1.

Introduction:*

While common sense and sociology are interconnected in their application to understanding
human behavior and society, they significantly diverge in their methods, purposes, and depths of
analysis. Common sense is characterized by personal, subjective understandings based on
individual experiences and cultural norms, often relying on intuition and stereotypes. In contrast,
sociology is an academic discipline that employs systematic, scientific methods to study society,
human behavior, and social institutions.

Reference:

Giddens, A., Duneier, M., Appelbaum, R.P., & Carr, D. (2017). Introduction to Sociology.
New York: W.W. Norton & Company.

2. *Definition of Common Sense:*

Common sense refers to the set of beliefs and knowledge that people consider to be self-
evident, universally true, and applicable in daily life. It encompasses the intuitive, seemingly
straightforward understanding of how the world works, derived from personal experiences,
cultural norms, and shared wisdom within a community. Common sense guides everyday
decisions and interactions without the need for systematic investigation or evidence. For
example, common sense suggests that hard work leads to success, implying a direct correlation
between effort and reward.

*Reference:*

Macionis, J.J. (2018). Sociology (16th Edition). Boston: Pearson.

3. *Definition of Sociology:*

Sociology, on the other hand, is the systematic study of society, social relationships, and
patterns of behavior. It employs scientific methods to gather, analyze, and interpret data about
the social world. Sociologists question and critically examine the assumptions of common sense,
uncovering the complexities, contradictions, and underlying social structures that shape human
behavior and societal outcomes. For instance, a sociological examination of the relationship
between hard work and success might reveal how social class, education, race, and other factors
influence this dynamic, challenging the simplistic cause-and-effect assumption of common
sense.
 *Reference:*

Ritzer, G., & Stepnisky, J. (2017). Sociological Theory (10th Edition). New York: McGraw-
Hill Education.

4. *Approach to Understanding Social Phenomena:*

One of the fundamental differences between common sense and sociology is the approach to
understanding social phenomena. Common sense relies on anecdotal evidence and
generalizations that may not be universally applicable or accurate. It is often resistant to change
and can perpetuate stereotypes and biases. Sociology, by contrast, seeks to base its conclusions
on empirical evidence, collected and analyzed through rigorous research methods. This scientific
approach enables sociology to uncover patterns and causal relationships that are not immediately
apparent, offering insights that can lead to social change and policy development.

*Reference:*

Brym, R.J., & Lie, J. (2017). Sociology: Your Compass for a New World. Boston: Cengage
Learning.

5. *Scope of Inquiry:*

Another distinction lies in the scope of inquiry. Common sense is often localized, reflecting the
specific cultural, historical, and environmental context of a community. Its application is
therefore limited to familiar settings and situations. Sociology, in contrast, aims to develop
theories that can explain social phenomena across different contexts and cultures. By comparing
and contrasting societies, sociologists can identify universal patterns and unique cultural
differences, enriching our understanding of human behavior and social organization.

*Reference:*

Giddens, A., Duneier, M., Appelbaum, R.P., & Carr, D. (2017). Introduction to Sociology.
New York: W.W. Norton & Company.
6. *Goals of Common Sense and Sociology:*

The difference between common sense and sociology is also evident in their respective goals.
The primary aim of common sense is to navigate daily life and maintain social order within a
community. Sociology, while also concerned with understanding social behavior, strives to
generate knowledge that can improve societal conditions, inform public policy, and promote
social justice. Through its critical lens, sociology challenges taken-for-granted assumptions and
encourages a more reflective, informed engagement with the world.

*Reference:*

Macionis, J.J. (2018). Sociology (16th Edition). Boston: Pearson.

7. *Conclusion:*

In conclusion, while common sense and sociology both contribute to our understanding of
society, they do so in fundamentally different ways. Common sense offers immediate, intuitive
guidance for daily living, grounded in personal experience and cultural norms. Sociology,
through its scientific approach and critical perspective, provides a deeper, evidence-based
understanding of social structures, patterns, and processes. By questioning common sense
assumptions and investigating the complex interplay of factors that shape social life, sociology
enhances our ability to address societal challenges and work toward a more equitable and just
world.

*Reference:*

Ritzer, G., & Stepnisky, J. (2017). Sociological Theory (10th Edition). New York: McGraw-
Hill Education. http://socyberty.com/sociology/sociology-and-common-sense/#ixzz15ZsrEHwe
Introduction:

Common sense and sociology represent two distinct approaches to understand the social world.
Common sense is characterized by personal, subjective understandings based on individual
experiences and cultural norms, often relying on intuition and stereotypes. In contrast, sociology
is an academic discipline that employs systematic, scientific methods to study society, human
behavior, and social institutions. Sociological inquiry aims for a deeper, objective understanding,
emphasizing macro-level analysis and considering the complexity of social phenomena.

Reference:

Giddens, A., Duneier, M., Appelbaum, R.P., & Carr, D. (2017). Introduction to Sociology.
New York: W.W. Norton & Company

The Differences between Sociology and Common Sense

Level of Analysis:

The level of analysis differs significantly between common sense and sociology. Common sense
primarily focuses on individual experiences and explanations at a surface level. It tends to
provide immediate, intuitive understandings of the social world, drawing on personal
perspectives. On the other hand, sociology places a strong emphasis on macro-level analysis,
examining patterns, structures, and institutions. Sociological investigations delve into the broader
context of social phenomena, going beyond individual experiences to uncover underlying social
dynamics.

Consider an argument between two individuals. Common sense might focus on their personal
experiences and immediate reasons for the disagreement, while sociology would look at broader
societal patterns and structures influencing their perspectives.

Reference:

Hess, B. B., & Markson, E. W. (2010). Research Methods in Sociology, Pine Forge Press

Objectivity vs. subjectivity

Objectivity and systematic inquiry are crucial distinctions between common sense and sociology.
Common sense is inherently subjective, influenced by personal biases, cultural beliefs, and
lacking systematic inquiry. In contrast, sociology strives for objectivity by using systematic
research methods, various theories, and empirical evidence to analyze social phenomena. This
commitment to scientific rigor enhances the reliability and credibility of sociological findings
compared to the more subjective nature of common sense. In a workplace, if a manager relies on
their intuition and personal beliefs to make decisions about employee promotions without
considering systematic evaluation criteria, it reflects common sense. In contrast, a sociological
approach would involve objective, systematic performance assessments.

Reference:

Babbie, E. R. (2016). The Practice of Social Research. Cengage Learning

Sociology indeed plays a crucial role in deepening and broadening our understanding of society
through systematic comparisons. This is a distinct advantage over common sense, which lacks
the tools and techniques for such systematic investigations. Sociology's comparative approach
allows researchers to analyze similarities and differences between societies, shedding light on
patterns, structures, and variations in social phenomena. By employing rigorous methods,
sociologists can identify trends and draw meaningful comparisons that contribute to a more
nuanced understanding of diverse societies. In a workplace, if a manager relies on their intuition
and personal beliefs to make decisions about employee promotions without considering
systematic evaluation criteria, it reflects common sense. In contrast, a sociological approach
would involve objective, systematic performance assessments.

Eisenstadt, S. N. (2003). Comparative Sociology. Brill

Theory and Method vs. Intuition and Experience

One key distinction between sociology and common sense lies in their approaches to
preconception. Common sense often involves preconceived notions and immediate intuitive
understandings, which may lead to biased or oversimplified views of social reality. In contrast,
sociology rejects preconceptions and strives for objectivity. The discipline encourages
researchers to approach their investigations with an open mind, using systematic methods to
gather and analyze data without being influenced by personal biases or pre-existing beliefs.
Sociologists studying education might compare the schooling systems of different countries to
understand how cultural, economic, and political factors contribute to variations in educational
outcomes. An individual who forms opinions about a new colleague based on stereotypes or
preconceived notions reflects common sense thinking. A sociological approach would encourage
suspending judgments and using systematic methods to understand the colleague's background
and perspectives.

Mills, C. W. (1959). The Sociological Imagination. Oxford University Press

Another noteworthy difference is the tendency of common sense to construct imaginary social
arrangements that may be utopian. Common sense may create idealized visions of how society
should function, often based on individual perspectives and preferences. Sociology, however,
adopts an anti-utopian stance. The discipline acknowledges the disjunction between ideal and
real societal structures. Sociologists recognize the complexities and challenges inherent in human
societies, steering clear of simplistic or idealistic visions. This pragmatic approach allows
sociology to provide a more realistic and grounded analysis of the dynamics at play in various
social contexts. When individuals envision an idealized version of a perfect community without
considering the practical challenges or social complexities, it represents common sense.
Sociology, on the other hand, acknowledges the real-world complexities of community
dynamics.

The anti-utopian orientation in sociology is reflected in its commitment to studying the actual
functioning of societies, acknowledging the existence of conflicts, inequalities, and
imperfections. By focusing on empirical evidence and systematic inquiry, sociology seeks to
uncover the complexities and nuances of social life. This critical perspective helps to move
beyond idealized notions and address the real-world challenges that societies face. A common
sense perspective might involve advocating for a utopian society where everyone is perfectly
equal. Sociology, taking an anti-utopian stance, recognizes the challenges and disparities
inherent in societal structures.

Kuhn, T. S. (1962). The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. University of Chicago Press

Generalizations vs. Contextual Understanding

Generalization is another area where common sense and sociology diverge. Sociological
knowledge tends to be general, if not universal, on the other hand commonsense knowledge is
particular and localized (Beteille, 2009). Common sense often involves generalizations and
stereotypes based on limited personal experiences, potentially leading to ethnocentrism—the
tendency to judge other cultures based on one's own cultural norms. In sociology, generalizations
are drawn using systematic methods, representative samples, and statistical analysis, recognizing
the diversity in individual experiences. Sociological generalizations aim to capture broader
patterns and trends within the complexities of society. Real-life example: If someone stereotypes
individuals from a specific region as being lazy based on limited personal experiences, it
illustrates common sense thinking. Sociology would use systematic methods to draw more
accurate generalizations, recognizing diversity within the group.

Validity and reliability

Validity and reliability represent essential criteria for evaluating the trustworthiness of
knowledge. Common sense is not held to the same standards of validity and reliability as
sociological research, making it inherently less trustworthy. Sociology identifies patterns and
trends using scientific theories, ensuring validity, reliability, and freedom from personal biases.
This commitment to methodological rigor enhances the credibility of sociological knowledge
and its applicability to understanding the complexities of society. If someone forms opinions
about a social issue based on hearsay or personal anecdotes, it reflects common sense thinking.
Sociological research, with its emphasis on validity and reliability, would rely on rigorous
methodologies and evidence. Applying structural functionalism, one might analyze how a
community's various institutions work together to maintain social order, such as schools, local
government, and religious organizations.

Role of Sociological Theories:

Sociological theories and perspectives further exemplify the depth and complexity of the
discipline. Structural functionalism, for instance, focuses on how social institutions maintain
order in society. Conflict theory, in contrast, examines power, inequality, and conflict as central
forces shaping social relationships. Symbolic interactionism highlights the significance of social
interaction and symbols, while ethnomethodology explores the methods people use to understand
everyday social interactions. These theoretical frameworks provide sociologists with tools to
analyze and interpret the multifaceted nature of human behavior within the social context.

Barnard, C. I. (1938). The Functions of the Executive. Harvard University Press

In conclusion, common sense and sociology offer different lenses through which to view and
interpret the social world. While common sense provides immediate, intuitive understandings
based on personal experiences and cultural norms, sociology employs a more systematic and
rigorous approach. By employing scientific methods, various theories, and empirical evidence,
sociology seeks to uncover patterns and structures that shape human behavior within the broader
context of society. The distinctions between common sense and sociology underscore the
importance of adopting a critical and analytical perspective when exploring the complexities of
social phenomena.

References:

Durkheim, E. 1958. The Rules of Sociological Methods, The Free Press: New York.

Giddens, A. 2009. Sociology, Polity Press: Cambridge.

Goode, M. J., Hatt, P. K. 2006. Methods in Social Research, Surjeet Publications: Delhi.

Beeteille, A. (2009). Sociology: Essays on Approach and Method. Oxford University Press.

Mills, C.W. (2000). The Sociological Imagination. Oxford University Press.

Berger, P.L. (1963). Invitation to Sociology: A Humanistic Perspective. Doubleday.

Introduction

Common sense and sociology represent two distinct approaches to understand the social world.
Common sense is characterized by personal, subjective understandings based on individual
experiences and cultural norms, often relying on intuition and stereotypes. In contrast, sociology
is an academic discipline that employs systematic, scientific methods to study society, human
behavior, and social institutions.

Reference:

Giddens, A., Duneier, M., Appelbaum, R.P., & Carr, D. (2017). Introduction to Sociology. New
York: W.W. Norton & Company

Difference between Sociology and Common Sense

Micro vs. Macro Perspectives

The level of analysis differs significantly between common sense and sociology. Common sense
primarily focuses on individual experiences and explanations at a surface level. It tends to
provide immediate, intuitive understandings of the social world, drawing on personal
perspectives. On the other hand, sociology places a strong emphasis on macro-level analysis,
examining patterns, structures, and institutions. Sociological investigations delve into the broader
context of social phenomena, going beyond individual experiences to uncover underlying social
dynamics.

Example: Consider an argument between two individuals. Common sense might focus on their
personal experiences and immediate reasons for the disagreement, while sociology would look at
broader societal patterns and structures influencing their perspectives.

Reference:

Hess, B. B., & Markson, E. W. (2010). Research Methods in Sociology, Pine Forge Press

Objectivity vs. subjectivity

Objectivity and systematic inquiry are crucial distinctions between common sense and sociology.
Common sense is inherently subjective, influenced by personal biases, cultural beliefs, and
lacking systematic inquiry. In contrast, sociology strives for objectivity by using systematic
research methods, various theories, and empirical evidence to analyze social phenomena.

Example: In a workplace, if a manager relies on their intuition and personal beliefs to make
decisions about employee promotions without considering systematic evaluation criteria, it
reflects common sense. In contrast, a sociological approach would involve objective, systematic
performance assessments.

Reference:

Babbie, E. R. (2016). The Practice of Social Research. Cengage Learning

Methodological vs. Intuition and Experience

One key distinction between sociology and common sense lies in their approaches to
preconception. Common sense often involves preconceived notions and immediate intuitive
understandings, which may lead to biased or oversimplified views of social reality. In contrast,
sociology rejects preconceptions and strives for objectivity. The discipline encourages
researchers to approach their investigations with an open mind, using systematic methods to
gather and analyze data without being influenced by personal biases or pre-existing beliefs.

Example: An individual who forms opinions about a new colleague based on stereotypes or
preconceived notions reflect common sense thinking. A sociological approach would encourage
suspending judgments and using systematic methods to understand the colleague's background
and perspectives.

Reference:

Mills, C. W. (1959). The Sociological Imagination. Oxford University Press

Idealism vs. Anti-Utopian

Another noteworthy difference is the tendency of common sense to construct imaginary social
arrangements that may be utopian. Common sense may create idealized visions of how society
should function, often based on individual perspectives and preferences. Sociology, however,
adopts an anti-utopian stance. The discipline acknowledges the disjunction between ideal and
real societal structures. Sociologists recognize the complexities and challenges inherent in human
societies. This pragmatic approach allows sociology to provide a more realistic and grounded
analysis of the dynamics at play in various social contexts.

Reference:

Kuhn, T. S. (1962). The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. University of Chicago Press

Generalization vs. Contextual Understanding

Generalization is another area where common sense and sociology diverge. Sociological
knowledge tends to be general, if not universal, on the other hand commonsense knowledge is
particular and localized. Common sense often involves generalizations and stereotypes based on
limited personal experiences, potentially leading to ethnocentrism—the tendency to judge other
cultures based on one's own cultural norms. In sociology, generalizations are drawn using
systematic methods, representative samples, and statistical analysis, recognizing the diversity in
individual experiences. Sociological generalizations aim to capture broader patterns and trends
within the complexities of society.

Example: If someone stereotypes individuals from a specific region as being lazy based on
limited personal experiences, it illustrates common sense thinking. Sociology would use
systematic methods to draw more accurate generalizations, recognizing diversity within the
group.

References:

Beeteille, A. (2009). Sociology: Essays on Approach and Method. Oxford University Press.

Validity and reliability

Validity and reliability represent essential criteria for evaluating the trustworthiness of
knowledge. Common sense is not held to the same standards of validity and reliability as
sociological research, making it inherently less trustworthy. Sociology identifies patterns and
trends using scientific theories, ensuring validity, reliability, and freedom from personal biases.
This commitment to methodological rigor enhances the credibility of sociological knowledge
and its applicability to understanding the complexities of society.

Example: If someone forms opinions about a social issue based on personal anecdotes, it reflects
common sense thinking. Sociological research, with its emphasis on validity and reliability,
would rely on rigorous methodologies and evidence. Applying structural functionalism, one
might analyze how a community's various institutions work together to maintain social order,
such as schools, local government, and religious organizations.

Role of Sociological Theories:

Sociological theories and perspectives further exemplify the depth and complexity of the
discipline. Structural functionalism, for instance, focuses on how social institutions maintain
order in society. Conflict theory, in contrast, examines power, inequality, and conflict as central
forces shaping social relationships. Symbolic interactionism highlights the significance of social
interaction and symbols, while ethnomethodology explores the methods people use to understand
everyday social interactions. These theoretical frameworks provide sociologists with tools to
analyze and interpret the multifaceted nature of human behavior within the social context.

Reference:

Barnard, C. I. (1938).The Functions of the Executive. Harvard University Press

In conclusion, common sense and sociology offer different lenses through which to view and
interpret the social world. While common sense provides immediate, intuitive understandings
based on personal experiences and cultural norms, sociology employs a more systematic and
rigorous approach. By employing scientific methods, various theories, and empirical evidence,
sociology seeks to uncover patterns and structures that shape human behavior within the broader
context of society. The distinctions between common sense and sociology underscore the
importance of adopting a critical and analytical perspective when exploring the complexities of
social phenomena.