What is Sociology? | College Majors | College Degrees | Study Hall

Summary

This script introduces the field of sociology, tracing its origins to Auguste Comte and highlighting its evolution into a diverse discipline. It covers the breadth of sociological study, from interpersonal interactions to global phenomena, and touches on the methodologies used. The video also explores various career paths for sociology majors, emphasizing the skills gained, such as critical thinking and data analysis, and the adaptability of a sociology degree to other fields.

Takeaways

• 📚 Isidore-Auguste-Marie-François-Xavier Comte is recognized as a foundational figure in Sociology, the study of social structures and interactions.
• 🌐 Sociology is a broad discipline that uses both qualitative and quantitative methods to understand various aspects of human culture and behavior.
• 🔍 Sociologists investigate a wide range of topics, from the origins of revolutions to the influence of group values on individuals and the impact of the internet on communication.
• 👥 The term 'sociology' combines Latin 'socius' meaning 'comrade or ally' with Greek 'logia' meaning 'study of', emphasizing the study of human interactions.
• 📈 Sociology is part of the social sciences, relying on research methods like surveys and interviews, which can be subjective but are also rigorous.
• 🎓 Coursework in sociology combines elements of the humanities and sciences, with an emphasis on research methods, statistics, and understanding human interactions.
• 👩‍🏫 Sociologists often specialize in particular areas of study, such as feminist, criminal, industrial, or environmental sociology, reflecting the diversity of the field.
• 🎖️ A degree in sociology can lead to careers in various fields, including analysis, teaching, statistics, and public policy, highlighting the versatility of the skills acquired.
• 👥 The BA in Sociology typically focuses on liberal arts and understanding people, while the BS degree is more research-oriented, preparing students for advanced degrees or research roles.
• 💼 Sociology majors develop valuable skills such as critical thinking, data analysis, and communication, applicable in many professional settings.
• 🌟 Notable sociology majors include Michelle Obama, Saul Bellow, and Dr. Ruth Westheimer, indicating the major's appeal to those interested in human behavior and societal issues.

Q & A

Who is considered by many as the father of modern Sociology?

Isidore-Auguste-Marie-François-Xavier Comte is considered by many to be the father of modern Sociology and the person who coined the term.

What does the term 'sociology' combine from Latin and Greek origins?

The term 'sociology' comes from the Latin 'socius', meaning 'comrade or ally,' and the Greek 'logia', meaning 'the study of.'

What are the two main types of methods used in sociology to understand human culture and behavior?

Sociology uses both qualitative and quantitative methods to understand human culture, communication, and various other aspects of society.

What are some of the topics that introductory courses in sociology typically cover?

Introductory courses in sociology often cover topics like race, gender, and modern social problems.

Why might a sociology major be interested in taking statistics courses?

A sociology major might be interested in taking statistics courses to learn how to create surveys, develop observation methods, perform analyses, and conduct careful research.

What are some possible specializations within the field of sociology that a student might choose?

Possible specializations within sociology include feminist sociology, criminal sociology, industrial sociology, environmental sociology, social inequality, and critical inquiry.

What are the general focuses of a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology?

A BA degree in Sociology typically focuses more on liberal arts and understanding people, while a BS degree is more focused on research and methodology.

What skills can a sociology major develop that are applicable within and outside of the discipline?

A sociology major can develop skills such as asking deep questions, developing explanations, analyzing and interpreting data, designing and conducting research, and honing communication and presentation skills.

What are some career paths that a sociology major might pursue?

Some career paths for sociology majors include becoming analysts, teachers, statisticians, public policy analysts, paralegals, legal assistants, market research analysts, public relations specialists, diversity and inclusion specialists, human resource specialists, and social workers.

What additional education might be required for a sociology graduate who wants to become a sociologist?

A sociology graduate who wants to become a sociologist will likely need to pursue a graduate program, such as a Masters or PhD, to conduct research for universities or political organizations.

How might a sociology major's understanding of human behavior and social structures benefit them in their career?

A sociology major's understanding of human behavior and social structures can benefit them by providing insights into group dynamics, individual motivations, and cultural influences, which are valuable in various professional settings.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Sociology and Its Origins

This paragraph introduces Isidore-Auguste-Marie-François-Xavier Comte as a foundational figure in sociology, highlighting his belief that social interactions could be studied scientifically. It outlines the development of sociology as a discipline, mentioning contributions from other key figures like Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and W.E.B. DuBois. The paragraph emphasizes the breadth of sociology, covering various aspects of human culture and behavior, and introduces Erica Brozovsky as the presenter of the 'Fast Guides' series. The term 'sociology' is etymologically dissected, and the paragraph concludes by discussing the scope of sociological study, from everyday interactions to global conflicts, and its position within the social sciences.

05:00

🎓 Sociology as an Academic Discipline and Career Path

The second paragraph delves into the academic aspects of sociology, discussing the structure of a sociology degree program, including introductory courses and the importance of research methods and statistics. It touches on the specialization options available within sociology and the interdisciplinary nature of the field, which allows for a combination with other majors or minors. The paragraph also addresses common misconceptions about the rigor of a sociology degree and outlines potential career paths for sociology majors, such as analysts, teachers, statisticians, and public policy analysts. It provides examples of specific roles, including paralegals, market research analysts, public relations specialists, diversity and inclusion specialists, human resource specialists, and social workers, along with their average salaries and the skills required for these positions. The paragraph concludes with advice on further education for those aspiring to become sociologists and the importance of graduate studies for advanced roles.

10:02

🌐 Sociology's Relevance and Opportunities for Further Education

The final paragraph emphasizes the relevance of sociology in understanding human interactions and its applications in various modern contexts. It dispels the notion that sociology is only chosen by indecisive students and highlights the discipline's rigor and critical thinking demands. The paragraph suggests the value of focusing on a specific area within sociology or pursuing a second major/minor to enhance career prospects. It outlines the transferable skills gained from a sociology degree and the flexibility to switch to related fields. The paragraph also provides examples of career possibilities and the median salaries for various roles, including the path to becoming a sociologist, which typically requires graduate education. The video concludes with an invitation to viewers to share their experiences and considerations in choosing a degree and to explore other major options through additional videos in the series.

Keywords

💡Isidore-Auguste-Marie-François-Xavier Comte

Isidore-Auguste-Marie-François-Xavier Comte, commonly known as Auguste Comte, is recognized as the father of modern sociology. He is credited with coining the term 'sociology' and believed that social interactions could be studied scientifically. In the video, Comte is mentioned as the foundational figure for the discipline, emphasizing the scientific approach to understanding society.

💡Sociology

Sociology is the scientific study of society, patterns of social relationships, social interaction, and culture that surrounds everyday life. It is a broad and diverse discipline that employs both qualitative and quantitative methods. The video explains that sociology encompasses the study of various aspects of human culture and interaction, from individual behaviors to global phenomena.

💡Social Sciences

Social Sciences are academic disciplines concerned with society and the relationships among individuals within a society. The video mentions sociology as one of the disciplines under the social sciences umbrella, which also includes anthropology, economics, linguistics, political science, and history. These fields often rely on survey data, interviews, and other qualitative measures for research.

💡Qualitative Methods

Qualitative methods in research refer to the collection and analysis of non-numerical data, such as words, observations, and audio-visual material. The video highlights that sociology makes use of both qualitative and quantitative methods, with qualitative methods allowing for a deeper understanding of human culture and communication.

💡Quantitative Methods

Quantitative methods involve the collection of numerical data and the use of statistical tools for analysis. The script notes that sociology is a discipline that employs both qualitative and quantitative methods to understand various human behaviors and social phenomena.

💡Sociological Research

Sociological research involves the systematic investigation of social phenomena using various research methods. The video emphasizes the rigor of sociological research, which, despite its subjectivity compared to natural sciences, requires creativity and careful analysis to understand complex human interactions.

💡Specialization

Specialization in sociology refers to focusing on a particular area or aspect of social behavior for in-depth study. The video script mentions that sociologists often specialize, such as in feminist, criminal, industrial, or environmental sociology, allowing them to delve deeper into specific areas of interest.

💡Bachelor of Arts (BA)

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Sociology typically emphasizes the liberal arts and is geared towards understanding people and applying that knowledge in various industries. The video explains the subtle differences between a BA and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Sociology, with the BA focusing more on the humanities.

💡Bachelor of Science (BS)

A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Sociology is often more focused on research and methodology. According to the video, this degree is ideal for those who wish to pursue advanced degrees or be involved in sociology research.

💡Career Opportunities

The video outlines various career opportunities available to sociology majors, such as analysts, teachers, statisticians, and public policy analysts. It emphasizes the broad set of analytic and communication skills that sociology students acquire, which can be applied to many different fields and roles.

💡Graduate Studies

Graduate studies refer to education beyond a bachelor's degree, such as a Master's or PhD program. The script suggests that pursuing graduate studies can be beneficial for sociology majors, especially if they wish to conduct research or specialize further in the field.

Highlights

Isidore-Auguste-Marie-François-Xavier Comte is considered a father of modern Sociology and coined the term.

Comte suggested social interactions could be studied like scientific phenomena.

Sociology is a broad, diverse, and dynamic discipline using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Sociologists study everything from individual behaviors to global social phenomena.

Sociology is part of the social sciences, which rely on survey data, interviews, and qualitative measures.

Sociology research is rigorous but faces challenges due to the complexity of human subjects.

Sociology majors study a mix of humanities and sciences, including research methods and statistics.

Sociologists often specialize in areas such as feminist, criminal, industrial, and environmental sociology.

A Bachelor of Arts in Sociology focuses more on liberal arts, while a Bachelor of Science emphasizes research and methodology.

Studying sociology develops valuable skills like critical thinking, data analysis, and research design.

Sociology majors can pursue careers in various fields, including market research, public relations, and human resources.

A sociology degree can lead to roles in social work, legal assistance, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

To become a sociologist, further education beyond a bachelor's degree is usually required.

Sociology can be paired with other majors or minors, offering flexibility for students.

The study of sociology can lead to a rewarding career path and help students become informed citizens.

Sociology graduates can find career possibilities in various fields, applying their analytical and communication skills.

The American Sociological Association and the International Sociological Association are professional organizations for sociologists.

Transcripts

French philosopher  Isidore-Auguste-Marie-François-Xavier Comte  

is considered by many to be a father of modern  Sociology and the person who coined the term. With  

a name that long, you're bound to question the  social structures that committed you to a lifetime  

of hand-cramps when filling out paperwork! But actually, born into the tumultuous end  

of the French Revolution, Comte suggested  that social interactions could be studied  

in the same way that we study the laws  of physics or other scientific phenomena. 

Like any field of knowledge, sociology as a whole  was built up by many other folks over the years,  

including Karl Marx, Emile  Durkheim, and W.E.B. DuBois. 

And today, sociology is a broad, diverse,  and dynamic discipline that makes use of  

both qualitative and quantitative methods  to understand human culture, communication,  

criminal justice, economics, education,  conflict, religion, and more. 

Sociologists study everything  from where revolutions come from,  

to how individual people  get swayed by group values,  

to when the internet changed how we communicate. Intrigued? Then you’ve come to the right place!

Hi, I’m Erica Brozovsky,  and welcome to Fast Guides,  

a Study Hall series presented in partnership  with Arizona State University and Crash Course.  

In this episode, we’ll be talking about Sociology.

The word sociology comes from the Latin socius,  meaning “comrade or ally,” and the Greek logia,  

meaning “the study of.” So, really,  sociology is the study of people and  

how individuals and groups of all sizes  interact and try to behave collectively. 

So in sociology, you might study something as  

everyday as the small talk between  two strangers in a grocery store,  

as huge as the behavior of different countries  during a global conflict, or anything in between. 

Sociology is just one of many related disciplines  under the umbrella of social sciences,  

including anthropology, economics, linguistics,  political science, and history. And research in  

the social sciences often relies on survey data,  interviews, and other qualitative measures,  

so sociology can be seen as more subjective  than disciplines like physics or biology. 

But sociology research is very rigorous too!  It’s just tricky to gather objective data on  

human subjects, who think and interact in so many  complex ways. You can’t measure someone’s mood as  

precisely as you can measure the temperature of  a chemical solution, so you have to get creative! 

Maybe you want to explore how social media  is changing how we interact, or the pros and  

cons of online dating. Or maybe you’re curious  about another facet of culture, whether it’s the  

trends that come from the fashion industry  or the different linguistic dialects people  

use to talk to each other. Or maybe you just  want to know why we care so much about sports! 

Sociology touches on so many aspects of how  we relate to each other at an interpersonal  

and global level, and it’s become a  vital discipline in today’s world.

So coursework for sociology majors  gives you a taste of the humanities  

and the sciences. You’ll likely start off  with introductory courses in sociology  

where you’ll tackle topics like race,  gender, and modern social problems  

alongside your general education requirements  like intro courses to English or College Math. 

Later in your studies, you might delve into  research methods and a few statistics courses  

because to be a good sociologist, you  need to know how to create surveys,  

develop observation methods, perform  analyses, and conduct careful research. 

Along this journey, you can figure out what kinds  of human interactions interest you the most,  

because like a lot of researchers,  sociologists often specialize rather than  

trying to tackle every single question out there. For example, there are electives like feminist,  

criminal, industrial, and environmental sociology.  Or you might want to go broader with classes like  

social inequality, or critical inquiry. Some sociology programs may even let you  

declare a specific concentration to help you learn  more deeply with other students and teachers who  

share your interests. So if you really find your  niche in how people interact with legal systems,  

you could focus on the sociology of law. Or if you’re most interested in how people  

live in different societies and cultures,  you might focus on social anthropology. 

Many schools offer both a Bachelor of Arts  and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology,  

and the differences can be subtle. So don’t stress  too much over which type of degree is for you. 

In general, the BA degree typically  focuses more heavily on liberal arts.  

It’s often a good fit for those who want  to understand people better and apply that  

knowledge to their future careers in all kinds  of industries. And the BS degree is often more  

focused on research and methodology and is usually  ideal for those who want to pursue more advanced  

degrees or be involved in sociology research. But no matter what courses you take, studying  

sociology will help you learn valuable skills  that apply within and outside of the discipline,  

like the ability to ask deep questions and  develop explanations, analyze and interpret data,  

and design and conduct research. You’ll hone your communication and  

presentation skills, and maybe you’ll feel  a little more equipped to be a human who has  

to navigate complex interactions every single  day. It’s not easy, with or without a degree!

And if you’re thinking about majoring  in sociology, you’re in good company.  

Famous sociology majors include  former first lady Michelle Obama,  

author Saul Bellow, and even the  sex educator Dr. Ruth Westheimer. 

Really, sociology is a great major for  those who are fascinated by human behavior  

or have the curiosity to ask a lot of questions  about the world instead of passively living in it. 

So sociology also pairs well as a double  major or minor with fields like Social Policy,  

Public Service, or Community Advocacy  that also deal heavily with people. 

But there are plenty of other subjects with  shared course requirements or overlapping  

elective options, like political science,  anthropology, or education, to name a few.

Now, sociology is often thought of as one  of those majors that some students choose  

because they aren’t sure what else to do, or  they think it sounds easy. And in those cases,  

those students might struggle when they encounter  statistics, research methods, and the need  

to hone serious critical thinking skills. So if you choose to major in sociology (or  

any major, really), it’s good to know what  you’re getting into. Sociology has lots of  

interesting applications in the modern world that  can lead you down a rewarding career path and help  

you become an informed citizen. But the rigor  may take you by surprise if you’re unprepared. 

Some sociology majors will pursue careers  as analysts, teachers, statisticians,  

or public policy analysts. Because of this, it  may be helpful to choose a part of sociology to  

concentrate on, like I mentioned before,  or even a second major or minor. But  

this kind of focus can also mean being prepared  for a larger workload and more courses. 

Overall, one of the nice things about a  bachelor’s degree in sociology is that you  

learn a broad set of analytic and communication  skills that connect to many different fields and  

roles. So if you find yourself part-way through  your sociology studies and wanting to change  

majors, you may be able to easily pivot and apply  many of your skills and credits to psychology,  

political science, anthropology,  or other social science fields.

But if you do stick with sociology,  you’ll also have many different  

career possibilities open to you. Like paralegals and legal assistants  

who support lawyers by organizing files,  conducting legal research, drafting documents, and  

scheduling interviews, meetings, and depositions. Your understanding of people and relationships  

will come in handy as you deal with  sensitive materials and conflict. 

Paralegals and legal assistants may work  for corporate lawyers or personal attorneys,  

and talking about salaries is hard because so  much can change year to year and it depends on  

what location you’re in, but as of 2021 they  earn an average of about $53,000 per year. 

Or you might explore becoming a market  research analyst and study market conditions  

in various industries, attempting to identify  business opportunities for sales and services. 

Sociology majors can be great in this field due to  their skills in understanding people’s motivations  

and habits. They often work for companies that  rely on sociology-related research for product  

development and growth like corporations  or public health organizations. And as of  

2021 the median annual salary for market  researchers is about $66,000 per year. 

Or public relations specialists help many  companies and organizations maintain a  

positive public image by creating campaigns,  delivering speeches, or making press releases. And  

they earn an average of almost $63,000 per year. And diversity, equity, and inclusion specialists  

have been an increasingly huge priority  in recent years, and are responsible for  

ensuring equitable practices within organizations. Their jobs may include creating programs to help  

existing employees deconstruct biases, making  workplaces less toxic for non-dominant groups,  

or instituting programs to help a wider variety  of people access careers that historically  

shut them out. The average diversity  officer earns around $74,000 per year. 

Or human resource specialists are responsible  for planning, coordinating, and directing various  

administrative functions within an organization.  After all, “human” is right in the job title,  

and they need to understand social behaviors  in order to support a bunch of human employees. 

Though you might need specific human resources  training, human resource specialists may help  

recruit, interview, and onboard new employees,  handle compensation and benefits, and manage  

employee disputes. The median human resources  specialist earns around $63,000 per year. 

Also, sociology and social work are  often lumped together in people’s minds,  

and becoming a social worker is something  people with sociology degrees can consider. 

Social workers help protect vulnerable individuals  and families that need help with things like  

finding housing, accessing community services, or  treating behavioral and emotional health issues. 

But you are not a social worker after graduating  with a sociology degree, and you’ll probably need  

additional education to truly be a social worker.  That said, it’s often hard work, but can be very  

rewarding to assist folks who can be marginalized  by dominant societal structures. The median social  

worker earns around $52,000 per year. And if you do want to have the more  

specific – and a little more rare – job  title of sociologist, you’ll probably be  

conducting research for universities or  political organizations. But you’ll need  

to do more than earning your bachelor’s degree,  and you should plan on going to graduate school. 

In general, after earning a bachelor's degree  in sociology, you may also want to continue your  

studies in a Masters or PhD graduate program.  Besides straight-up sociology, you can also  

explore other paths like a Master of Social Work,  Education, Urban Planning, or even law school. 

You may also take online classes and  certificate programs, or you might join a  

professional organization such as the American  Sociological Association or the International  

Sociological Association to stay in the loop  on new developments in the field of sociology.

No matter what career you choose, sociology  can be incredibly rewarding and you’ll make  

old Isidore-Auguste-Marie-François-Xavier  Comte proud by carrying on the legacy. I mean,  

probably. He’s been dead a long time.  But sociology is still thriving today! 

People and all the ways we talk and work  together and create culture and just…live  

are fascinating. During my degree,  I specialized in socio-linguistics  

because I wanted to study the sociological parts  of language for that very reason. So if you too  

are fascinated by humans and everything that  we do, sociology might be the major for you!

Thanks for watching. And if you want to  look beyond Sociology for a possible major,  

check out our other videos to look into more  majors to find the one that’s right for you! 

This series is part of the Study  Hall program, a partnership between  

Arizona State University and Crash Course. If you liked this video, or found it helpful,  

give it a like and comment and let us know  how you chose your degree, or how you’re  

struggling to choose a degree, or what you wish  you’d known before you started your degree.