BATAAN PENINSULA STATE UNIVERSITY

GRADUATE SCHOOL
City of Balanga 2100 Bataan, Philippines

TOPIC: ASSESSMENT ON SOCIOLOGY

SUBMITTED BY: RIZA E. ALMARIO

SUBMITTED TO: DR. GLECERIA MATEO

COURSE: SELECTED TOPIC ON SOCIAL STUDIES

SOCIOLOGY

Sociology is the study of society, patterns of social relationships, social interaction and culture of everyday

life using the social science principles. Sociology’s subject matter is diverse, ranging from crime to religion, from the

family to the state, from the divisions of race and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture, and from

social stability to radical change in whole societies. Unifying the study of these diverse subjects of study is sociology’s

purpose of understanding how human action and consciousness both shape and are shaped by surrounding cultural

and social structures. Sociologists analyze social phenomena at different levels and from different perspectives. From

concrete interpretations to sweeping generalizations of society and social behavior, sociologists study everything from

specific events (the micro level of analysis of small social patterns) to the “big picture” (the macro level of analysis

of large social patterns).

Sociology is an exciting and illuminating field of study that analyzes and explains important matters in our

personal lives, our communities, and the world. At the personal level, sociology investigates the social causes and

consequences of such things as romantic love, racial and gender identity, family conflict, deviant behavior, aging, and

religious faith. At the societal level, sociology examines and explains matters like crime and law, poverty and wealth,

prejudice and discrimination, schools and education, business firms, urban community, and social movements. At the

global level, sociology studies such phenomena as population growth and migration, war and peace, and economic

development. Sociology alone studies social relationships, society itself. Sociology is interested in social relationships
not because they are economic or political or religious or legal but because they are at the same time social. Sociology

study how the relations combine, how they build up smaller or greater systems and how they respond to changes and

changing needs or demands. Therefore, the study of sociology is essentially analytical. Sociologists emphasize the

careful gathering and analysis of evidence about social life to develop and enrich our understanding of key social

processes. By better understanding those social processes, we also come to understand more clearly the forces shaping

the personal experiences and outcomes of our own lives. The ability to see and understand this connection between

broad social forces and personal experiences — what C. Wright Mills called “the sociological imagination” — is

extremely valuable academic preparation for living effective and rewarding personal and professional lives in a

changing and complex society.

Sociology because of its bearing upon many of the problems of the present world has assumed such a great

importance that it is considered to be the best approach to all the social sciences. Sociology studies society in a

scientific way. Before the emergence of sociology there was no systematic and scientific attempt to study human

society with all its complexities. Sociology has made it possible to study society in a scientific manner. This scientific

knowledge about human society is needed in order to achieve progress in various fields. Sociology throws more light

on the social nature of man. Sociology delves deep into the social nature of man. It tells us why man is a social animal,

why he lives in a group, communities and societies. It examines the relationship between individual and society, the

impact of society on man and other matters. Sociology increases the power of social action. The science of society

assists an individual to understand himself, his capacities, talents and limitations. It enables him to adjust himself to

the environment. Knowledge of society, social groups, social institutions, associations, their functions etc. helps us to

lead an effective social life. Sociology studies role of the institutions in the development of the individuals. It is

through sociology that scientific study of the great social institutions and the relation of the individual to each is being

made. The home and family, the school and education, the church and religion, the state and government, industry

and work, the community and association, these are institutions through which society functions. Sociology studies

these institutions and their role in the development of the individual and suggests suitable measures for strengthening

them with a view to enable them to serve the individual better. Study of sociology is indispensable for understanding

and planning of society. Society is a complex phenomenon with a multitude of intricacies. It is impossible to

understand and solve its numerous problems without support of sociology. It is rightly said that we cannot understand

and mend society without any knowledge of its mechanism and construction. Without the investigation carried out by
sociology no real effective social planning would be possible. It helps us to determine the most efficient means for

reaching the goals agreed upon. A certain amount of knowledge about society is necessary before any social policies

can be carried out. Sociology is of great importance in the solution of social problems The present world is suffering

from many problems that can be solved through scientific study of the society. It is the task of sociology to study the

social problems through the methods of scientific research and to find out solution to them. The scientific study of

human affairs will ultimately provide the body of knowledge and principles that will enable us to control the conditions

of social life and improve them. Sociology has drawn our attention to the intrinsic worth and dignity of man. Sociology

has been instrumental in changing our attitude towards human beings. In a specialized society we are all limited as to

the amount of the whole organization and culture that we can experience directly. We can hardly know the people of

other areas intimately. In order to have insight into and appreciation of the motives by which others live and the

conditions under which they exist knowledge of sociology is essential. Sociology has made great contribution to enrich

human culture. Human culture has been made richer by the contribution of sociology. The social phenomenon is now

understood in the light of scientific knowledge and inquiry. It enables man to have better understanding both of himself

and of others. By comparative study of societies and groups other than his existence, his life becomes richer and fuller

than it would otherwise be. Sociology also impresses upon us the necessity of overcoming narrow personal prejudices,

ambitions and class hatred. The value of sociology lies in the fact that it keeps us update on modern situations.

It contributes to making good citizens and finding solutions to the community problems. It adds to the knowledge of

the society. It helps the individual find his relation to society. Study of society has helped governments to promote the

welfare of the tribal and marginalized communities. The tribal and marginalized communities face many socio-

economic and cultural problems. Studies conducted by sociologists and anthropologists regarding tribal societies and

problems have helped governments in undertaking social welfare measures and programs for the welfare purposes.

Sociology offers a distinctive and enlightening way of seeing and understanding the social world in which

we live and which shapes our lives. Sociology looks beyond normal, taken-for-granted views of reality, to provide

deeper, more illuminating and challenging understandings of social life. Through its particular analytical perspective,

social theories, and research methods, sociology is a discipline that expands our awareness and analysis of the human

social relationships, cultures, and institutions that profoundly shape both our lives and human history.