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Generally speaking I believe sociology by definition is a science that tackles issues affecting an individual’s life and how the issues generate a response. I also strongly support the idea that sociology is a science. This is as a result of using methodological study in learning about the human behavior. Fascinatingly enough its fields of interest seem to be manipulated by common emerging trends in the world. They include popular trends fashions and new ideas (Kuhn, 2010).

After studying the science keenly I realized the human psychology is very delicate where a slight experience can cause insurmountable impact on one’s life. Distortion of family dynamics, personal growth and group behavior can occur due to the sensitivity of the human psychology. Anthony Giddens a renowned sociologist defined sociology as the scientific study of mankind’s social life societies and groups (Comte, 2010).The study however covers a wide scope ranging from the growth of Islamic fundamentalism to the scrutiny of passing encounters.

In my opinion before the discovery of modern science and sociology many people thought that spirits and gods were responsible for natural events such as earthquakes. After the discovery of sociology that dealt with family matters culture religion language and poverty people became more intelligent (Tischler, 2011). I will discuss all this aspects in detail but first we will need to discuss the reason why both you and I need to understand sociology and the benefits resulting from understanding the science.

The main reason why we study sociology is because the science has an impact on our lives daily. If the study is taken earnestly valuable modules and lessons to improve our lives will be generated. The Science is intended to make tomorrow a better place for our children. Remarkably also the study of the mortal human behavior benefits the whole world. After studying sociology certain characteristics have started influencing me (Heywood, 2007). Where of late I have been very keen on appreciating and considering other people’s perceptions .Rather than assuming my own perspective is unquestionable and perfect. Taking other people’s ideas for granted is a thing of the past now.

My reasoning after studying sociology grew astonishingly. I was able to understand other people in a better way. This intelligence could be useful especially in the working environment. Employees who have an idea or have learnt sociology in most occasions have a unique form of bond with their bosses. Production from my point of view is also increased (Newberg, 2011).

To acquire a vibrant understanding of the society certain sociological theories were formulated to assist in the study. The most well-known theories are three namely functionalism, conflict and symbolic internationalism theories. Functionalism focuses on the whole society. Conflict theory focuses on a specific group in the society and finally the Symbol Interactional deals with personalities within the group (Barkan, 2012).

The symbolic interactionism perspective as I believe directs sociologists to contemplate the details and symbols of life. George Mead H an American philosopher introduced the perspective in America. The theory traces its origin from the Max Weber’s contention. The contention insinuates that people make decisions based on their interpretation of what their world revolves around on (Brunner, 2011). Individuals assign different meanings to symbols evidently shown by the verbal conversations. Spoken words act like predominant symbols meaning that words require interpretation and intention. A conversation according to the theory is an intermingling of symbols between constant world interpreters of the world.

A Symbolic interactionism has solemn interests on how people behave .Even before striving to define the means used by people to allocate their own symbols. Symbolic interactionism in my own point of view however disregards the macro level or the big picture in social interpretation. In simple terms the theory may be left out in recognizing mega issues affecting the society by focusing on the minute matters (Murdock, 2008). My second criticism on the approach is its rather weak swaying capabilities on institutions and social forces.

The second theory is known as the functionalist perspective which I believe insinuates that every trait of the society is interdependent. The government offers education to children belonging to a certain family the family in return pays taxes that maintain the state. I keenly observe that the family relies on the school to ensure the children are well educated. This is to ensure respectable jobs are acquired by the children after growing up. Later the children will in return also pay taxes after reaching adult hood and maintain the government (Durkheim, 2011).

The perspective considers consensus to be the pillar of the society. The social consensus is divided into two sections namely the mechanical solidarity and the organic solidarity. The two were established by Emile Durkheim an eminent sociologist. My criticism on the approach is its neglect on undesirable functions such as divorce (Jones, 2009). I strongly disagree with its justification of complacency and the status quo in the society. The theory seems to discourage active involvement in the transformation of the social environment which is intended to be beneficial.

The last theory is known as the conflict theory with its origins dating way back to writings by Karl Marx’s. This approach according to me is rather mind provoking since unlike the rest it concentrates on the negative challenged society. The theory proves its marvelous intention when it agrees to challenge the status quo and encourage social change. The frequently changing nature of the society is due to the conflicting agendas and values among the imbalanced groups (Comte, 2010).

Sociology also deals also with family matters. A family is a lesser social group of individuals who are either related by affection or by ancestry. They may live in the same residence and have an ongoing emotional bondage. When I observed America for instance I noticed their evolution of the traditional family system (Heywood, 2007). Currently the existing one is that of a couple and their kids but in recent years as I learnt in historical books most generations lived together in a common residential area.

Another astonishing discovery that I discovered is that extremists such as Hitler, Osama and Bush were able to manipulate both you and I after establishing the power of sociology. The extremists discovered the supremacy acquired after gathering the strength of public opinion. They later used it to their advantage thus enabling them to manipulate both you and me into doing whatever they wanted us to do (Kuhn, 2010).

Religion is another aspect involved in Sociology. Am sure you are wondering what relationship exists between the two. I will answer your query with the most suitable answer which is that religious faith has almost similar results with sociology on a person. I strongly believe in religion. I am sure defining it as a unified or cohesive system of practices and beliefs that relate to what is presumed to be sacred is the perfect definition (Brunner, 2011). Being a Christian by faith does not mean I do not respect other religions such as Buddhism Hindu and Islam in fact my knowledge on sociology has helped me appreciate them. You will be surprised to learn that most religions share common aspects like rituals.

Language is another aspect in sociology that I believe is very crucial especially in matters involving social relations. I discovered that interactions take up a linguistic form. Language is very vital where matters of organization or distribution are mentioned. I believe by now you have understood how important the language is not only for interaction purposes but also for a course like sociology. Detecting a societal disturbance then becomes an easy task since you can notice a change in dialect or language (Murdock, 2008).

I will conclude by saying that activities such as relationships, lifestyles and technology affect an individual’s behavior. Recently technology has proved to be on top of the list of innovations that has many positive and negative consequences on an individual (Jones, 2009). Sociology nevertheless has shown a marvelous job of trying to help us understand ourselves extensively. In my opinion everyone should be given a chance to study the splendid course.

References

Kuhn. T .2010. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Comte, A. 2001. Sociology 4th ed. Cambridge: Polity Press.

Tischler, H. L. 2011. Sociological Research Methods. Retrieved from <www.fdbond.com/Sociology>

Heywood, A. 2007 Politics 3rd ed. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.

Newberg, A .2011. Religious Experiences Shrink Part of the Brain, retrieved from <http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=religious-experiences-shrink-part-of-brain>

Barkan, S. 2012. Sociology: Understanding and Changing the Social World, retrieved from http://www.flatworldknowledge.com/pub/1.0/sociology-understanding-and-ch/364125

Brunner, Dr. 2011, The Function and Dysfunction of Religion in our Secular State, retrieved from <http://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/religion_and_conflict>

Murdock, G. (2008). Social Structure. New York: The MacMillan Company.

Durkheim, E. (2011). The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life. New York: The press.

Jones, R. A. (2009, March 19). Durkheim homepage. Retrieved from The Durkheim Pages:

<http:/www.durkheim.uchicago.edu/index.html.org>