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Sociology is recognised as an individual subject academically, distinguished from other social sciences of Psychology, economics, social policy etc, but is however more subjective than other social sciences. Collectively, sociology may be defined by its terminology, aims and practice. Sociology is a study of humans, the representation of individuals within a community and attempts to interpret the actions derived from interactivity between people of a social group, community or society (or all three), based upon their position within said group. The interpretation of these actions, and the basis of action within society are cohesive with the values imposed upon the individual within his/her community, which may be based upon culture, religion, education, social position, work, etc and competence within the community, as well as the resolve of others, having a direct influence upon an individuals action.
A social scientist may be concerned with: Social Statics – the study of coexistence of institutions in a system, and their structures and functions; Social Dynamics – the study of change in institutions and systems over time, their development and progress. But it is not his assumed position to consider the problems of the individual human "unit". Sociology is psychology as a Marcoscience?
by Ben Cummins March 15, 2005
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Yet another BS major for that people who can't handle real science, mathematics, or engineering classes.
by TehTruth July 28, 2005
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(noun) a subject often taught by leftist college professors and used as a soap box to spew liberal propaganda about "The Man" keeping them down.
I just took a course on sociology, and now I want to overthrow something because my professor knows all. I must do his bidding.
by Pat March 28, 2004
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The study of various groups within a societal structure that determines the reasons why those groups exist within said societal structure. Simply put, sociology tries to make sense out of why people do what they do in the society they live in, but it's not all-inclusive, nor does sociology explain every single detail. It's an educated guess.
Karl Marx believed very firmly in the conflictive theory of sociology, and that is because he was very communistic in his thinking, whereas, my take is more functionalist, because I believe that people are in this society to serve various functions, and those functions they serve are overall better for the society as a whole, and it brings the person contributing a sense of greater satisfaction knowing that they have contributed to a greater good.
by GraphicArtist2KForever January 22, 2004