013 p.8) Durkheim’s collectivist perspective can be seen through his functionalism theory. Durkheim argued that societies evolved based on the laws of natural selection, survival and adaption. Durkheim used the term “collective conscience” to illustrate how individuals did not make their own choices, instead our choices are based on the society from which we come. (Punch et al. 2013 p.45)
Karl Marx also had a structural theoretical perspective. Marxism explains individual’s actions in terms of the social structure they belong to, with emphasis on conflict in society and change over time. Marx theorised that society had two structural levels; substructure (economic base) and superstructure, he believed the superstructure reflected the base.(Punch et al 2013 pp.51-52) Marx (1967:571) stated “The whole system of a capitalist production is based on the fact that the workman sells his labour power as a commodity.” (Punch et al 2013 p.498)
Weber’s perspective focused more on the meaning behind the social world. Weber’s theory of individualism saw people as thinking and reasoning beings rather than aspects of a collective grouping as Durkheim’s perspective did.(Punch et al 2013)
Skills Used by Sociologists
Sociologist’s employ a wide range of skills in trying to learn about the world a sociologist must have communication skills as the sociologist confidently expresses himself both verbally and in his papers when presenting his work. Sociologists work both individually and in collaboration with others and so he possesses interpersonal skills. (The British Sociological Association) When looking at society a sociologist must have a sharp and critical mind in order to be objective and control his personal preferences and prejudices. (Berger 1963) This means that the sociologist is an analytical thinker and so he applies his problem solving abilities to his research. (The British Sociological Association)
Sociologists use statistical skills when analysing data, he must define a question or problem, design a study, analyse his findings, report on them and make recommendations. Sociologists also use leadership skills to extract important information from findings and to turn it into compelling arguments which influence and motivate. Finally when learning about the world sociologists must utilise a cross-cultural understanding. This means he must have a global outlook and understand traditional stereotypes so that he can comprehend the society he is examining. (The British Sociological Association)
How Sociology Impacts the World
Sociology impacts the world by giving its students a new outlook on society. One aspect of this is liberating the minds of sociology students so that they see beyond their own cultural situation. For people with no sociological background their initial culture is often unchangeable, whereas sociology students aim to uncover universal principles that apply to all societies. Sociology teaches us to “recognize that beneath cultural differences and diversities that appear on the surface all human societies are in essence the same.”
Sociology is gives students an introduction to the scientific method and the abstraction process. Sociology teaches us to develop an understanding of the abstract and intangible such as culture, norms, roles, status etc. (Bierstedt 1964)
Conclusion
To conclude in this paper I have examined the scope of sociology as a science. This paper states that sociologists seek to understand the world. I have argued the different sociological perspectives by referencing the perspectives and theories of Marx, Durkheim and Weber. This paper explains how sociologists use interpersonal, leadership, analytical, statistical skills and a cross cultural understanding to research societies. I have also examined how sociology impacts the world by looking at the sociological impact in education.