Do you regard Sociology as an important or serious field? Why is it so ridiculed?

[Husseinisdoingfine]

Do you regard Sociology as an important science and field? Its offered in University, and even was mandatory when I was pursuing Physics. 

It does offer very decent insights into society and has produced very brilliant thinkers; Marx, Durkheim, Weber, etc...

My Physics path is no longer viable, so I'm switching majors to my other passion. But I'm insecure because a lot of people dismiss Sociology as not a real science. 

I remember one time, Ben Shapiro said that Sociology was "a completely made up field with some interesting insights". No one dares to call Physics a completely made up field, because Physics is just true and part of reality. Its an objective fact that objects fall at the speed of gravity at 9.8 m/s squared, or at least they on the planet Earth.

Here, at the 0:18 minute mark, Ben says that Sociology is not a "particularly expert field".

Here's Feynman, call social science a pseudoscience.

So, questions:

1. Is sociology a legit field
2. Why is it dismissed as not real?

 

[Leo Gura]

Sociology is a super important field full of importanrt insights.

However, you have to be careful to avoid the woke ideological capture of that field which has taken place to some extent.

Distinguish genuine science and insight vs woke political agendas.

Edited September 6 by Leo Gura

[Girzo]

Sociology in some sense is even more difficult than physics. The methodology, man. Try to prove a cause of some social fact or event. People are unreliable material to work with for a scientist.

[aurum]

Absolutely important field.

You get to think big picture about society. This was my favorite part about economics when I was in college.

Honestly I think this is a great move for you. It tailors great with Leo’s work and obviously is more of a match for your interests / talents.

[Husseinisdoingfine]

1 hour ago, Leo Gura said:

Distinguish genuine science and insight vs woke political agendas.

But is Sociology a genuine science?

[Leo Gura]

9 minutes ago, Husseinisdoingfine said:

But is Sociology a genuine science?

If it's done without a political agenda, yes.

[Girzo]

20 minutes ago, Husseinisdoingfine said:

But is Sociology a genuine science?

It is often way more important and genuine than psychology.

The Sociology Book from the Big Ideas Explained by DK is a good intro to what's going on in this field.

[Ulax]

Imo, sociology gets a lot of stick because its a left wing subject.

A core idea is that where people end up in life is more a result of social systems rather than any type of free will. The subject is about understanding how those systems operate. Right wingers believe people generally end up in circumstances as a consequence of freely chosen actions. So a whole subject that goes against a core belief of theirs is not going to be liked by them. Hence, many people will hate on the subject from that angle. Ben Shapiro is a prime example of that.

Personally, I'm certain we don't have free will, so these right wingers are completely deluded. So, sociology is correct, in my book. And also I see it as a serious, important field for sure.

At least that is how i see it.

 

Edited September 6 by Ulax

[Raze]

Sociology is more important now than ever due to rapid changing nature of society

But it’s become heavily ideological 

You could try working on finding alternate funding and challenging the common claims of modern sociology

Or combine it with system dynamics and social psychology 

Charles Murray and Jonathan Haidt became famous for sociological work partially because they provided a perspective rare in the field 

[Joshe]

Sociology offers a wide range of fascinating activities and explorations. Here are some interesting ideas:

1. Social experiments:
   - Conduct small-scale experiments to observe social norms and behaviors
   - Analyze reactions to breaking social norms in public spaces

2. Ethnographic studies:
   - Immerse yourself in a subculture or community different from your own
   - Document observations and interactions over time

3. Survey research:
   - Design and conduct surveys on various social issues
   - Analyze trends and correlations in the data

4. Content analysis:
   - Examine media representation of different social groups
   - Analyze social media trends and their impact on society

5. Historical comparative research:
   - Compare social structures and norms across different time periods
   - Investigate how major events shaped societal changes

6. Case studies:
   - In-depth examination of specific social phenomena or groups
   - Explore unique social situations or communities

7. Demographic analysis:
   - Study population trends and their societal implications
   - Investigate factors influencing birth rates, migration patterns, etc.

8. Social network analysis:
   - Map and analyze social connections within communities
   - Explore how information or behaviors spread through networks

9. Cross-cultural comparisons:
   - Compare social norms, values, and practices across different cultures
   - Investigate how cultural differences impact social structures

10. Participatory action research:
    - Collaborate with community members to address social issues
    - Implement and evaluate solutions together

11. Visual sociology:
    - Use photography or video to document social phenomena
    - Analyze visual representations of society in art and media

12. Oral histories:
    - Collect and analyze personal narratives from different social groups
    - Explore how individual experiences relate to broader social trends

13. Social policy analysis:
    - Evaluate the impact of laws and policies on different social groups
    - Propose and analyze potential policy solutions to social issues

14. Technology and society studies:
    - Investigate how new technologies impact social interactions
    - Analyze the digital divide and its societal implications

15. Environmental sociology:
    - Study the relationship between society and the environment
    - Investigate social aspects of climate change and sustainability

These activities can provide valuable insights into how societies function, change, and impact individuals. 

[Joshe]

I would like to mix it with other fields though, such as data science, but that's just cause I like mining for insights.

1. Big Data in Sociology:
   - Many sociologists use big data as a tool for understanding social phenomena on a large scale.
   - It allows them to analyze patterns of behavior, social interactions, and societal trends that might not be visible through traditional research methods.

2. Areas of Application:
   - Social media analysis: Studying online behaviors, network formations, and information spread.
   - Urban sociology: Using data from city sensors, mobile phones, and transportation systems to understand urban dynamics.
   - Cultural sociology: Analyzing large datasets of cultural products (books, movies, music) to identify trends.
   - Inequality research: Using big data to examine patterns of social and economic inequality.

3. Advantages for Sociological Research:
   - Scale: Ability to study entire populations rather than small samples.
   - Real-time data: Access to current, ongoing social processes.
   - Unobtrusive measures: Studying behavior without directly interfering with subjects.

4. Interdisciplinary Approach:
   - Many sociologists collaborate with data scientists, computer scientists, and statisticians in big data projects.
   - This often leads to interdisciplinary work that blends sociology with other fields.

Edited September 7 by Joshe

[Fluran]

Check out samo burja I guess he is a cutting edge thinker on this field 

 

I guess anti-racism training will give you self-loath trauma

[Snader]

Most people only think about money, validation and prestige when doing career choices and they don’t see how it’s coming to bite them in the ass. You should work to get out of that prison of thinking about what others think, in the end that’s absolutely meaningless and it’s going to serve nobody, not even you.

There are many aspects to consider. For example what kind of social environment is the profession most likely to put you in, what values are connected to the subject, what type of job opportunities does it open, how does the subject support your development? It’s wiser to get clear on the big lines and then let the process take you from there.

Your understanding of sociology is most likely wrong and that’s because sociology can’t relly be defined one particular way. It really is a multidiciplinary field and when it’s done well, it becomes like magic. It really seeks to consider multiple perspectives in its truth-seeking efforts, which makes it one of the most truthful fields of science. 

There are so many different subfields and subsubfield that you would most likely not even study sociology per se, but find your own niche where you use your strengths and areas of interest. For example combining sociology with math and statistics is one valid option and it nicely amalgamates social topics with ”hard sciences”. I’ve also seen a Master’s program based on urban planning, where you put physics, biology and sociology together and you can select a study module that weights the subject you like the most.

You need to make your own way and stop making your decisions based on what Ben Shapiro or anybody else says. 

 

[ici]

Think about the job opportunities if you don’t wanna rot in poverty.

To me it sort of sounds like a ChatGPT degree. A couple prompts away from graduation.

[Bobby_2021]

I once went to a library and read a sociology book for fun.

I was taken aback at the rigor at which it was written it. Changed my views on it which was heavily corrupted by the mainstream. 

Sociology is a good domain of study from my direct experience.

However don't depend on it for a living. Find ways to make money. And bro it's not like STEM professionals are having the greatest time of their lives. This field is oversaturated as fuxk.

It's okay to venture out to greener pastures.

[El Zapato]

The Ascent of Man is a pretty interesting book.

[El Zapato]

On 9/6/2024 at 2:02 PM, Husseinisdoingfine said:

Do you regard Sociology as an important science and field? Its offered in University, and even was mandatory when I was pursuing Physics. 

It does offer very decent insights into society and has produced very brilliant thinkers; Marx, Durkheim, Weber, etc...

My Physics path is no longer viable, so I'm switching majors to my other passion. But I'm insecure because a lot of people dismiss Sociology as not a real science. 

I remember one time, Ben Shapiro said that Sociology was "a completely made up field with some interesting insights". No one dares to call Physics a completely made up field, because Physics is just true and part of reality. Its an objective fact that objects fall at the speed of gravity at 9.8 m/s squared, or at least they on the planet Earth.

Here, at the 0:18 minute mark, Ben says that Sociology is not a "particularly expert field".

Here's Feynman, call social science a pseudoscience.

So, questions:

1. Is sociology a legit field
2. Why is it dismissed as not real?

 

I've come to not hold Chomsky in high esteem. He has gotten past his mental prime, as in, he is no longer on top of things. Ben Shapiro has been a peepee head since he was born (Unless I am confusing him with someone else)

Edited September 9 by El Zapato
added info

[El Zapato]

I've long believed that the most vociferously anti-woke voices are emanating and indicative of a co-existing subspecies of Homo Sapiens Sapiens.  I finally found a voice that agreed with me.

This guy is a must read:

James H. Fallon (October 18, 1947 – November 20, 2023) was an American neuroscientist. He was professor of psychiatry and human behavior and emeritus professor of anatomy and neurobiology in the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. His research interests included adult stem cells, chemical neuroanatomy and circuitry, higher brain functions, and brain imaging.

Fallon, who stated that he had the neurological and genetic correlates of psychopathy, categorized himself as a "pro-social psychopath". In October 2013 his book, The Psychopath Inside: A Neuroscientist's Personal Journey into the Dark Side of the Brain, was released by Current (acquired by Penguin).

[Epikur]

I would rather do Psychology or History. Sociology is brainwashing.






 

 

[Joshe]

IDK what all this talk is about you can't make money with it. Sure, jobs might not be prevalent, but why the hell would you plan your entire life around a job? If you're young and higher-consciousness, why not aim higher? Off the top of my head, consulting seems like a viable route.
 

### What is it?
- A way of understanding how human societies work and change
- A study of social interactions, groups, and structures that shape our lives
- An approach to examining patterns and behaviors in communities and cultures
- A lens for exploring how individuals relate to larger social systems

Sociology is the scientific study of human social behavior and societies.

### Essence
Sociology explores how people interact and how societies function, aiming to understand the forces that shape our social world.

### Practical Impact
- Helps explain social issues like inequality, discrimination, and cultural differences
- Informs policy decisions in areas like education, healthcare, and criminal justice
- Provides insights into everyday social dynamics, from family relationships to workplace interactions

### Significance
- A fundamental social science that examines human behavior in group contexts
- Offers tools to analyze and address complex societal challenges
- Contributes to our understanding of social change, institutions, and cultural diversity

### Origin and Evolution
1. Primary field of origin:
   - Social sciences
   - Developed as a distinct discipline in the 19th century

2. Evolution of application:
   - Started as theoretical study of social structures and institutions
   - Expanded to include empirical research methods
   - Now applied in various fields like education, health, criminology, and urban planning

3. Key figures:
   - Auguste Comte (founder of positivism)
   - Émile Durkheim (social facts, functionalism)
   - Max Weber (social action, verstehen)
   - Karl Marx (conflict theory, historical materialism)

### Fundamental Understanding
4. Fundamental purpose:
   - To understand how society works and why people behave as they do in social contexts

5. Key components:
   - Social structures
   - Social interactions
   - Social institutions
   - Culture and norms
   - Socialization processes
   - Social stratification

6. Understanding context:
   - Can be understood on its own, but benefits from connections to other social sciences
   - Often part of broader frameworks in interdisciplinary studies

### Current Applications or Manifestations
7. Relevant industries/fields:
   - Education
   - Healthcare - 
   - Criminal justice
   - Marketing and consumer research 💡
   - Urban planning
   - Social work
   - Public policy

8. Top 3 practical applications:
   - Social policy development and evaluation
   - Market research and consumer behavior analysis
   - Community development and urban planning

9. Why engage with sociology:
   - To gain insights into social problems and potential solutions
   - To understand group dynamics and improve organizational effectiveness
   - To analyze societal trends and predict future social changes

### Users and Adoption
10. Primary adopters/practitioners:
   - Academic researchers and educators
   - Government agencies and policymakers
   - Non-profit organizations
   - Market research firms
   - Social services professionals

11. Widespread use:
   - Widely used in academic and research settings
   - Increasingly applied in business, policy, and social service contexts
   - Moderate to high confidence in this assessment

12. Prerequisites and barriers:
   - Prerequisites: Understanding of social science methods, critical thinking skills
   - Barriers: Complexity of social phenomena, potential political resistance to findings

### Teaching and Dissemination
13. Typical teaching/dissemination:
   - University courses and degree programs
   - Academic publications and conferences
   - Popular books and media on social issues
   - Government reports and policy briefs
   - Professional development workshops for practitioners

### Significance and Impact
14. Problems/challenges addressed:
   - Social inequality and stratification
   - Cultural conflicts and misunderstandings
   - Organizational and institutional dysfunctions
   - Social integration and cohesion issues

15. Main strengths/contributions:
   - Provides frameworks for understanding complex social phenomena
   - Offers empirical methods for studying human behavior in social contexts
   - Contributes to evidence-based policy-making

16. Broader impact/significance:
   - Enhances our understanding of social structures and human behavior
   - Informs strategies for addressing social problems
   - Contributes to critical analysis of social institutions and power dynamics

17. Expert regard:
   - Generally well-regarded among social scientists
   - Some debate over methodologies and theoretical approaches
   - High confidence in overall positive regard within academia

### Related Concepts and Terminology
18. Top 10 jargon terms:
   - Social constructionism
   - Structural functionalism
   - Symbolic interactionism
   - Socialization
   - Social stratification
   - Cultural capital
   - Anomie
   - Deviance
   - Social mobility
   - Ethnomethodology

19. 3 most closely related concepts:
   - Anthropology
   - Social psychology
   - Political science

### Criticisms or Limitations
20. Main criticisms/limitations:
   - Difficulty in achieving truly objective research
   - Challenges in generalizing findings across different cultures and contexts
   - Potential for research to be influenced by researchers' biases
   - Complexity of social phenomena can make precise predictions difficult

### Future Directions
21. Key areas for further exploration:
   - Impact of digital technologies on social interactions and structures
   - Intersectionality and complex forms of social inequality
   - Global sociological perspectives beyond Western frameworks

---

Me: Are sociology consultants a thing?

Claude:

Yes, sociology consultants are indeed a thing. Let me provide you with a concise overview of sociology consulting:

Sociology consultants apply sociological knowledge, research methods, and analytical skills to help organizations understand and address social issues. They work across various sectors, offering insights into human behavior, social trends, and organizational dynamics.

Key aspects of sociology consulting:

1. Industries served:
   - Corporations
   - Non-profit organizations
   - Government agencies
   - Educational institutions
   - Healthcare providers

2. Common services:
   - Market research and consumer behavior analysis
   - Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consulting
   - Organizational culture assessment and improvement
   - Policy analysis and development
   - Community engagement strategies
   - Social impact assessment

3. Skills utilized:
   - Research design and data analysis
   - Qualitative and quantitative methods
   - Social theory application
   - Strategic planning
   - Communication and presentation skills

4. Typical roles:
   - Independent consultants
   - Employees of consulting firms
   - Academic researchers offering consulting services

5. Challenges:
   - Translating academic knowledge into practical business solutions
   - Demonstrating the value of sociological insights to clients
   - Balancing scientific rigor with client expectations and timelines

While not as common as management or strategy consultants, sociology consultants play a valuable role in helping organizations navigate complex social issues and improve their understanding of human behavior in various contexts.

 

Edited September 9 by Joshe