# The Sociological Perspective p2

Sociology, Understanding and
Changing the Social World

--- by Steven Barkan
source: Sociology, Understanding and Changing the Social World | Request PDF
This is an abstract from the book above.
Sociology as a Social Science

We tends to generalize our speech when we talk about sociology.
But in reality that doesnt mean that all people which fit in a model its going to be 100% true.
We must distinct the gray area of our conlusions when analizing social data.
##### Challenging Social Science Assumptions:
> * **Personal experience** is limited by our own perspective and doesn't apply universally.
> * **Common sense** can be contradictory and isn't always based on reality (e.g., flat earth).
> * **The media** can oversimplify or distort information (e.g., crime rates).
> * **Expert authorities** might have outdated knowledge or biases.
> * **Tradition** can be inaccurate and biased against certain groups (e.g., sexism, racism).
This highlights the importance of sociology and systematic research for a more objective
understanding of social reality. Sociology's approach is introduced as the **debunking motif**,
which challenges conventional wisdom and reveals the "nonobvious" about society.
# Debunking motif
As Peter L. Berger (1963, pp. 23–24) notes in his classic book Invitation to Sociology
> “The first wisdom of sociology is this—things are not what they seem.”
> “People who like to avoid shocking discoveries, who prefer to believe that society is just what
they were taught in Sunday
School…should stay away from sociology.”

Essentially, Berger argues that sociology is a discipline that challenges conventional wisdom and
encourages critical thinking about social structures.
---
## How Sociology Challenges Conventional Wisdom
Sociology often challenges commonly held beliefs or stereotypes about society. Here are some
examples:
### Family and Relationships
* **The Nuclear Family:** Sociology challenges the idea of the traditional nuclear family as the
only "normal" family structure by examining diverse family forms, such as single-parent
households, same-sex couples, and extended families.
* **Romantic Love as the Basis for Marriage:** Sociology questions the notion that romantic
love is the primary or sole foundation for successful marriages, exploring other factors like
compatibility, economic stability, and social pressures.
### Crime and Deviance
* **Crime as Individual Choice:** Sociology challenges the idea that crime is primarily caused
by individual moral failings, emphasizing the role of social factors such as poverty, inequality,
and discrimination.
* **Deviance as Abnormal:** Sociology redefines deviance as a social construct, arguing that

what is considered deviant varies across cultures and time periods.
### Education
* **Education as a Great Equalizer:** Sociology questions the belief that education provides
equal opportunities for all, examining how factors like socioeconomic status, race, and gender
can influence educational outcomes.
* **Intelligence as Fixed:** Sociology challenges the notion of intelligence as a fixed trait,

emphasizing the role of environment and social factors in shaping cognitive abilities.
### Race and Ethnicity
* **Racial Differences as Biological:** Sociology refutes the idea that racial differences are
primarily biological, emphasizing the social construction of race and the impact of racism on
society.
* **Melting Pot Theory:** Sociology challenges the idea that different cultures seamlessly
blend together in the United States, highlighting the persistence of ethnic and cultural diversity.
### Gender
* **Gender Roles as Biological:** Sociology questions the belief that gender roles are
determined solely by biological sex, emphasizing the social construction of gender and the
impact of gender inequality.
* **Women's Choices as Free:** Sociology examines how women's choices are often
constrained by social, economic, and cultural factors, challenging the notion of complete
autonomy.
These are just a few examples, and sociology continues to challenge conventional wisdom in
countless other areas. By examining social patterns and structures, sociology provides a more
nuanced understanding of the world around us.
---
#### Do you think it is important to emphasize the potential use of sociological research
to achieve social reform?
While it is essential to maintain academic rigor and objectivity in sociological research, it is

equally important to communicate the findings in a way that is accessible and actionable for
policymakers, practitioners, and the public. By doing so, sociology can fulfill its potential as a
catalyst for social change.
Here's why:
* **Social Relevance:** Sociology is inherently tied to understanding societal issues. By

emphasizing its potential for social reform, we highlight the discipline's practical applications
and relevance to real-world problems.
* **Public Engagement:** Linking sociological research to social reform can increase public
interest and engagement in the field. It demonstrates how sociology can contribute to positive
change.
* **Policy Impact:** By showcasing the ability of sociological research to inform effective

policies, we increase the chances of policymakers and decision-makers utilizing sociological
insights.
* **Social Justice:** Many sociological studies focus on issues of inequality, discrimination, and
marginalization. Emphasizing the potential for social reform reinforces the discipline's
commitment to social justice.
* **Inspiring Future Sociologists:** Highlighting the potential for social change can inspire
young people to pursue sociology as a means to make a positive impact on the world.

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Sociology, Understanding and

Changing the Social World

This is an abstract from the book above.

Sociology as a Social Science

##### Challenging Social Science Assumptions:

> * Expert authorities might have outdated knowledge or biases.

School…should stay away from sociology.”

## How Sociology Challenges Conventional Wisdom

### Family and Relationships

### Crime and Deviance

* Deviance as Abnormal: Sociology redefines deviance as a social construct, arguing that

* Intelligence as Fixed: Sociology challenges the notion of intelligence as a fixed trait,

### Race and Ethnicity

While it is essential to maintain academic rigor and objectivity in sociological research, it is

* Social Relevance: Sociology is inherently tied to understanding societal issues. By

* Policy Impact: By showcasing the ability of sociological research to inform effective

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