sociology essay example

sociology essay example

The Role of Sociology in Understanding and Addressing Social Issues

1. Introduction to Sociology and its Importance

Many students, individuals, and society may question the importance of sociology in addressing and finding solutions to social problems. Sociology provides the framework within which it is possible to find the root of social issues and problems, measure, and educate. Sociology is not a discipline committed to addressing symptoms but examining root causes for social problems. This chapter will define sociology, the history of sociology, and the history of the discipline with respect to key attributes of sociology, important to understanding and addressing social problems. Sociological thinking and the importance of sociology will be discussed, as well as informing readers about the importance of sociology and how the contributions of sociological theorists contribute to a new year, a new decade, and beyond to a new era for sociology. From sociological theory, solutions to social issues may blossom and provide the means to bring equity and justice to individuals, societies, communities, and nations around the world.

In the twenty-first century, in a global society, sociology and sociological theory are essential to understand, find meaning, and pursue solutions for social problems and complex social issues. Each year, the World Economic Forum ranks societies based upon twelve objectives and two components of well-being: individual well-being and social well-being. These objectives and components provide a multi-faceted approach to the social structure, social issues, and social problems of societies around the world. Money is considered a means to bring individuals, societies, and communities together in order to bring awareness and solutions to social issues.

2. Key Sociological Theories and Concepts

Many sociologists writing on Social Change appeared to throw back at the proponents of Adam Smith and David Ricardo – more wealth created as the industrial revolution proceeded – the questions of who got what, how and why. More often than not, society did not benefit equitably. It is rather clear that the removal of absolute poverty and/or distribution of wealth is not the responsibility of business. Their responsibility is to generate profits for business and improve wealth for shareholders. Moralistic, philanthropic, power manipulative, or “lies-to-self-or-clients-CSR” Corporate Social Responsibility do tend to inspire Big Business, but in reality, every business entity must operate in an ethical and responsible manner or step down from its principal role quickly for others to step in.

One of the first social theories in the field of sociology that took root in the imagination of society at large was that of Herbert Spencer’s “Social Darwinism”. Spencer, as well as Charles Darwin himself, described the concept of “survival of the fittest” as being vital to the existence of society – it is not cooperation but competition that shapes human social interaction. Natural resources are limited and therefore competition is integral to both the evolution of a species and, by extension, human society. Through industrial revolutions and subsequent globalization, economics for the “common good and the elimination of poverty with the creation of wealth or increase of money” became the central premise for society.

3. Application of Sociology in Addressing Social Issues

Of course, it must be underscored that a critical view of social issues is not reserved for sociologists only. Many scholars in other fields of study are deeply concerned with social issues. The sociological emphasis here is that the study of sociology is unique in that concerns about social issues are inherent to our endeavors. Each of the areas that we have discussed here underscores the argument that sociology serves an essential function in considering the resolution of social issues in present-day society. Ignorance about these issues may lead to personal blame, the perpetuation of myths, or the unintended consequences of improved legislation. With a fundamental understanding of the societal conditions of many of these issues, sociologists possess a tested blueprint, grounded in enlightening knowledge, from which to inform their thinking.

Understanding, being aware of, and recognizing the presence of various social issues that permeate everyday life are necessary conditions for social change. Given the general social structure of the United States today, many sociologists argue that the discipline of sociology is compulsory in the understanding of social issues. With their trained sociological imagination, sociologists can help take the discussions of gritty social issues from a place of contentious conversation, characterized by personal attacks and often gridlocked positions, to a higher place of mutual understanding where reasoned dialogue can occur and perhaps remedies may be found. By examining the societal conditions of many of these issues, sociologists underscore not just one facet or a single personal incident of a particular trouble but rather the entire institution that may be in need of restructuring.

4. Case Studies and Examples of Sociology in Action

According to Durkheim, crime is an integral part of society. Crime can serve the hidden function of indicating that something is wrong by indicating where the moral borders of society are. He was the first to suggest that organizations grow too large and unwieldy and end up disillusioning the individuals who make them so powerful. The actions of these organizations create chaos. Others follow those in power by the sanctimonious pretense of demanding justice and retribution, which only adds to the chaos. Through the observation of the limitations of a society built around inequality, Durkheim was able to develop his own theory of crime understanding that centering a society’s aims on the sacred is not enough. Durkheim argues that the obsession with power, with sacredness, is ultimately creating the chaos that tears apart the social fabric and peace.

The connection between crime and the impact of a changing and unequal society has been noticed since the creation of criminological thought. Indeed, since the early birth of sociology as a science, sociologists have been at the forefront of research on crime patterns. Research on crime patterns initially started to spark in the late 19th century. The work of one of the main founders of sociology, Emile Durkheim, played a rather important role in stimulating academic interest in the subject. Durkheim was the first to call for the study of crime patterns and the social conditions that had an impact on the strains that push individuals to commit criminal acts.

Crime: How Did We Get Here?

5. Conclusion and Future Directions

We believe that sociological research that is relevant can serve as an important mechanism for fostering the sort of relevant knowledge needed by activists concerned with social justice. This work can help to challenge the status quo by drawing attention to ways in which changes in the status quo, in social policy, in social institutions or in social culture can lead to improvements in human welfare and wellbeing. It is therefore incumbent upon sociology to continue to provide new and deeply critical analyses of the social world in general, and social issues in particular, to present new things to think about and understand.

As we have demonstrated in this chapter, the sociological perspective is vital in helping us to understand the social condition. By drawing attention to the importance of social structures, institutional arrangements, groups, cultural norms, and social deviance, sociology provides us with the conceptual tools we need to explore and address contemporary social problems. Through its commitment to social justice, and by engaging in research in which the knowledge produced can be used to improve the human condition, sociology offers unique insights and knowledge that make it one of the most impactful academic disciplines. By focusing on the importance of understanding social issues within a broader societal context, it is clear that sociology is able to make a unique and distinct contribution to how we and our students live and work together.