The Present State Of Sociology - Essay Example

Running Head: Observing the Present of Sociology Observing the Present of Sociology In terms of approaching a general understanding of the world itself, as well as the interaction between those who inhabit it, would be the consideration of sociology. From a standpoint of definition, sociology would be the study of society at large. The way(s) in which groupings of the general populous, seek to interact with one another and how that would illustrate the general landscape of life as most know it. Such a study would possess a considerable level of appeal, in that by completing such research, the reviewer(s), would be able to come away with the potential benefit of understanding the world and those around them that much better. The level of study, in terms of this subject matter, would provide for a vast level of research potential. As studies would be completed throughout history, in assessing the capabilities of human beings as a race, “Humans are the most complex creatures on the planet,” (Sociology, n.d., para.1). With the level of complexity suggested, in terms of the reference noted, it would serve to elude that, such richness seen in the human condition in the form of the various layers present, would provide for incredible reasons to research the overall subject, with the present possibility of many things learned afterward. For one thing, “The society in which we live has a lot to do with our choices in food, clothing, music, schooling, jobs, and just about everything else,” (Macionis, 2009, p.2). This would fall within the notion of Sociology Today, in that it would outline the level at which sociology itself, would maintain itself level of influence throughout. A considerable amount of decisions made by individuals, would ultimately find the influence of the greater society to be great, in terms of its ability to influence. It is more than possible, for anyone within a society, to observe the events and/or other people around them, in a sociological manner. At the heart of the matter, “Sociology shows us that our place in society shapes our life experiences,” (Macionis, 2009, p. 5). For many individuals, they often times find themselves in the position of re-evaluating elements of their respective lives and as the citation asserts sociology in itself would provide the means of being able to do just that. To be able to make the decisions necessary, if needed that would in return, place the individual(s) on the right path toward the future that they would wish to be on. The study of sociology would evolve over time and possess the appearance that it would have at the present time. The study of why and how humans act the way they elect to do so, would find many followers over the course of human history. As far as the text would allude to, especially within the first seven chapters, the study of Sociology, would have a wealth of capability in terms of the information that it would provide answers to. The ability to look at society as a whole, as well as those who interact with each other on a daily basis and how a clearer understanding of an individual from an internal standpoint can be achieved. Also, the ability to utilize the information gathered and translates that into a better understanding of the multiple aspects that encompass societal engagement and life in general. An emphasis played upon culture and how the diverse culture present within the United States, for example, would make it the unique country that it would be. Despite the fact that the definitions of culture and sociology being different in literal form, there inherent meaning, would fall together with one another, in terms of what they would mean to one another and what they would also mean to the bigger picture of better understanding. The sociological landscape that an individual comes from, can lead to the formation and allegiance to, of a specific set of beliefs that would be held with passion and conviction. Human beings do in fact exhibit inherent behavioral characteristics that define themselves and align them to the respective cultures that they would hail from. The act of socializing, or socialization, is something that, while extremely common, is also possible to not consider each and every time a discussion may arise. “Sociologists use the term socialization to refer to the lifelong social experience by which people develop their human potential and learn culture,” (Macionis, 2009, p.72). The comparison between socialization and the study of sociology today would be the similarity in the alluding to the continued development of human nature and how the culture around them can in fact influence the growth and continued learning. Various individuals, such as Freud, would perform studies that would look at the link(s) between socialization and human nature. The stages created in such studies, would come together to form the bigger picture of humans and their responses to stimuli, both internal as well as external. Within a study of sociology, it would come to the forefront that, to a large degree, individuals within most societies, to whatever level, would place consideration upon the question of position held within the societies they reside in; otherwise known as what status they may hold. It is this type of issue that would form how individuals would not only look at themselves but also, how they would respond toward others that they would encounter. The positions held in life ultimately changes over the course of time. Despite the inevitable evolution that the positions held would see that would fail to change the level of importance that the issue itself would have. The society positions that individuals may have during the time frame that they would be alive, would be classified in terms of the events surrounding the individual receiving such a position within the society. While each position would hold a meaning that may differ than another, all positions held within a society, would have an underlying importance nonetheless. Most human beings are faced with the desire to feel as if they would be a part of something. Another issue mentioned within the text, would be the issue of Social Groups. From a definition standpoint, “A social group is two or more people who identify with and interact with one another,” (Macionis, 2009, p. 122). In order to achieve success in the very tasks that are taken on during a day-to-day basis of living life, it would be essential to be able to interact well with others, so from a sociological view, social groups would be one of the many ingredients necessary for this to be possible. The culture of the human condition, would find a dominant introduction of the consideration of sexuality, to be considerable throughout the discussions taken on. With the influence of sexuality, it would find itself in terms of how an individual would approach their fellow society members, when given the opportunity to do so. While many individuals for the most part, would choose to follow within the confides of the societal expectations placed upon them, in some instances, they may wish to go askew from those expectations, or as mentioned in Chapter 7 of the text, would elect to deviate from those provisions. The findings obtained through the chapters of the text, would be interlinked with the events experienced through the course of life. Any individual person, to whatever degree, would find themselves at points in time, where the research illustrated, would serve as a means of answering questions that may occur about issues that would arise. From time to time, individuals interact with one another and for the reasons mentioned, can find their interactions occur in such a manner that would lead for further thought and desire for greater awareness. All human beings reside within cultures that influence them in degrees. Cultures that retain their dominance and enact their influence in ways that influence the lives of those in question, who live within the boundaries of the culture that they would call home. Everything would evolve over time, including the ability to understand the very things that make human beings and their cultures act the way they do. To understand the influences present that would motivate the end result. As an individual would reach points of time in life, whatever position they may have, would be cause for self-reflection, in terms of how that position may, or may not in some cases, aid them in their quest for being seen in the best possible light by the rest of those that share their cultural lineage. The study of sociology, from the beginning of time and through the present day, would be a source of powerful information. The opportunity to understand who we are as a race, how we align ourselves amongst others in terms of cultural distinction and how such alliances, would serve to move the cultural civilization as a whole, into the future. A future that, while some aspects may appear to remain uncertain, one thing would still remain relevant and important to keep close. Sociology is the central study of the very things that human should know in order to not only understand their internal nature but also the ability to approach the world in the most effective way. After all, it is defined as, “The study of human social behavior, especially the study of the origins, organization, institutions, and development of human society,” (“Definition”, 2009, para.1). Human behavior would remain inherent during the course of history and the development of human society, would enable the further understanding of present events occurring. References “Definition of Sociology”. (2009). American Heritage Dictionary. Retrieved from http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/sociology Macionis, John J. (2009). Society: The Basics. Ed: 10th. Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458. Pages used: 2,5,77 & 122. Sociology and Society Today. (n.d.). “Applying Sociology Within Various Society Levels”. Section- Applied Sociology. 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